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

09.20.24

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.

06.21.24

by Jane Lambert

Professional Drummer Rey Levier Drops Exciting New Single “Uncharted Destiny”

Ray Levier, the drumming maestro known for his genre-hopping abilities has recently released his new single “Uncharted Destiny.”

This track is a masterclass in rhythmic complexity and melodic emotion and perfectly demonstrates Ray’s unparalleled versatility and skill.

“Uncharted Destiny” takes listeners on a vivid musical journey, with dynamic chord shifts and compelling rhythmic progressions, this track shows a deep understanding of various musical styles. Ray’s precision in bashing out rock beats with panache, finessing jazz fusion grooves, swinging with a jazz combo, and laying down rugged hip hop beats is all evident in this single.

Ray describes “Uncharted Destiny” as a voyage of self-discovery amidst the vastness of the universe, finding strength in adversity as well as forging new paths:

“This song is about embracing the unknown, discovering our true selves, and finding strength in adversity. I poured my heart into this track, and I hope it inspires and resonates with you as much as it has with me.”

This theme resonates deeply with his own life story. Born into a family of musicians, Ray discovered his passion for drumming early on. However, it was a devastating fire accident at age 12 that left him with severe burns and the loss of most of his fingers. Despite this, his determination and ingenuity led him to devise unique ways to drum, first using duct tape, then a special martial arts glove, and eventually a surgery that granted him the use of his thumb. His journey from overcoming personal challenges to reaching professional heights is nothing short of inspiring.

Ray’s extensive career spans everything from live performances and teaching to composing for top TV networks like TLC, Discovery, and FOX Sports. Operating out of his cutting-edge studio near Manhattan, Ray’s influence in the music industry is undeniable. He has composed music for major networks, conducted live drum sessions, and collaborated with jazz fusion legends such as Mike Stern and John Abercrombie. His versatility is also highlighted by his long-standing role as the reliable sideman to urban folk and jazz artist KJ Denhert.

In addition to his performance career, Ray has also made significant contributions as a teacher and clinician. His rigorous study combined with insights from his personal experiences allows him to connect deeply with his students. He uses technology to reach students worldwide and conducts clinics for the manufacturers whose products he endorses, such as Yamaha, Paiste, Vater, and Evans.

His 2009 album “Ray’s Way” brought together jazz fusion greats, offering a satisfying collection of jazz fusion with telepathic musical synergy. His 2018 release “Lost and Found” highlighted his soulful vocals and poignant lyrics within a pop-rock context, drawing influences from classic rock, 1980s new wave, and alternative rock.

“Uncharted Destiny” is something of a bold statement of Ray’s enduring passion and relentless innovation in music, serving as a powerful reminder of the possibilities which exist from dedication and hard work.

Listen to “Uncharted Destiny” here.

Connect with Ray Levier:

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

09.06.23

by Jane Lambert

Animals in Denial Unleashes Raw Energy and Rebellion in “Because Reasons Revisited”

The music scene is often fraught with barriers, but artists like Animals in Denial break through these constraints with sheer determination and unwavering passion. In his latest release, “Because Reasons Revisited,” this industrial rock maestro doesn’t just drop a track; he unleashes a torrent of raw energy and rebellion that transcends boundaries and conventions.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand the genesis of “Because Reasons Revisited.” This track serves as the harbinger of a revisited series, a collection of songs that were initially birthed as rough demos. Yet, what truly sets these revisited versions apart is the meticulous craftsmanship that has gone into remixing and remastering, coupled with the utilization of state-of-the-art studio upgrades and AI tools. Animals in Denial, reflecting on the early days of his music-making journey, notes the humble beginnings of his studio setup, where post-production was often relegated to the sidelines due to limited resources. However, “Because Reasons Revisited” emerges as a testament to his evolution as an artist and his unyielding commitment to honing his craft.

But what truly ignites this track is its lyrical inspiration, a testament to the artist’s personal journey within the Industrial goth scene. Animals in Denial’s firsthand experience in this subculture was far from idyllic. Instead, he found himself bombarded by negative energy, pessimistic voices, and unsolicited advice from veteran artists who seemed disillusioned with the very essence of creation. The discouraging refrain that “nobody cares, so why bother” threatened to stifle his creative spirit.

However, “Because Reasons Revisited” boldly defies this sentiment. It encapsulates the essence of an artist who refuses to be silenced, a musical maverick who acknowledges that his path might not lead to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or a Grammy, but that’s inconsequential. What truly matters is that he created something that is honest, unapologetic, and deeply personal.

With influences that harken back to the glory days of rock, Animals in Denial stands as a torchbearer for the old-school Rock N Roll spirit. Nods to legendary acts like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, Nirvana, and Cheap Trick are evident in his music. Still, Animals in Denial masterfully blends these inspirations, creating a sound that is distinctly his own while remaining true to the roots of rock.

Yet, beyond the sonic prowess, Animals in Denial’s music embodies a universal language that defies cultural, linguistic, and societal barriers. “Because Reasons Revisited” stands as a clarion call for unity, understanding, and empathy. In a world often marred by division, his art becomes a bridge that connects diverse individuals, fostering a profound sense of shared humanity. He implores his audience not to fear judgment and to embrace their individuality.

