Kristen Rae Bowden’s brand new single “Skateboard” is like the equivalent of catching the perfect breeze on a summer evening.
It’s effortlessly cool, fun, and impossible to resist. This indie-pop gem is all about the rush of first love and the carefree freedom of summer nights.
From the moment Joe Lawlor’s guitar riff kicks in, you’re pulled into a dreamy world where guitars shimmer with a mix of clean tones and just enough edge to keep things interesting, creating a backdrop that’s as vibrant as a sunset and as gritty as the pavement under your wheels.
Bowden’s vocals are pure magic – equal parts tender and daring, she’s got that rare ability to make every lyric feel like it’s meant just for you.
Produced with a perfect balance of indie sensibility and pop appeal, “Skateboard” is mixed by music industry heavyweights John Alagia and Pedro Laet. The layered guitars and Bowden’s ethereal vocals creates a dreamy soundscape that is as warm and inviting.
Whether you’re reminiscing about your own youthful escapades or in the thick of them now, “Skateboard” is a track that will have you lost in the heat of summer nights and the timeless thrill of young love.
Kristen Rae Bowden is a singer-songwriter with deep roots in music, growing up in a musically gifted family in Boone, North Carolina. She taught herself piano by ear and later expanded her musical education with classical flute training and a BFA in acting and musical theater from Elon University.
In 2019, she released her debut album, marking the start of her solo career. Collaborations with Joe Lawlor, a guitarist with ties to the Dave Matthews Band, have been a highlight of her recent work, including performances at major events and alongside notable musicians. Kristen’s music is known for its impressionistic storytelling and evolving style.
R.O.N., the creative genius behind STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION, recently released new single “KATAWARA” which is the opening for the anime “Sengoku Youko: The Thousandfold Chaos Arc”.
This new track is an amazing mix of authentic Japanese sounds and modern rock, encapsulating a profound message about living life with purpose and without regrets.
It’s the perfect opening theme, intertwining haunting melodies of the shakuhachi, the resonant strings of the koto, and the dynamic presence of the shamisen instrument creating a contemporary sound that perfectly complements the fast-paced and evolving storyline of “Sengoku Youko.”
STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION also discusses the importance of synchronizing the lyrics with the animation, making sure that the video not only tells a story the lyrics tie in so closely with the story because they worked with the director to make this song:
1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?
This song says, “It is important to live your life without regrets when you look back on it at the end of your life. It is very important to have a firm sense of purpose at the present time, and to have the will to always grasp the principles of your actions. If you are able to do this, then you must accept everything.”
I often attend events abroad these days.
There, I am experiencing firsthand the influence of anime. That’s why I made the video to let people around the world know more about this song.
2. What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?
I wrote the lyrics with an awareness of the beauty of the Japanese language while staying close to the content of the anime “Sengoku Yokou”, so I created a video with the lyrics on the anime image.
3. What was the process of making this video?
I asked them to match the timing of the lyrics with the animated images and to make the video something that I would never get tired of watching.
I asked them to keep in mind the flow of the story of anime “Sengoku Yokou”.
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In many ways, STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION’s new single “KATAWARA” represents a new milestone in anime music. The meticulous attention to detail in synchronizing the music with the animation and the thoughtful integration of traditional Japanese instruments showcase R.O.N.’s exceptional artistry and dedication.
Through this groundbreaking video, the viewer is invited to embrace life’s journey with purpose and to appreciate the timeless beauty of Japanese culture, re-imagined for a modern world.
Faint Halos’ latest single, “Disaster,” offers a stirring and intense preview of the upcoming album, “I can see a million lights“, set for release in August 2024.
“Disaster” opens with urgent, fingerpicked acoustic guitars and restrained drums creating an immediate sense of tension and anticipation. The song’s structure is robust and contained with a dramatic instrumental bridge that breaks like a storm, releasing pent up emotions before settling back into a resilient calm.
“Just calling to tell you that it never was a matter of faith / It’s getting harder to pretend that I am not gonna break”—are delivered with a directness that cuts to the core.
The unadorned vocal style in this latest single from Faint Halos shows an authenticity that is rare to come across in music today, making it a deeply relatable song for anybody grappling with personal or artistic struggles.
And the production is also intentionally raw which allows the song’s emotional depth to carry through.
