by Jane Lambert

Breaking the Transmission – Animals in Denial’s “Operator” Music Video Is a Cyberpunk Fever Dream

Animals in Denial has never been one to follow convention, and “Operator” is proof of that – a track that pulses with industrial grit, synth-heavy nostalgia and raw emotions.

Now with its newly released music video, “Operator” is something of a cinematic descent into a digital dystopia, where reality warps and emotions twist under the glow of neon lights.

Watch here:

This video is truly gripping with its unsettling and almost nightmarish atmosphere. Christian Imes delivers a haunting performance, as he struggles against unseen forces and finds himself bound and trapped not just physically, but emotionally too.

His desperate attempts to break free mirror the song’s themes of attachment, then detachment, and the realization that love can be just another illusion. Flickering images of his torment intensify which create a sense of claustrophobia that reflects the song’s core.

But it’s not just the human struggle that makes Operator such a striking watch.

The presence of a cobra snake, and flickering frames adds a hypnotic sense of danger. The reptile becomes a symbol of both seduction and control, reinforcing the feeling that this world is a trap. The snake’s eerie presence also suggests that temptation, fear and fate are intertwined in this world of distorted love and shattered connections.

The song itself is born from a beat that haunted Imes since the age of 14 after watching The Matrix. Originally pieced together using a lite version of Ableton Live and a handful of drum samples, Operator took on a new life when Steven Seibold (Hate Dept/Pigface) stepped in for additional production and mixing.

His expertise has helped to sharpen the track’s cold, metallic edges while subtle tweaks like a reworked third verse and unexpected backing vocals in the chorus have pushed the song into new territory. These enhancements have also worked to give it a chilling and almost prophetic resonance.

The final result is a high voltage, emotionally charged cyperpunk anthem that carried the sinister energy of Nine Inch Nails with the pulse of The Prodigy and that brooding intensity of Marilyn Manson.

The video only amplifies this energy, immersing viewers in a visually striking world that feels like a cross between a fever dream and a digital prison. The erratic camera work, rapid cuts, and neon-drenched visuals creating a sense of disorientation, as if the viewer is trapped in the same transmission loop as the protagonist.

With stunning visuals and a chilling atmosphere, “Operator” is truly a story of loss, longing and that crushing realization that some connections exist only as echoes in the void.

Connect with Animals In Denial on the Website

02.21.25

by Jane Lambert

“Singing River Blues” – A Poignant Visual and Musical Masterpiece by Ben Killen

Ben Killen’s “Singing River Blues” is a song built on memory, loss and the timeless pulse of the blues.

With his debut music video, Killen transforms these themes into a striking visual experience – one that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant to many people.

Shot, directed, edited, and produced by the artist himself, the video stands out not only for Killen’s raw talent, but also, his dedication to storytelling through music and film.

Watch here:

The video’s aesthetic is rich and layered, blending high-quality stock footage with intimate, close-up shots of Killen himself.

The result is a seamless interplay between the past and present, re-inforcing the song’s core themes of musical heritage and personal reflection. The presence of the steamboat, which is one of the most potent symbols in the piece, feels like a nod to the blues’ deep Southern roots as well as a metaphor for the journey of loss and remembrance.

Killen’s on-screen performance is captivating. Although he is lip-syncing to his own studio recording, there’s an undeniable authenticity in his delivery. Every glance, every frame carries the weight of the song’s emotional depth, making it impossible for the viewer not to be drawn in.

The decision to shoot these sequences simply, in front of a glass wardrobe in his Brooklyn apartment, adds an unfiltered honesty that grounds the video in reality.

From a technical standpoint, Singing River Blues is an impressive achievement. With limited resources, Killen has created a video that looks as refined as any major-label production. His dedication to achieving full 4K resolution, despite the painstaking rendering process, shows just how much care and passion went into bringing this vision to life. The integration of beautifully choreographed dance sequences and historical footage from collaborators like BDKMG and the lloolk agency elevates the video, making it feel cinematic yet also very personal.

What sets this video apart is its ability to make you feel something.

This is not simply a visual accompaniment to a song. It is more of an extension of the music itself, a living, breathing tribute to those we’ve lost and the traditions that shape us.

For a debut music video, Singing River Blues is excellent. It not only highlights Killen’s skills as a musician but also establishes him as a powerful visual storyteller.

Keep up to date with Ben Killen on his Website

02.19.25

by Jane Lambert

Eric Selby – Crafting Timeless Sounds with a Modern Edge in Latest EP “Starting to Sync In”

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Eric Selby’s latest EP, “Starting to Sync In“ is a masterclass in blending rootsy Americana with psychedelic folk and a splash of rock and soul.

Recorded between Virginia and Nashville, and mastered at Abbey Road Studios, this collection is full of music that is timeless and contemporary too.

Listen in here:

Opening with “Issues” Selby immediately sets the tone with a wry and self aware groove that channels ‘70s funk and white soul. The track’s playful yet introspective lyrics, born out of an offhand moment with his wife, capture the everyday struggles we all face but with a sense of humor that keeps things light. The chorus – instantly catchy and endlessly relatable – makes this an easy standout and opening track.

