by Jane Lambert

Animals In Denial Release Powerful New Single “COI”!

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Christian Imes, the driving force behind Animals In Denial, delivers a potent blend of industrial rock and electronica with latest single “Coi.”

“Coi” is a track that has been a long time in the making. Initially composed in 2003, it began with electronic sequences created using Acid Pro 4, a tool that allowed Christian to stitch together the core of what would become a powerful and compelling piece.

The track was initially intended as a pitch for one of his earlier bands, but the project was shelved when the band’s singer felt there wasn’t enough room for lyrics. However Christian knew there was something special within the track’s groovy, hard-hitting beats and dark atmosphere, so he tucked it away for years until the timing felt right to revisit it.

Listen in here:

“Coi” channels the spirit of Nine Inch Nails and takes much of its inspiration from albums like The Fragile and Pretty Hate Machine. These influences are clear in the driving, industrial beats which are combined with a massive wall of sound created by searing guitar lines that cut through the electronic undercurrent. Imes explains that he wanted the track to be something that rocked as hard as metal but still had a danceable, rhythmic groove.

The result is a track that balances heaviness and energy, perfect for both head-banging and losing yourself in its hypnotic rhythm.

One of the standout elements of “Coi” is its guitar work. Christian used his Epiphone Les Paul Special 2 to lay down both the rhythm and lead tracks, capturing a raw, gritty sound that perfectly complements the song’s darker vibe. His 85 Gibson Les Paul Studio, which was a cherished birthday gift from his mother, was used to add more depth and richness to the lead lines in the chorus, as well as fatten up the rest of the sound to give a sense of power. The guitar parts came naturally, with many of the recordings being first takes.

While the bass lines were created using a sample pack and a keyboard, they blend in and add a weighty low-end that helps to anchor the frenetic energy of the drums and guitars.

Christian’s attention to detail in production, even when using non-traditional instruments, shines through in every aspect of the song.

Recorded with a Shure SM58 microphone and enhanced using the Nectar plugin and a mic modeler plugin, Imes delivers a raw and emotionally charged performance.

The lyrics reflect his feelings of betrayal, frustration, and emotional turmoil after a toxic relationship. Imes recounts how the relationship, marked by manipulation, dishonesty, and infidelity which left him feeling used and lost. Lines like, “I’m sick on the in, you’re sick on the out,” capture the disconnect between his efforts to heal and his ex-partner’s refusal to confront her own demons. At the time, Christian was navigating challenges related to PTSD and ASD, which added to the complexity of the situation.

“Lyrically, this is another one that was about one of my ex-girlfriends. It’s not nice but she treated me about as bad as you can possibly treat someone. From the hot and cold, to endless lies about stuff you should never lie about. She was my first after school serious relationship and I got really invested, and in retrospect the signs, flags, whatever, were there. I was also seeing doctors and therapists to deal with PTSD and ASD and trying to figure out “me” is why I think I missed some clear signals that we would’ve been better as friends.”

Reflecting on the lyrics today, Imes acknowledges that both he and his ex-partner were dealing with unresolved pain, but at the time of writing “Coi,” he was still deeply hurt. He now sees the relationship from a more mature perspective, recognizing that it was a combination of their struggles that led to its unraveling.

Christian Imes, the brain behind Animals In Denial, is an artist who defies boundaries and challenges the status quo. His music merges elements of alternative rock, industrial, electronic, and even pop. As a neurodivergent artist, Christian shares a unique perspective and experience with Asperger’s syndrome, creating songs that speak to the human existence in profound and innovative ways.

A devoted family man, Christian can often be found jamming with his sons, passing on his love for music and creativity. His ethos can be summed up in his own words: “I just want to live my life surrounded by music.”

As the latest addition to the Animals In Denial discography, “Coi” solidifies Christian’s place as a visionary in the alternative and industrial rock music genres.

“Coi” is now available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Stay up to date with Animals In Denial on the Website, and Facebook.

Stream music on Spotify, Soundcloud and YouTube music.

09.26.24

by Jane Lambert

Gretta Ziller’s Latest Release “Hell’s Half Acre” is Brought Back to Life with a Modern Twist

Singer songwriter Gretta Ziller’s re-imagining of her decade-old track, “Hell’s Half Acre,” breathes new life into the song with a sense of maturity and emotional depth.

First released on her debut EP, this song has always held a special place in Gretta’s heart, as it marked the beginning of her journey into the music industry. 10 years later, she revisits the song with a fresh perspective.