Faint Halos blends classic indie rock influences with a unique sound. The result is a track that is both familiar and refreshingly original.
“Disaster” not only Faint Halos’ musical talents but also sets the stage for their forthcoming album, promising a collection of songs that are as introspective and evocative as this single.
This is a must listen for fans of heartfelt, authentic music.
Stay tuned for more from Faint Halos and look out for “I can see a million lights” in its full glory this August:
STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION’s newest single, “KATAWARA,” is making waves as the opening theme for the eagerly awaited anime “Sengoku Youko: The Thousandfold Chaos Arc.”
This new track is not just an introduction to the series; it’s a really creative blend of musical influences that shows an innovative approach to sound design.
STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION is a sound-making project by R.O.N., a diverse artist active in songwriting, composition and arrangement.
R.O.N. has skilfully woven the ethereal tones of the shakuhachi (bamboo flute), the resonant strings of the koto (Japanese harp), and the dynamic presence of the shamisen (three-stringed instrument) into a contemporary and cutting edge musical soundscape.
The composition of “KATAWARA” is as dynamic as the anime it represents. With its shifting melodies and intricate arrangements, the song mirrors the tumultuous and exhilarating narrative of Sengoku Youko. The transitions within the track are seamless, reflecting the fast-paced and evolving storyline of the series. R.O.N.’s meticulous craftsmanship ensures that each segment flows effortlessly into the next, maintaining a sense of excitement and coherence throughout.
Watch the trailer for “Sengoku Youko: The Thousandgold Chaos Arc” with the “KATAWARA” soundtrack here:
The nostalgic undertones of “KATAWARA” are complemented by its modern production, creating a sound that will appeal to both Japanese listeners and international fans of Japanese culture. The track’s ability to evoke a sense of familiarity while offering something entirely new demonstrates R.O.N.’s unique talent for merging diverse musical elements.
“KATAWARA” stands out as a genre-defying piece, fusing traditional Japanese instruments with modern digital rock elements.
R.O.N., the visionary behind STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION, continues to develop his innovative approach to music. Known for his eclectic taste and dedication to his music, R.O.N.’s work often transcends conventional genre limits.
R.O.N.’s musical creations have found a significant place in the world of anime and other media content, resonating with a wide audience due to their emotive and distinctive style.
In 2013, R.O.N. launched his activities as STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION with the track “Daisy,” which served as the ending theme for the anime Beyond the Boundary. Since then, he has provided theme songs for numerous popular anime series, including Dimension W, Food Wars! (Shokugeki no Soma), Moriarty the Patriot, and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, enhancing each series’ unique atmosphere with his music.
Under the name “R.O.N.,” he has produced and sung songs for notable projects like Hypnosis Mike, A3!, and Love Live! Sunshine!!, showing a versatility and ability to adapt to various musical styles and needs. R.O.N. is not only a multi-instrumentalist but also a Sound Artisan, known for his futuristic synth work and melodies. His programming arrangements are distinct, allowing him to traverse multiple genres while also maintaining a catchy and artistic sound.
R.O.N. has also created impactful soundtracks and theme songs for anime titles such as Re-Starting Life in Another World and BNA (Brand New Animal), contributing to the vibrant and dynamic musical landscapes of these series.
With “KATAWARA,” he once again proves his ability to create something truly original and captivating, as well as futuristic, reinforcing his reputation as a leading figure in the anime music scene.
Ray Levier is a multi faceted drummer, composer, and music producer, and has once again captivated audiences with the release of his new music video for “Uncharted Destiny.”
Known for his precision and versatility across jazz fusion, rock, hip-hop, and singer-songwriter styles, Ray’s latest offering shows unique vision and real artistic creativity.
Inspired by the story of a retired Air Force commander who, after narrowly surviving a near-fatal test flight crash, undergoes a biochemical fusion with an alien spacecraft called “Uncharted Destiny”. The commander’s transformation leads to an epic journey that reveals his true identity and connects him with an alien civilization at the edge of the universe, reflecting Ray’s own exploration of new beginnings and the interconnections of life.
The music video is truly epic and one of a kind, taking viewers far beyond the usual music video sphere into an experience that is completely out of this world. Ethereal and imbued with a spiritual component, it challenges viewers to contemplate what else could be out there in the vastness of the universe.
