Artist Spotlight
Erik Lunde’s “Steel Militia” Wrestles With The Painful Legacy of the Afghanistan War
Erik Lunde releases the single “Steel Militia” on August 27th in the shadow of America’s disquieting exit from Afghanistan, 20 years after the events of 9/11 led to “America’s Longest War.” As a self-described “Tolstoyan Christian Pacifist” who tries to live by the principles of non-violence laid out in the “Sermon On The Mount”, Lunde wrote the lyrics to “Steel Militia” from his despair over the tragic American military response to 9/11 after reading the devastating true story of the Wise Brothers in a Washington Post article entitled “One Family, Two Sacrifices”. The article told the story of the passions and motivations of two patriotic brothers from Arkansas who both enlisted and were killed in the war in Afghanistan. Written in the narrative storytelling vein of classic American folk songs like Bob Dylan’s “Masters Of War” and Pete Seeger’s “Waist Deep in The Big Muddy”, the song serves as a powerful, anti-war protest song that is dedicated to the memory and sacrifice of the over 2,300 American soldiers that tragically died in Afghanistan.
As the final American forces leave the country to meet the September 11th withdrawal deadline, “Steel Militia” wrestles with the extreme religious fundamentalism that led to 9/11 and sparked the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. While the lyric critiques the dark ideological forces and politics that started the wars, it also empathizes with the passionate devotion to God and country that burns in the hearts of young soldiers who enlist to fight in foreign wars – pondering the sense of futility and hopelessness that some surviving veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan have experienced. As a songwriter dedicated to peace and reconciliation, Lunde wants it to be clear that the song is not an “anti-soldier” song – but is an anti-war song about the “wages of death” in wars that arise from extreme religious fundamentalism. Having performed “Steel Militia” at a Wounded Warriors retreat and seen the emotion that it provoked in Afghanistan veterans, Lunde hopes that by releasing this song into the world he can help raise awareness of the important work that the Wounded Warriors Foundation does for America’s soldiers. “This is why I support the important work of the Wounded Warriors Foundation – and hope to use this song to raise awareness of their work with our wounded veterans,” says Lunde.

Erik Lunde Soapstone Natural Area. Guitar.
“As a Christian pacifist who tries to live by the principles of non-violence, I wrote this song because I was deeply anguished by the events of 9/11, our subsequent invasion of Iraq, and the seemingly futile outcome of the occupation of Afghanistan.” – Erik Lunde
A folk-rock poet and Americana songsmith with a captivating voice, cinematic songs, and a dynamic stage presence, Colorado-based artist Erik Lunde “pens lyrics that are haunting and memorable poetry married with one of the widest arrays of melodies this area knows”. Having lived and wandered all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe, hopping from place to place like a character in a Jack Kerouac novel, searching for stories and songs and experiences, and chalking up about 40 different addresses across North America, Erik Lunde is a songwriter and musician whose songs and sound bears the geography, culture, and history of his midwestern origins. Influenced by a wide variety of genres including gospel hymns, bluegrass, traditional country, rock & roll, and artists like Elton John, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, The Beatles, and David Bowie – Lunde has created his own genre-bending mashup that reflects that dichotomy. The founder and frontman of the Lunde Station band, a well-known staple on the Northern Colorado music scene from 2012 -2017, Lunde has re-emerged as a solo singer-songwriter, performing under his own name, searching for stories and songs and experiences, and chalking up about 40 different addresses across North America, he’s still chasing that same crazy dream with the stories and songs on this new record.
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Artist Spotlight
Donna Dafi unveils a fearless pop power move on latest release “Primadonna”
Donna Dafi’s latest release, “Primadonna,” is an upbeat pop song with beautiful visuals and strong, catchy beats. The track is meant to appeal to people who want to be close to others and feel comfortable. It shows how exciting it is to learn more about yourself and how freeing it is to accept your strength fully. “Primadonna” is clear, purposeful, and very charming from the first beat.
The single, on the Female Pop, Pop Rising, and Viral playlists, has a polished, new, modern, and emotionally powerful sound. Donna Dafi’s method is both complicated and useful, making a sound space where empowerment and accessibility come together. The song has a happy sound that makes people feel good about themselves and lets them stop needing other people’s approval. “Primadonna” is not an attack, it’s a realization that you can love and feel deeply without losing yourself, a sentiment that speaks to today’s generation looking for authenticity in music and life.
The release is especially interesting because it can make you feel both strong and weak at the same time. The song is fun and energetic, but it also carries a personal message that makes it more than just a pop song. It is a song for people learning to speak up for themselves, set limits, and shine in their own way. The dynamic production adds to this message by blending smooth pop sounds with catchy hooks that stick in your head long after the song ends.
“Primadonna” is a song by Donna Dafi that demonstrates how sound can tell a story. The single, with its empowering theme, catchy beat, and polished pop sound, is a sign of personal growth and self-confidence. This song demands attention and encourages people to be confident and step boldly into the spotlight.
Connect with Donna Dafi on Spotify || Instagram || Youtube || Tiktok
Artist Spotlight
Eylsia turns inner struggle into radiance with latest release “Desert Learns to Shine”
Eylsia’s powerful new single, “Desert Learns to Shine,” is an emotionally charged anthem about strength, self-confidence, and the quiet strength needed to rise above difficult situations. The song combines a personal confession and a triumphant declaration, capturing the moment when inner light breaks through emotional darkness.
The track is mostly about staying strong even when things are tough. Eylsia makes people very aware of themselves and helps them find strength in their weaknesses. The picture of the desert learning to shine is both clear and meaningful. It reminds us that even the most barren places can grow when they are full of hope and bravery.
This release is especially interesting because it makes you think. Eylsia thinks that listening to her inner voice and letting it guide her will make her stronger. This deep conversation makes the song feel very personal, prompting people to think, breathe, and reconnect with their feelings. The result is a song that feels personal yet easy for everyone to relate to.
The song is full of feeling, and each part shows what it’s like to get over past pain. Eylsia turns tears into things that help you grow and sadness into progress. “Desert Learns to Shine” has a deep emotional impact because it is so real. This one tells you how to keep going and find yourself. Eylsia reminds us that even when things are calm, we are getting stronger. “Desert Learns to Shine” isn’t just a song, it’s a message of hope, strength, and the power of believing in yourself.
Connect with Elysia on Spotify || Facebook || Youtube || Instagram || Tiktok
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