The track tells the story of leaving a toxic relationship – a tale of realizing that the rebellious allure of someone who seemed exciting at first was damaging. The lyrics evoke a sense of regret and resolve, with lines like “You’re a wild horse running, but I can’t keep up anymore,” echoing the feeling of moving on from something that no longer serves you.

Gretta’s voice is earthy and full of heart, carrying the weight of the song’s message with an acoustic driven Americana sound. Reflecting on her decision to bring this song back, Gretta says:

“I didn’t get to make a video for the original recording, so this time I wanted to create something that hinted at the story but also allowed the listener to connect emotionally.”

The video to accompany the single is filmed in a DIY style by Gretta and her partner. It captures a raw, organic feel that complements the song’s themes of escape and self-discovery. Shot on the west side of Melbourne with landscapes and shrines providing the backdrop, the visuals contain both a physical and emotional journey.

“I wanted layered visuals to suggest the feeling of leaving, without being too literal. I want people to fill in the blanks and connect with the story in their own way.”

This new rendition of “Hell’s Half Acre” re-visits and re-shapes the song and offers listeners a powerful reflection on how much can change in ten years. With this re-release, Gretta Ziller proves that some songs, like the emotions they capture, are timeless.

About Gretta Ziller

Gretta Ziller is no stranger to blending genres in her music. She often incorporates elements of country, rock, pop, and blues into her unique brand of Americana.

The Melbourne-based singer-songwriter has made a name for herself with her powerful vocals and thoughtful lyrics, earning praise for her ability to convey raw emotion and authenticity in every performance.

Ziller has a background that includes training in classical music. But it’s her exploration of Americana that has brought her widespread acclaim.

“I wanted to push the boundaries of what Americana could be, mixing in all the styles that have influenced me over the years.”

With the re-release of “Hell’s Half Acre” Gretta Ziller proves that some songs, like the emotions that they capture, are timeless.

Stay up to date with Gretta Ziller on her Website, Facebook and Instagram.

Stream music on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music.

09.25.24

by Jane Lambert

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION’s Latest Release “HIKARI” Illuminates Global Connections with Electro-Pop Magic

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STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION’s latest single, “HIKARI”, marks another stunning release from R.O.N. highlighting his signature blend of electronic and pop elements.

The song was written as the theme for the HIKARI Festival 2024 in Poznan, Poland, and it perfectly embodies the festival’s ethos of connection and unity through music. Influences from both Poland and Japan are brought together to create a sound that is truly unique:

The production is immaculate; the song opens with an atmospheric intro that layers various sound recordings captured in Poland. It immediately sets the tone and evokes the excitement and anticipation of a live performance. As the track progresses, R.O.N. mixes a mid-tempo electro-pop beat with a dreamy melody. It’s a subtle, soothing track, yet its emotional gravity is undeniable.

The chorus, with its repetitive “la-la-la-la-la” chant, stands out as the heartbeat of the song. This simple, yet evocative refrain elevates HIKARI, giving it a haunting, ethereal quality that’s hard to shake.

“HIKARI” reflects on themes of connection and distance, resonating with R.O.N.’s comment that “Even though we are far apart, we are still connected.” The song’s message is universal and timely, making it especially powerful in a world where music is one of the few things that can truly bridge gaps between people and cultures.

HIKARI is a beautifully composed and thought-provoking track that embodies STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION’s ability to craft music that can connect with its audience.

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION is the music project of R.O.N., an acclaimed producer known for his sleek, digital-forward sound.

He has composed theme songs for internationally popular anime series like Beyond the Boundary, Food Wars!, Moriarty the Patriot, and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. R.O.N.’s distinct style, blending electronic elements with a modern, stylish edge, has earned him a strong following both in Japan and abroad.

Connect with STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION:

Website // Facebook // Instagram // X // Spotify // Apple Music // YouTube

09.24.24

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’S WITH KRISTEN RAE BOWDEN

Kristen Rae Bowden is a singer-songwriter with deep musical roots, hailing from Boone, North Carolina.

Growing up in a family of musicians, Kristen developed a keen ear for harmony at an early age and taught herself to play piano before expanding her skills to include classical flute and earning a BFA in acting and musical theater from Elon University.

Since releasing her debut album in 2019, she has become known for her storytelling and music that blends folk influences with pop and Americana. Her music reflects a balance between vulnerability and strength, turning personal experiences into cathartic, universally relatable songs.

