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.
|
Connect with Erik Lunde:
Artist Spotlight
Waralugô Leh opens the door with the haunting power of new release “Sentient Beings”
Waralugô Leh, from PreWarlock, with new release “Sentient Being,” transforms underground intensity into a cinematic experience with symbolism, internal conflict, and elevated consciousness. The production’s hypnotic pulse matches the track’s themes of astral warfare and survival, creating a constant tension.
Instead of commercial polish, Waralugô Leh opts for a darker, more introspective energy, leaving the music’s emotion raw. Rebellion and reflection make the song powerful. The delivery is measured and hypnotic, as if each line reveals more self-awareness.
The track’s spiritual imagery adds depth without being forced, giving “Sentient Being” a ritualistic feel. This record rewards those who dig deeper into its meaning. Waralugô Leh proves music can still challenge, provoke, and awaken with this release. “Sentient Being” is a daring exploration of consciousness in a haunting sound.
Connect with Waralugô Leh on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
Artist Spotlight
Nicole Henry trust in the natural flow of life in new release “Everything Is Okay”
Nicole Henry’s new Single, “Everything Is Fine,” is a Touching Song of comfort, wisdom, and Emotional Grace. Her first co-write, released with acclaimed songwriter/producer Barry Eastmond, contains a message of faith, trust, and emotional peace in uncertain times.
“Everything Is Fine” begins with a comforting, confident presence that immediately connects, drawing on the pulse of the natural world. This song does not lessen the struggle of life; it accepts it and lovingly reminds the audience that balance shall always be restored, just as nature itself. It is a view that imbues the track with an emotional weight that is timeless, personal, yet universally comforting.
The collaboration with Barry Eastmond carries a little more weight. Having a rich history working with legendary artists creates a natural, refined songwriting partnership that lets the soulful melodies and reflective lyrics of the song shine effortlessly.
Connect with Nicole Henry on Spotify
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoYG Kayboe merges soul and street savvy on the potent “By The Way”
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoThe AYAMI unveils a soft anthem of rebirth on new release “Good Morning”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoEmme Rain stands out with deeply personal new release “Voodoo Music”
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoThe trapheaux gracefully glides over in new release “Marble Floors”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoLAST ALEX! balances precision and pulse on the electrifying track “Plus 1”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoCam Blair makes a statement with intriguing presence on new release “Clean Up”
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoNIHLNØTHING unleashes increased tides on new release “ocean” Power
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoGarth Adam unveils a beautiful piano arrangement on “Here We Are Emotional – Radio Edit”