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

09.23.24

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’S WITH SIREN

Siren is back with a bang, delivering a potent mix of gritty storytelling and visuals in their latest single, “Dead Beggar.”

Known for their melodic rock fusion and thought-provoking lyrics, the band takes listeners on a journey into the heart of societal divides, tackling the age-old battle between the wealthy elite and the oppressed.

Inspired by the epic power struggles of Game of Thrones, “Dead Beggar” paints a raw, emotional picture of the haves and the have-nots, with a triumphant twist- the underdogs finally win.

To bring this powerful message to life, Siren partnered with acclaimed video director Isaac Deitz, who transformed their vision into a stunning, cinematic masterpiece.

The video, filmed across Coral Springs, FL, and downtown Atlanta blends striking visuals with a storyline that symbolizes the fight for control and the eventual rise of the downtrodden.

In this exclusive interview, lead singer Rob Phillips opens up about the creative process, the inspiration behind the song and its striking video, and how the collaboration with Deitz elevated “Dead Beggar” to a whole new level.

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

We wrote the song with a Game of Thrones vibe. It is about the haves and have nots. The visualization was the work of our video director Isaac Deitz. He is extremely talented and has a gift for bringing our music to life on the screen.

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

We wanted to show a power struggle between the classes of the wealthy and the poor. The orb in the video represents the power that eventually gets taken by the poor. Isaac did an amazing job delivering a powerful visual representation of the song.

3. What was the process of making the video?

The narrator shots were done at our Coral Springs, FL Studio with a black screen. The remaining shots were done in downtown Atlanta, Georgia with the two other actors, the boy and the villain.

They both did a fantastic performance.

Siren’s latest single “Dead Beggar” is distributed through The Orchard / SONY via Madison Records.

Connect with Siren via:

Website I Instagram I Facebook I Twitter I YouTube I Spotify I 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.

09.20.24

by Jane Lambert

Jason Sinay Steps Into the Spotlight with “Play It Alone”

Jason Sinay’s most recent single, “Play It Alone,” marks an exciting shift in his career.

After parting ways with The Dirty Knobs, Sinay has poured his energy into a solo project that promises to be both deeply personal and musically rich. This new track is the second single from his upcoming double album “The Mountain”.

“Play It Alone” is a compelling blend of heartland rock and introspective lyricism. Sinay’s guitar work is as sharp as ever, but it’s his vulnerable vocals that take the stage. The song’s steady beat and rich instrumentation create a warm backdrop for Sinay’s message about finding independence and navigating life’s rough patches.

The chorus hits a universal note with lines like “some things you can’t fight but it’s all right… everybody’s got to play alone” to capture the essence of what it is to move on.

The song’s arrangement is both simple and effective. Sinay’s guitar work is a central element, but it’s the way it intertwines with Phil Parlapiano’s contributions on keys, mandolin, and harmonica along with the steady rhythm section featuring Lance Morrison on bass and Matt Laug on drums, that creates such a rich, textured sound.

This blend of instrumentation provides a warm, engaging backdrop for Sinay’s introspective lyrics.

In discussing his work on The Mountain, Sinay reflects on a period of intense self-examination and creativity:

“I hit a breaking point on the road,” he admits, highlighting the challenges he faced after his departure from the Dirty Knobs.

This difficult period prompted him to revisit old material and explore new ideas, ultimately leading to the creation of what he considers the most important solo record of his career.

With the help of producer Martin Pradler, known for his work with Ry Cooder and John Mayer, Sinay has written a song that will resonate his audience with a level of authenticity that is rare in music today:

“I needed to go and play alone and do my own thing, and have my own journey,” Sinay says. “It’s about leaving a situation unapologetically, but still saying, “Sorry you feel that way. I get it.”

“I’ve been very blessed in my life. I’ve been so fortunate. And there’s so much need in the world right now. Like, more than ever. It’s just beyond belief. I just want people to enjoy the music, and I really, really want to get out there and play this music for people. Because ultimately playing live is where I shine. That’s my favorite medium.”