Her latest single, “Skateboard,” captures the exhilarating rush of young love, likening its emotional highs to the thrill of skateboarding.

With lyrics inspired by her own memories and co-written with Joe Lawlor (Dave Matthews Band), Kristen continues to create music that resonates deeply with listeners. In this interview, Kristen shares the story behind the music video to “Skateboard,” offering insights into her creative process and the visual storytelling that brings the song to life.

Watch the music video here:

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

“Skateboard” is a song about the breathless exhilaration of young love in the newfound freedom of college.

When I was 18 there was a time when I was still with my high school boyfriend, in a long-distance relationship as he’d gone to a different school. He was a skateboarder. (I definitely was not!) We would visit each other on weekends. It was early September, the weather was still very hot in that “dog days of summer” stagnant way, and I remember waiting until late at night for him to arrive, with heavy anticipation. When he did, we’d go out skateboarding together around the lamp-lit streets and brick paths of the campus, enjoying the cooling breeze of movement as the heat radiated off the pavement, still hot from the sun of the day. We’d stop at various parties, sometimes a home-made half pipe in a parking lot, and drink beer or a PJ concoction out of red solo cups. (I could only pretend to skateboard after I’d lost some of my inhibitions.) We were in love and on our own for the very first time. That feeling of freedom and youthful elation is what inspired the lyrics for this song.

Even though this specific experience of mine is what inspired the lyrics, the song is really about the semi-universal experience of that feeling… the rollercoaster high of young love. Skateboarding is a great metaphor for that thrill.

So I chose to visualize the song with all sorts of different young couples, and skateboarders catching air.

My hope is that all sorts of folks can see something in the visuals that resonates with their own experience of being young and unsupervised and in love.

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

Instead of telling a narrative story with this video, I wanted the visuals to impart a feeling of euphoria and exhilaration. What could be more exhilarating than flying through the air (or falling in love for the first time)?

Also, this is a lyric video, so I had the opportunity to use different text styles and animation as a visual expression of what I’m singing.

The verse lyrics, “If you knew me once / then you know me still / Would you still recognize me?” are quiet and intimate, and sung from the present day as I’m looking back and remembering. I chose a cursive script and gave it a glow effect, as if I’m writing an imaginary letter to all my former lovers.

In contrast, the chorus vocal is soaring and expansive: “Feeling so high / when you’re driving all night / to my front door.” This is me living in the memory of that euphoria, so I chose an expansive outline font and made it transparent, so the skateboarders could fly through the lyrics, and the viewers’ eyes can take it all in at once.

Animating the chorus lyrics was really fun… I love how they give you a sense of the rhythmic patterns.

3. What was the process of making the video?

I made this video myself on my iPad. First I chose stock footage and licensed it… which is really fun, making a giant folder of footage that might work to tell the story and capture the vibe, and then going lyric by lyric deciding what works best. This song really lent itself to that… I basically ended up with a folder of badass skateboarding footage!

Then I used an app called Videoleap to combine and edit… it’s really geared more towards vertical TikTok videos and such, but I found that I could use it to do everything I was picturing in my head. I enjoy using the touch screen of my ipad for a lot of it, as opposed to a mouse. When I animated the lyrics I was literally dragging them with my fingers to wherever I wanted them to go. Something about this makes the process more fun and engaging to me.

When you don’t have the budget to do a big original video production, these are great options for expressing yourself and using your own creativity to expand on your art as an independent musician. I’m so grateful to all the artists out there who captured this footage and made it available to license! And the editing tools these days have almost no learning curve… anybody can get creative with them.

Cheers to that!

Connect with Kristen Rae Bowden:

Website // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Spotify // Soundcloud

09.22.24

by Jane Lambert

Bud E. Luv’s Timeless Take on “Music to Watch Girls By”

Bobby Vickers, performing under his iconic alter ego Bud E. Luv, delivers a striking revival of the classic “Music to Watch Girls By” that both honors the song’s history and reframes it for modern times.

In his new interpretation, Bud E. Luv expertly balances nostalgia with fresh, sophisticated flair, crafting a rendition that feels both familiar and entirely new.

Watch the music video here:

Bud E. Luv is no stranger to reinventing classic tunes. Created by Vickers more than 35 years ago, the character has become a fixture in San Francisco’s vibrant music scene, with performances at legendary venues like Bimbo’s, The Fillmore, and Paradise Lounge.