“Wine Stains” takes things in a more psychedelic direction. Drawing inspiration from the experimental textures of Revolver and Pet Sounds. With its swirling tablas, deep cello lines, and a dreamy vocal delivery the song feels like a lost relic from the golden age of studio experimentation.

The lyrics push back against over-intellectualizing life’s scars summed up perfectly in the chorus: “I don’t need a sommelier to tell me, it’s just wine stains.”

It’s a clever emotionally sound track that highlights Selby’s knack for balancing weighty themes with effortless melodies.

Then there’s “Because of You,” a heartfelt love song that leans into shimmering rock territory. A song about connection in an increasingly disconnected world, it offers the listener a real sense of warmth and hope. The lush instrumentation and earnest delivery make it one of the most poignant moments on the EP, a perfect closer that leaves listeners feeling uplifted.

Selby has always had a gift for crafting songs that feel lived – in yet utterly original. “Starting to Sync In” is an EP that shows not only his musicianship but the ability to create soundscapes that transcend genre.

He has already made a name for himself with award-winning albums, but with its sharp songwriting, rich production, and undeniable heart, this EP is a must-listen for anyone looking for music that moves both the feet and the soul.

About Eric Selby

Hailing from a small town in Maryland and now calling Virginia home, Eric Selby is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose music defies easy categorization.

Blending elements of Americana, Psychedelic Folk, and roots-driven storytelling, his sound is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Nestled near the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, Eric draws inspiration from the natural beauty surrounding him, channeling it into songs rich with emotion, texture, and thought provoking lyrics.

His fourth solo release for Soul Stew Records, Starting To Sync In, shows his talent for blending genres. Recorded in Arlington, VA, with his band and in Nashville, TN, the EP features an all-star lineup, including Seth Rausch (drums – Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow, Little Big Town), Luis Espaillat (bass – The Guess Who, Trace Adkins, Jim Messina), and Justin Ostrander (guitar – Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Steven Tyler). The final touch came from Andy Walter at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios, whose mastering credits include The Beatles, David Bowie, and Radiohead, ensuring the EP’s sonic depth and cohesion.

Eric’s previous album, Dang Fool, landed in the Top 10 National Alternative Folk Albums of the Year (2024), according to Roots Music Report (RMR). His past releases, Do, Baby. and Where You Born At?, were also named among RMR’s Top Contemporary Folk Albums of the Year, further solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking artist with an ear for both classic and contemporary influences.

Eric is a Soul Stew Records recording artist and a proud endorser of SonoTone Premium Guitar & Bass Strings, Canopus Drums, Soultone Cymbals, and other leading musical brands.

Whether behind the drums, at the mic, or producing, his commitment to authenticity and innovation remains unwavering.

For music, tour dates, and more, visit www.ericselby.com

02.14.25

by Jane Lambert

Dan Lowe’s Latest Single “Creatures of the Radio” Is a Rock & Roll Time Capsule

Dan Lowe’s latest single “Creatures of the Radio” is the kind of song that takes you somewhere.

It’s a highway at dusk, headlights stretching out ahead and the radio dial tuned to something that just gets you. It’s a love letter to the days when music crackled through the airwaves and felt like it was speaking directly to you. Because back then, it was.

From the opening bars, there’s an undeniable pull. The guitars shimmer with that unmistakable classic rock warmth, the rhythm section pushes forward with a steady drive, and then there’s that saxophone —rich, full-bodied, a little Springsteen, a little Seger, but entirely its own thing.

Patrick Lamb’s solo tells a story, cutting through like a late-night signal from some distant station.

Dan Lowe’s voice carries the weight of the song. It’s soulful, and with just the right amount of grit. The lyrics capture the magic of growing up with the radio as a constant companion, a lifeline to something bigger. And when the chorus hits it’s anthemic in the best way, built for rolling down windows and belting it out under the stars.

This song is really a reminder of why rock and roll sticks to your bones. And the way it came together makes it even more special.

Lowe recorded “Creatures of the Radio” as part of an “Artist in Residence” program, bringing in students from a digital audio program to be part of the process. That kind of organic, hands-on approach bleeds into the sound; there’s a live energy that makes it feel like it was meant to be heard loud, in a room full of people who just get it.

The timing couldn’t be better for Lowe. He just advanced in Tennessee Songwriters Week after a standout performance at Motif on Music Row, landing himself a spot at the Franklin Theatre showcase on March 1st. If he makes it through, he will perform at the legendary Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. A place where careers are made and stories are told.

“Creatures Of The Radio” is the first of a set of tracks planned to be released monthly during 2025 – capping it off with the release of the full album (also titled “Creatures Of The Radio”) to coincide with the final track release in December.

This is the follow-up to “No Running From The Storm (Songs Of Life, Love, And Loss)” – the previous release by Dan Lowe & The Skeletal Remains.

Lowe is certainly tapping in to the magic of music here, with much more to come.