Connect with Animals in Denial via:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Spotify / Soundcloud

03.07.23

by Jane Lambert

Video Voyager: Low Tide Levee’s Video for “Dang Diggy”

Low Tide Levee is the newly emerging band of seasoned musicians featuring singer/songwriter, composer, drummer, pianist, and former marine biologist Amy Brookes as the primary creative force. She writes the songs, sings lead vocals and harmonies, and plays drums, percussion, and keyboard. Her husband, Sasha Ames, is the band’s bassist and, sometimes, studio guitarist, and the trio is rounded out by a guitarist.

The band just released their new single “Dang Diggy” and it’s accompanying video. The 60’s pop and progressive rock song was written during one of Amy’s jaunts to a local tea shop she used to frequent to get the creative juices flowing. She came up with this tune, not really expecting much from it, but it ended up being a band favorite.

The fun Claymation video depicts the character of Dang Diggy as an almost divine entity, throwing pies down onto the man below. This man is in a boat with nowhere to run from the pies, his only options are to jump out and swim or sit and take it. It’s a clear depiction of life through whatever it has down on you, good and bad.

We spoke to Amy about the video and what her ideas were:

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

Dang Diggy came to me during one of my jaunts to my local tea shop that I used to frequent, a unique kind of place to gather and chat with random strangers, while enjoying the subtleties and meditation of gongfu tea ceremony. I often used my walks there and my time sipping tea to invite in the creative process, and many a gem came and was captured with my voice memo or note app on my phone.

The words just came into my head, and I thought it was a fun, silly, trippy song that could be a camp song. Little did I know that my band would love it and we would turn it into a rock anthem. Each pie is a ridiculous stoner dream of an over- the-top kind of dessert that exceeds all reason and just sounds like heaven, even if it would in reality be too much. Eventually, I realized that this incredible mask we found for our music studio (aka the “Funk Palace”) *was* Dang Diggy, and that Dang Diggy was absolutely this non-gendered deity that hung about in the sky throwing down pies to whomever might be fortunate enough to receive them.

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

It was my dream to have a Claymation video showing the story of this character Dang Diggy, a deity-like being who hangs about in the sky throwing down all the different pies. I found someone on Fiverr (Aleksej Pezzi) who did really cool Claymation music videos, and we worked together on filling out the rest of the story and visuals. He proposed a number of different characters for the little creature receiving the pies, and I fell in love with one of them that was sort of Gumby-like with this big heart on its chest. I liked the idea of the creature being in a boat since our band is very inspired by the ocean.

What was the process of making this video?

I wrote to Aleksej about the Dang Diggy mask (and sent photos) and the idea of a Claymation version of it throwing down pies, and we went through a process of sketches and proposals for each character’s look – starting with a sketch and progressing to a clay version. He sent me a mock-up for each scene and we ironed out the details. I wasn’t exactly keen on having Dang Diggy’s pie come out of its nose bathed in snot in one verse, but he kept it in and I just went with it (lol!!). In the end, I wound up loving the whole little movie, it was beyond the sum of its parts and I was so delighted with the expression Aleksej created in each character as the story progresses. No matter how many times I’ve viewed it now, it still cracks me up!

Connect with Low Tide Levee via:

Website / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / YouTube / Spotify / Soundcloud

02.17.23

by Jane Lambert

Low Tide Levee Premiere Their Playful New Single “Dang Diggy”

Low Tide Levee is the rising band featuring seasoned musicians and lead by singer/songwriter, composer, drummer, pianist, and former marine biologist Amy Brookes. She writes the songs, sings lead vocals and harmonies, and plays drums, percussion, and keyboard. Her husband, Sasha Ames, is the band’s bassist and, sometimes, studio guitarist, and the trio is rounded out by a guitarist. Formerly, Low Tide Levee has included Chris Amato on guitar, engineering, and production, and Harold Spiva on guitar.

Their trippy and transformative music is fun and exciting with heavy, blues-based riff rock, stanky funk, and sneaky adventures into sprawling psychedelia. Lyrically, the songs can be mystical, playfully irreverent, and enlightening—sometimes in the same song. “A lot of the subjects we write about are things bubbling inside of me—themes of finding one’s power, and rising like a phoenix as an allegory. I’ve been through a lot of trauma in my life, and I am waking up to seeing the things that held me back,” Amy shares.

Their new single, “Dang Diggy,” is a whimsical 1960s garage-rock single with an ABBA meets The Beatles sound that came to Amy during one of her creative sessions at a local tea she frequented. The lyrics came to her quite quickly, but she never expected the band to love it. The song boasts a sing-a-long refrain and oozes mystical overtones.

“Eventually, I realized that this incredible mask we found for our music studio (the “Funk Palace”) *was* Dang Diggy, and that Dang Diggy was absolutely this non-gendered deity that hung about in the sky throwing down pies to whomever might be fortunate enough to receive them,” says Amy. “These days in band practice, we use Dang Diggy both as a great warm-up, and as a sort of casting of the circle for our ritual of music creation, offering homage to Dang Diggy as it hangs out above my drum throne on the wall. After this musical ritual, I can’t help but laugh, every time.”

“Dang Diggy’s” hallucinatory charms come to life via its silly and fun claymation video. The video depicts the character of Dang Diggy throwing pies down on someone alone in a boat, almost like Dang Diggy symbolizes a God or life and the person down below in the boat represents you and your reality. This figure sits there letting life throw everything they’ve got, good and bad.

Connect with Low Tide Levee via:

Website / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / YouTube / Spotify / Soundcloud