When the Stars Align: with Bonfire Dub
by Art with Altitude
This article originally appeared in theWinter 2025-26 issue of Art with Altitude.
If you’ve ever danced under the Colorado stars at WinterWonderGrass in Steamboat Springs, you’ve felt the vision of Scotty Stoughton. Known for championing artists and creating spaces where music and community come together, Stoughton is also the voice and songwriter for Bonfire Dub, a band that has been spreading messages of positivity and connection. Their latest release, “Stars,” captures the spirit of Bonfire Dub’s journey and Scotty’s belief in music’s power to healand unite.
Bonfire Dub was born in 2007, with soulful lyrics, a blend of reggae, folk and rock, and a commitment to uplift audiences. Nearly two decades later, the group continues to create music that lift the spirit.
For Scotty, the new single “Stars” “felt right—the timing, the message, the music—truly felt like the stars aligned,” he says. “We’ve always written music meant to inspire and deliver positivity, but this release was also about producing a top-quality song worthy of global consumption.”
Though many know Scotty as the creative force behind festivals like WinterWonderGrass, stepping into the spotlight as a performer is where he feels most grounded.
“I really enjoy taking the stage with my brothers and creating live art,” he reflects. “It’s so much fun. I get to be silly, serious and in charge of the vibe and meaning. It keeps me connected to the many artists I work with and reminds me of what it takes to tour, write, create and perform, all while trying to stay healthy and balanced. No easy task.”
The lyrics for “Stars” came to him en route to a RiverWonderGrass journey. “I reflected on how lucky I was to venture down river and embrace the simple parts of life. Turning off the phone, ending the mindless clutter of digital media and the nonstop tribal banter of our times—I could literally feel the spaciousness of my heart. And it felt right.”
The stars align so we can find each other’s hearts….
forget the things were taught to know,
breathe in the canyon she’s in control,
lose your mind, don’t think a thing,
close your eyes and become everything.
You might fall, you may fail,
you can be what you want to see.
We can rise, lift each other up.
In a world marked by division, Scotty sees music as a pathway to empathy.
“It’s the perfect medium to de-escalate tension,” he explains. “I strive to converse with people I disagree with, to walk in their shoes. At our shows, I feel people resonating with this message—it’s okay to disagree, it’s okay to not understand someone’s perspective. But if you give them grace and time to talk, real connection occurs. With connection, you can achieve empathy, growth, and positive progress. We can do this.”
At his core, Stoughton is more than a musician or festival producer—he’s an advocate for humanity. His message is simple: “Don’t be afraid to use your voice. Be a leader and reach to people, see people, listen to people. And just love.”
With “Stars,” Bonfire Dub offers a song not just to sing along to, but to live by—an anthem for unity in turbulent times.
Elevate the Arts:Check out the video on Youtube—Bonfire Dub “Stars.” Don’t miss WinterWonderGrass and don’t forget to lift each other up.AwA