“Play It Alone” is a sign of Sinay’s evolving solo career. His transition from celebrated guitarist to a standout solo artist together with a talent for creating rich, textured music makes this a stand out track.

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Los Angeles-based, Sinay has performed with legends like Keith Richards, Neil Young, and Jackson Browne. He’s best known for his 15-year tenure with Mike Campbell’s band, the Dirty Knobs, but has now embraced his solo career with The Mountain, a double album produced by Martin Pradler.

The first disc features a full band, while the second is a stripped-down acoustic version of the same songs.

Inspired by Led Zeppelin, Sinay began playing guitar at age nine and has since gigged with iconic musicians throughout his career. After leaving the Dirty Knobs in 2022, Sinay focused on The Mountain, which he considers his most important solo record. He’s eager to return to the stage and is planning to donate the album’s proceeds to charity.

Keep up to date with Jason Sinay on his Website.

Stream music on Spotify and YouTube.

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

09.14.24

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’S WITH GRETTA ZILLER

In the realm of music videos where elaborate sets and high-tech effects often dominate, Gretta Ziller’s latest project for her single “Hell’s Half Acre” offers a refreshing departure with its raw, organic appeal.

As a celebrated Americana artist, marking a decade in music, Ziller’s new video is a deeply personal and evocative piece that reflects both her artistic evolution and the story behind her song.

“Hells’s Half Acre” is a track that holds special significance for Ziller as it represents a pivotal moment in her career.

The video, which has been created with a distinctive DIY approach, mirrors the song’s themes of departure, regret, and self-reflection through its earthy, vintage visuals. Rather than presenting a straightforward narrative, the video subtly suggests the song’s story, allowing viewers to interpret and connect with it on a personal level.

We caught up with Ziller to find out more about the creative process behind the video, the inspiration behind it and the innovative techniques used.

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

“Hell’s Half Acre” holds a special place in my heart as one of the first songs I released when I began my musical journey a decade ago. The song is about getting out of a ‘bad for you’ relationship, the person in the beginning was attracted to the wild/rebelliousness character but in the end it wasn’t who they were and they had to leave.

Although it’s technically a fictitious story there are elements of truth in it. I wrote the song when I was moving from a regional area to a city, a friend of mine was going through a messy divorce, I did know someone in a bike gang, and the Shady Pines Saloon is a real bar and Hell’s Half Acre is a real place! I didn’t get to make a music video for the original recording so this time I wanted to create something that hinted at the story but also allowed the watcher to make up their own about the song.

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

For the release of the new video, I really wanted to create an organic, earthy, vintage feel that complemented the themes of the song. The inspiration was to suggest the story in “Hell’s Half Acre” without being too literal, using subtle visuals like packing a bag, a dirt road that becomes asphalt, the view outside the car and glimpses of chapels. The idea was to provide hints that evoke the feeling of leaving, regret, and that lingering sense of “I’m old enough to have known better” rather than showing every detail.

I wanted layered visuals to further the idea of memory flashbacks with the feeling of moving forward. Most of all I wanted the clip to allow the watcher the freedom to connect emotionally while imagining the storyline for themselves.

3. What was the process of making the video?

For this video, I took a more DIY approach, which was really exciting and different from how I’ve worked before. I had the concept in mind, and I shared it with my videographer, Arlo Dean Cook, who has done most of my music videos. However, this time, my partner and I decided to film it ourselves.

We spent a day on the west side of Melbourne, capturing the landscape and beautiful Catholic shrines using just our phones. Once we had all the footage, I sent it over to Arlo, and he worked his magic and put it all together. It was a really fun and creatively liberating experience—filming, exploring new parts of my creativity, and having a more hands-on role in bringing the vision to life!

Stay connected with Gretta Ziller on her Website.

Stream music on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.