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

08.23.24

by Jane Lambert

Awakening the Spirit with Jennifer Harper’s New Single “Soul Alive”

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Singer, songwriter and sound alchemist Jennifer Harper’s latest release “Soul Alive”, is something of a vibrational journey.

Listeners are drawn into a musical sound designed to elevate the spirit and open the heart. The song’s infectious energy and Harper’s soulful delivery come together to create an experience that is both uplifting and introspective.

Produced by the talented Matt Anthony, with rhythmic power provided by Tal Bergman on drums, Soul Alive delivers a rich and dynamic sound that balances groove with ethereal beauty.

Harper’s vocals and contributions on keyboard also add a layer of intimacy, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of soulful reflection and limitless potential.

As Harper describes, “Soul Alive” is a call to action. It’s an invitation to awaken the light within and to embrace life in its full vibrancy. The song pulses with positivity and hope, encouraging the listener to shed limitations and step into their highest calling.

“It comes from a feeling of freedom – true liberation, fully thriving in the way that we are designed!! It is an expression of what I’m experiencing in my life right now.

On every level

In every area

Every which way I go

It’s a celebration song for me”

Production is both crisp and powerful, bringing together Harper’s voice with a rich instrumentation that lifts the song to new heights. Bergman’s drumming provides a solid backbone, while Anthony’s multi-instrumental textures add depth and complexity.

Overall, Soul Alive lives up to its title – it makes you feel alive. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, empowerment, or simply a soulful groove to lift your spirits, this track will leave you energized and ready to embrace life’s possibilities.

Jennifer’s music is known for its soulful compositions infused with wisdom from Gene Keys and Human Design, which offer a roadmap for self-discovery and unlocking one’s potential. This in-depth exploration coupled with a steadfast dedication to Buddhist principles, illuminates a path of inner exploration for all who seek it.

Her past successes include performances at prestigious venues and recognition in songwriting competitions, speak events to her growing presence in the music scene. She has been featured in many leading media outlets, including, No Depression, Vents Magazine, Melodic Magazine and Americana Highways.

Keep up to date with Jennifer Harper on her Website

Stream music on Spotify and YouTube Music.

07.01.24

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’s WITH RAY LEVIER

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.