Bud E. Luv’s alter ego allows Vickers to explore an array of musical genres, from jazz and swing to pop, all while remaining timeless. His extensive career has taken him to stages across major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Boston, where he’s performed for prestigious audiences, including at events like the MTV-televised Osbourne vow renewal and Super Bowl Eve celebrations.

The black-and-white music video accompanying this release is directed by Tom Donald, the founder of San Francisco’s hiTrecords.

Set in the elegant Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club, the sparse backdrop of empty seats evokes a sense of introspection, drawing the viewer into Bud E. Luv’s contemplative performance.

The mysterious figure of Ilana Niernberger, who is Luv’s only member in the audience, adds a layer of intrigue. Her eventual disappearance is most reminiscent of an Ingmar Bergman film and gives us a symbolic and haunting touch, suggesting that what we admire often exists only in fleeting moments.

Vocally, Bud E. Luv offers a smooth, nuanced performance that strips away the kitsch associated with some earlier versions of the song.

This includes Andy William’s popular but often overly polished rendition. Luv’s phrasing, rich with emotion and subtlety, brings out the layers of complexity within the song, making it clear that his version is not merely about watching or objectifying but also about celebrating people in all of their diversity.

Tom Donald’s direction also plays a pivotal role in modernizing the piece. By focusing on the respectful recognition of beauty rather than its objectification, Donald transforms “Music to Watch Girls By” from a product of its era into a meditation on human connection.

He smartly acknowledges the original’s historical context without being confined by it, presenting a version that speaks to contemporary sensibilities:

“The world is there and meant to be recognized, valued, and respected,” Donald says. “Mr Luv understands the essential dynamic between people; he’s lived long enough and seen enough of the world to know that it’s not about degrading the visage, but instead honoring and celebrating it in all its forms.”

This project reinforces Bud E. Luv’s status as a timeless entertainer. His ability to adapt to changing times while maintaining the integrity of his performance persona is impressive.

For fans of classic standards as well as newcomers, this is a definitive version of “Music to Watch Girls By” that deserves attention.

Keep up to date with Bud E. Luv on his Website.

09.18.24

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’S WITH STEPHEN JAYMES

We are thrilled to sit down with Stephen Jaymes to talk about the music video to his new single “Saving Daylight.”

Stephen is an artist who tells bold stories through his music and visuals. The new single comes with an evocative video, taking us on a journey that merges personal memory with a sense of solitude and reflection.

Taking inspiration from his own childhood experience as well as recent life events, Stephen explores the theme of isolation, the passage of time, and the emotions tied to being alone.

In this exclusive Video Voyageur we find out how AI was used to create a video that beautifully mirrors the song’s theme:

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

The story of Saving Daylight begins with a young child waiting in the dark predawn hours for his school bus to arrive. Waiting alone, in the cold, surrounded by snow, with a cold face pointed toward the end of the street where the headlights would show. Staring and silently waiting. But most of all, waiting for the sun to appear and feeling like time doesn’t really exist, or doesn’t exist yet.

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

Saving Daylight explores the feelings that come from being left alone and being told it’s good for you. It’s about all the thoughts and memories that spring from that experience. Last year my partner had to attend to her dying father, and she spent some time away.

We said it was a silver lining that I could have some time to focus on finishing the album. But after she’d gone, I felt this strange echo back to childhood, and the first times I was told that being alone was good for me. There’s a lot of my personal story in this song and in the video.

3. What was the process of making the video?

I knew I wanted to explore overlaps between my performance of the song and images that represent both the Los Angeles me now and the Michigan me as a child. I found a lot of resonant stock footage to serve as a sort of a continuous dreamworld establishing shot, pinging back and forth between California palm trees and the tall pines of my childhood.

I used a series of art pieces in the video that I created with the help of AI. They help to tell the story of a midwest boy who is lonely in California, thinking about when he was lonely as a child. I wanted the art to be dreamlike, and to have the quality of art you might see as a child in a school or doctor’s office. I had to do a lot of experimentation with different prompts to get what I wanted.

After I had finally got the art right and licensed the stock footage, I cut it all together on my iPad Pro using the Videoleap app.

“Saving Daylight” was written, performed, engineered, recorded, and produced by Stephen Jaymes. Mixed and mastered by Zsolt Virag. Cover art by Stephen Jaymes.

Stay connected with Stephen Jaymes here:

Website // Facebook // Instagram // Spotify // Soundcloud // Apple Music // YouTube Music