Ynana Rose [pronounced Y’nah-nah] captivates audiences with her unique blend of the traditions of American roots music, penning songs threaded with folk, country, blues and jazz influences while reaching for new horizons in her writing. A versatile singer, Ynana sings of the joy and heartbreak of living in a rich, soulful voice.

The “Strawberry Moon” is visible in June. For Ynana, a summer moon is haunting, sensual and nostalgic, so it felt fitting to tell the yearning story of forbidden same sex love between women in early American history. She harnesses the classic country sound with a modern message that inspires gratitude to be born in the here and now, where one can choose how to be and who to love.

We caught up with Ynana Rose, below!

1.    Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically? 

“Strawberry Moon” is an old–time song of forbidden love that doesn’t end well.  Every time I play it I give thanks for being born in the here and now – it’s easy for me to take for granted being able to love who I love & be who I want to be, but those rights have been hard won.  A “strawberry moon” is a full moon in the month of June, originating with the Algonquin indigenous tribe who flourished around the Great Lakes.  As I traced the history of the Great Northern Railroad that connected the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest, I imagined the women in those times & what their options for love & place in the world might have been. 

2.    What was the inspiration behind this video(visuals, storyline, etc.)? 

This is a story that feels true, like it happened somewhere in our country’s history & I just channeled it.  So I wanted the video to be straightforward, just me & a guitar in the woods. 

The audio for the video is spare, just guitar and vocals – sound engineer/producer Graham Ian Ginsburg and I were really aiming for a haunted, yearning kind of a vibe. 

3.    What was the process of making this video?

Here in California, we have the incredible, massive Los Padres National Forest. Cerro Alto is a local hike, five minutes into the trail & your mind is blown with the natural beauty.  It’s a unique ecosystem where the fog from the coast settles into valleys between the mountains & creates a lushness that’s rare for this region. The trail hugs a creek for much of the way, framed by ferns, oaks, huge  sycamores & plentiful bay laurel.  We chased the light of golden hour & ran through the song a few times before the fog rolled in. It was a simple shoot, just a few cameras, one videographer (Kai Monge), me in a vintage dress & my guitar.