Created by Ray Levier, with sound design by Ray Levier, Frani Lugo, Mike Dwyer, and Leslie Bloome, the cast features Ray Levier as Commander Ray, David Kopec as Brass, Frani Lugo as Tech, and Zenji the Dog as himself. The musicians include Ray Levier on drums, vibraphones, keyboard synthesizers, lead and backing vocals, Richard Tozzoli on guitars and E-harp, and Tim Lefebvre on bass.
The Audio production was done by RSL Production Studio, The Clubhouse, and Alchemy Post Sound, with audio mix by Mike Dwyer and Neil Dorfsman. Conceptual and environmental design was handled by Frani Lugo and Ray Levier, while cinematography, CGI, graphics, editing, storyboarding, and illustrations were all done by Frani Lugo.
The official video for “Unchartered Destiny” by Ray Levier is now available on Ray’s official YouTube Channel HERE:
We caught up with Ray to talk about the music video to accompany this brand new single release!
1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?
I came up with the concept during Covid when everybody was sheltering in place and it seemed such a lonely time for me and so many others. It kept reminding me of the loneliness and emptiness of space and being alone for extended periods of time without anyone around. The positive side of the story reflects my accident and that there is always hope after a tragedy.
Just when you think you’re at Rock bottom and your life is over then something magical and beautiful appears unexpectedly. This is always been my thought process to stay positive after my accident being burned in a fire at a young age.
Turning tragedy into triumph, is something I knew I must do if I wanted to heal and be healthy as an individual to keep my spirit intact.
2. What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?
The inspiration of this video comes from a story I wrote about a man who is part alien but doesn’t realize it until the end of the video.
He is summoned to the other end of the galaxy to take his place as ruler of an alien civilization. There’s a whole backstory I’m working on with a screenplay that explains the journey in greater detail. So stay tuned for that.
3. What was the process of making this video?
The process of making this video was done with CGI (computer generated imagery) and shooting video with a green screen. We would shoot with green screen, then add all the CGI later to create the scene. Frani Lugo is the genius behind taking all my ideas and bringing them to life through this process.
It took us almost 3 years to create this as he was just one man taking on this monumental task. Normally there’s hundreds of people creating individual scenes working within the CGI realm. He pulled it off with amazing skill. He created everything you see on screen. There was no AI used in any of this. Just pure artistic genius on his part.
I hope the viewers enjoy the video and can take something away from it in regards to their own personal journey.
Feez Da Popstar, the vibrant alter-ego of DJ Jay Faire, is back to set the summer on fire with his latest hit, “It’s the Summer”!
From the energetic streets of New York’s 914 area code, Feez Da Popstar has transitioned from an acclaimed DJ to electrifying performer, blending hip hop and EDM pop into an irresistible mix.
Check out the new single here:
“It’s the Summer” is a perfect seasonal anthem, bursting with infectious beats and energy. The single shows Feez Da Popstar’s impressive range and his talent for creating tunes that take off on a global scale. With catchy hooks and driving rhythms, “It’s the Summer” invites everyone to bask in the carefree joy of sun filled days and endless summer nights.
It’s fun, joyful, and reminds us to relax and enjoy every minute we have.
Feez Da Popstar’s rise to prominence has been boosted by collaborations with top industry names like Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, and Tiesto, solidifying his status as a major player in the music scene. His previous hits, “Fly Away” and “Take Me Home” have gained a widespread acclaim.
Starting out as a DJ crafting mixtapes in the heart of NYC, Feez Da Popstar gained global exposure by infusing fun into my sets. Traveling worldwide, he witnessed firsthand how his music ignited the club atmosphere, sparking a desire to create his own music:
“It became clear that to convey emotions through music, I had to step into the spotlight as an artist.”
Thus, Feez Da Popstar was born—an alter ego dedicated to channeling his passion into creating vibrant, unforgettable music experiences:
“Seeing the clubs react to my sets and the music I would play led to me wanting to actually create music for others. After that I realized in order to translate what I felt in music I had to make and create and be the artist myself.”
This track is already making waves and is set to become a staple on party playlists and summer soundtracks.
Feez Da Popstar’s unique fusion of hip hop and EDM pop results in a sound that’s both captivating and irresistible, ensuring listeners will be dancing and singing along all season long!
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