by Jane Lambert

“Skateboard’ by Kristen Rae Bowden: A Charlottesville Singer-Songwriter’s Reflection on Youthful Love and Freedom

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.

Keep up to date with Kristen Rae Bowden here:

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

01.13.24

by Jane Lambert

Video Voyageur: 3Q’s with Connie Lansberg

Connie Lansberg has created a world where jazz meets storytelling, and energy healing finds its voice through music. She’s the creator of Transformational Entertainment™, a genre that’s as intriguing as it sounds.

An accomplished jazz artist, songwriter, and author, Connie’s work is a harmonious blend of wellness and artistry, wrapped up in songs that resonate on multiple levels. And she is one of the most streamed Jazz artists in her home country – Australia.

With a career that spans multiple albums and even a novel, Connie has become a fixture in the Australian jazz scene. Known for her poetic lyrics and elegantly expressive melodies, Connie Lansberg has a knack for capturing the complexities of human emotion in 4-minute musical soliloquies. Today, we delve into the creative process and inspiration behind her latest video, exploring how it adds yet another layer to her already rich tapestry of work.

1. Tell us the story of “Deep End of Love”; why did you choose to visualize it specifically in this way?

“Deep End of Love” with all its gravitas in the music is a little tongue-in-cheek look at the games we play in the name of love and how refreshing it would be to just take the leap without our baggage, our wounds, and our pain. I have a live video of this song, but it seemed too safe. My music is not safe because it isn’t because it is always its own thing and not readily easy to place in a genre. So I searched and found a great lyric video creator and sent him as many images as I could because, at that time, I didn’t know he could draw and I wanted to suggest a certain darkness.

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

The song asks the question, do you think it’s possible to give your heart to another fully without fear? So the heroine had to represent the question. I wanted to see her grapple with it and then triumph.

3. What was the process of making this video? (and anything else you want to tell us?)

When I choose another creator to work with I always let them show me what they’ve got first, without too much direction after the initial brief. However, when I realised, most jazz-based songs don’t have lyric videos because of all the improv, and “Deep End of Love” has two improv sections, middle and end of the song, I knew I had to jump in a little more than normal. I pushed this guy to his limit! We crafted the two improv sections and I asked him to draw and then animate this woman and I was thrilled with the results. She has such a strong nobble face, not like the prettiness you see in Western world women. I do have a confession in that I did recut the video to get that impact at the end, but I think I got the very best out of this guy. He’s done a few more for me that are really good too. I love the freedom of lyric videos as well as the fact that for me, the lyrics are so important. Lyrics are my true gift and so many people pay no attention to them. For me, if you don’t listen to my lyrics, you’re missing the point.

Whether she’s penning a novel or crafting a jazz tune, Connie’s belief that we create our own reality shines through. Her songs are not just melodic expressions but also vehicles for energy healing and wellness. As we await her next project, one thing is certain: Connie will continue to challenge, inspire, and transform us, one note and one word at a time.

WATCH “Deep End of Love” here –

Stay current with Connie on her Website and social media channels Facebook and Instagram.

Stream music on Spotify and YouTube.

08.04.23

by Jane Lambert

Stephen Jaymes’ “Tokyo” is the Folk Rock Hit We Needed

The latest musing from LA-based singer/songwriter Stephen Jaymes is the upbeat folk rock single “Tokyo.” Following his impressive debut with “Chief Inspector,” Stephen Jaymes continues to reveal his artistic prowess and ability to craft music that resonates deeply with the soul.

“Tokyo” is just the second in a series of four singles that pave the way for Stephen Jaymes’ debut full-length album. His songs are a search for truth and authenticity, crafting a sonic landscape that refuses to tell big lies but explores the profound depths of human experience. It’s a knock on the window of reality, beckoning listeners to join him on a journey to a magical place that two people create together, even in the face of climate destruction.

From the moment “Tokyo” starts, its rousing guitar riff sets the tone for an invigorating experience. However, this Tokyo isn’t the Japanese city we know but a metaphorical place of transcendence between two people. It’s an escape from the apocalyptic scenes that pervade consciousness, a mythical name from a pre-apocalyptic past. As the singer invites his lover to go there with him, the song feels like a glimpse into a hopeful future.

Stephen Jaymes’ music is a compelling mix of punk poetry, wounded-romanticism, and sonic noir. He weaves intricate narratives reminiscent of Charles Bukowski while infusing his work with psychedelic and introspective elements. His ability to capture the essence of emotion and storytelling makes “Tokyo” a captivating and thought-provoking experience for listeners.

As a self-contained artist, Stephen showcases his multi-talented abilities as a songwriter, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. His music exudes the stylish playfulness of Prince, with clever turns of phrases and occasional funk influences, while also channeling the stateliness and mystique of Leonard Cohen.

With his unique blend of folk rock and poetic lyricism, Stephen Jaymes’ “Tokyo” is an exciting glimpse into the talent of this rising star in the music industry.

Connect with Stephen Jaymes via:
Website // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Spotify

02.02.22

by Jane Lambert

Aspen Jacobsen is the Rising Folk and Americana Artist to Watch For

Aspen Jacobsen is the rising Americana-Folk singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who’s connection with her guitar and lyrics marry to make her stories tangible. “When I write a song, I start with a feeling—my main goal is to have a strong emotional exchange with the audience through my music,” she shares. The award-winning artist is an empathic and thought-provoking lyricist with a flair for many time-honored roots music traditions, while also out to make these sounds more palatable and resonant for her generation.

She just released her newest single “Shouldn’t Give A Damn,” a country inspired folk song reminiscent of Kacey Musgraves. In this song, she tackles the topic of toxic relationships, singing “And you don’t even know who I am/You just take and take everything that you can/And I shouldn’t give a damn.” The song starting out with a slow fade in mirrors the way a toxic relationship is at first, not terribly noticeable yet you eventually notice as it becomes louder. Aspen’s lyrics are thought-provoking and honest. You can hear her relationship with her music, her guitar almost being an extension of her psyche.

Listen to “Shouldn’t Give a Damn” here:

She learned how traditional art forms can be used as tools to strengthen intuition and self-understanding after years of performing at festivals and learning from the other experienced musicians. She became more self-aware, that her songwriting can be more than a personal coping mechanism but also can strengthen social empathy and help people better understand each other’s emotions. “I wish to help traditional arts live on through my music, thus making an impact on the generations who follow,” says Aspen. “I recognize how small impacts made through music, storytelling, conversations, art, and even the sharing of a smile can make big changes.”

You can find Aspen Jacobsen via:
Website // Instagram // Facebook // YouTube // Spotify // Soundcloud