Keep up to date with Dan Lowe and The Skeletal Remains here:

Website / Facebook / Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube Music

02.14.25

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’S WITH ANDREW STONEHOME

Andrew Stonehome isn’t just making music. He is creating experiences that resonate with the listener on a deeper level. His latest single “Then You Fly” is an introspective conversation with his inner child, capturing the emotional complexities of growth and the power in vulnerability.

As an artist who writes, performs, and produces his own music, Andrew’s dedication to authenticity is evident.

With “Then You Fly”, he takes that honesty a step further, translating the song’s deeply personal message into a striking visual.

In this interview, Andrew opens up about the inspiration behind the track, the challenges of balancing emotion with melody and the creative process behind his latest music video.

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

This song is a conversation with my inner child, whom I’ve tried to protect for so much of my life. Recently, I’ve had to confront some of my deepest fears around vulnerability, and this song feels like a snapshot of my thoughts on that.

When I wrote the lyrics, I dug deep and allowed myself to get emotional, which isn’t usually my approach. Each sentiment in the song feels incredibly personal to me. This is the song I feel most connected to – more than anything else I’ve written. If someone were to ask me for an example of my music, this would be the song I’d share.

Because this song is so personal and important to me, I wanted to create a video for it that I could be as proud of as I am of the song itself.

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

I enjoy creating videos and the creative challenges that come with it. I wanted to visually show that I play all of the instruments in my music. My vision was to create the look of an entire band, where I’m every member, performing live on stage. Initially, I had hoped to make it look like there was a large gospel choir, with me as every member, alongside the band. However, due to time and technical limitations, I had to settle for three background singers.

I watched some other videos to see how they approached things, and one that was particularly helpful was Brandi Carlile’s video for “The Story.”

It was useful to notice little details, like how she looked directly at the camera for some shots.

3. What was the process of making the video?

I came up with the concept for the video and asked my friend Vince Radostitz, a talented photographer and videographer, if he’d be willing to film it for me. To test the concept, I filmed a rough version at home and then shared the demo with Vince so he could get a sense of what I was envisioning. We met to brainstorm further, and I visited a few locations to decide where to film. I also created a document with a plan and agenda for the filming day, including a detailed shot list, specifying which outfits I’d wear for each part and how long each segment should take.

We filmed at the Patricia Reser Center for the Performing Arts, which is close to my house.

We started loading in at 10 a.m., and it took a few hours for the crew to set up the lighting, so we didn’t actually start filming until almost 2 p.m. We finished around 6 p.m., and I was relieved that we managed to capture most of what I’d hoped for. It took me a couple of weeks to edit everything, which was fun because Vince did such a great job of getting fantastic footage. I was really happy with how it turned out.

I also created a “Making of” video that offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the video was made, and I’m just as proud of it as I am of the final video itself:

02.13.25

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’S WITH SIREN

Love at first sight. It’s the kind of magic we read about, dream about and sometimes, if we are lucky, experience for ourselves.

For Siren frontman Rob Phillips, that moment wasn’t just a fleeting feeling. It was the spark that ignited their latest single, “Arrow”.

A blend of melodic rock, progressive influences, and Middle America roots, “Arrow” captures the intensity of an instant connection. The kind that defies logic and begs the question: Could this be the one?

With a music video directed by Isaac Deitz (Manchester Orchestra, Grouplove, Switchfoot), the visual storytelling mirrors Phillips’s own love story about two people unknowingly crossing paths until fate finally brings them together.

The video’s unique paper airplane concept ties their connection together making for an unforgettable ending.

We got the chance to sit down with Rob Phillips and find out more about the inspiration behind “Arrow”, the personal love story that shaped it, and what it was like bringing that moment to life through music and film.

From the real-life first meeting with his wife, this is a song and story filled with emotion, fate and rock and roll magic.

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

“Arrow” is first and foremost a love story. I wrote the song about meeting my wife to be. I think that it is ironic that we both lived and worked in the same town only a few steps away from each other and never met. A friend of mine recommended this high end restaurant that had a rock band playing that night so I walked down there to see the band.

When I arrived, I was greeted by the hostess for seating and there was this beautiful woman with brown eyes. She gave me a smile and that was our beginning. We both felt the same instant attraction.

It was like finding a needle in a haystack. We are very blessed to have found love. The video shows the couple passing each other every day and never meeting until the end.

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

We used the lyrics in the song for the storyline. Isaac Dietz is the Video Producer and he had a vision for the song. He approached me with the paper airplane concept and I thought it was a great idea. We were able to tie in the couples chance meeting with the message in the paper airplane when they meet on the bridge and embrace. A nice bow on the top at the end.

What was the process of making the video?

Isaac filmed the actors in Georgia and the band was not involved with that process.

The band’s performance was filmed in Florida at a local bar called JD’s in Coral Springs. My wife’s father was there for the filming and he is 100 years old and a WW2 Veteran.

It was such an honor to have him there with us. Everyone wanted to get pictures of him. He is a true rock star and as a family we will always cherish these moments.