Music

Erik Lunde Teases Upcoming Solo Album With “Long Time Overdue”

Colorado roots-rock-americana artist Erik Lunde is teasing his upcoming album Water From The Stone with the release of the lead single “Long Time Overdue”. A song of many layers, “Long time Overdue” pays tribute to the Colorado “band of brothers” that helped Lunde create this album, speaks to the truth of the creative process behind Water From The Stone, and touches on the feeling of longing that many people experienced during the pandemic. “I’m really stoked to release “Long Time Overdue” as the lead single from my upcoming full-length album release Water From The Stone because finishing this album really was like trying to get water from a stone – and in my mind, it’s a record release that is a long time overdue,” says Lunde. “Since the pandemic is ending, there are a lot of things that are a long time overdue, like family reunions, long-distance relationships, seeing your mother or father in a nursing home. I think this song – both the lyric and the keening, yearning almost desperate energy of the performance – really taps into that feeling we all feel now.”

The light-hearted, uptempo single brings a sense of hopefulness – something that Lunde has found in the local Fort Collins music community in what he dubs his “band of brothers”. Six local musicians – Jeff Finlin, Ryan Lennartson, Justin Roth, Eric Straumanis, Bob Montgomery, and Darren Radach – helped Lunde bring this album to life. “I couldn’t have made this song or this record without the generous contribution of time, talent, musicianship, money, and encouragement that these guys gave me,” says Lunde. Having been writing and performing all over North America since 1995, Lunde says it wasn’t until he moved to Fort Collins in 2009 that he found a community that could really push his creative boundaries and help bring to life the songs and music that he knew was within him all along. “Long Time Overdue” – along with the rest of Water From The Stone – is a testament to the power of the Fort Collins Music Community that helped create this record and gave Lunde a place to finally plant his roots.

Lunde’s upcoming album, Water From The Stone, is itself a long time overdue as it took six years and six studios to reach completion. As a passionate and compelling performer that connects with his audience, Lunde set out to translate that infectious energy and rock and roll spirit of his live performance into a record. His collection of “post-modern folk-rock spirituals” draws upon deeply reflective songwriting and Americana soundscapes to create a sound that is truly his own. Northern Colorado’s SCENE Magazine has described Lunde’s songwriting as “lyrics that are haunting and memorable poetry, […] skipping from dark and minor chord tones that are reminiscent of lonesome backroads and bleak, understated realism.” After hearing the title track “Water From The Stone” SCENE Magazine remarked, “If they could get ten more like “Water From Stone,” they would have an incredible album.” Lunde is eager to let fans hear the full collection of songs this September.

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Mainstage

Shannon Sharpe Steps Away From ESPN Amid Explosive Lawsuit

Pro Football Hall of Famer and a popular personality on ESPN, Shannon Sharpe, has decided to step away from his job at the network temporarily. This decision comes after a $50 million lawsuit was filed against him this week by an anonymous woman who accuses him of sexual assault. Sharpe strongly denies these claims. Sharpe addressed the situation directly in a message on social media, making it clear that he believes the relationship in question was completely consensual. He emphasized that while the accusations are serious, he is not trying to avoid them but rather to confront them head-on.

In his message, he announced, “At this juncture, I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties. I will be taking this time to focus on my family and to respond to these false allegations against me.” He reassured fans and colleagues that he plans to return to ESPN by the start of the upcoming NFL season, expressing gratitude for the support he has received. ESPN has expressed agreement with Sharpe’s decision to take a break, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation in a brief statement.

Check out this article: Shannon Sharpe Claps Back with NSFW Ammo in $50M Lawsuit Drama

Sharpe is known for his strong opinions and charismatic presence on shows like First Take, and his absence is sure to be felt by fans. Despite the controversy, many feel that this is not a permanent farewell but rather a difficult pause in his career. While the allegations hang over him, Sharpe’s determination to address the situation could pave the way for a comeback in the media world. The public’s acceptance of his return will likely depend on both the legal proceedings and how they perceive the situation, as public opinion can shift dramatically, often before any final decisions are made in court.

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Artist Spotlight

“Young Man” by Highrise echoes soul-stirring lessons from the flames of his past

Produced entirely from his home studio in Kansas City, Highrise crafts chapters of life experiences, transforming into the spotlight with “Young Man,” a song that sparks an open conversation we all recognize but often try to forget. This rap-rock anthem features smooth guitar arpeggios woven together with clean vocals, modern hip-hop drums, and hard-won wisdom that resonates with emotion and intention.

At first listen, “Young Man” radiates like one part heartfelt advice tossed to the wind, a cautionary tale directed at the younger men of the next generation as they navigate chaos. But dig a little deeper, and it’s revealed this song is a mirror reflecting Highrise’s own younger self, haunted by the echoes of choices made and paths taken. The production balances rawness and refinement, giving the track a lived-in yet polished musical quality.

Vocally, Highrise shines with a melodic and emotionally charged delivery, comfortably occupying a sonic space that fans of MGK, Bryce Vine, or Ryan Caraveo will find familiar, yet it feels uniquely his own. The standout bridge hits hard: “Take it from me, I’ve been down this road…” a poetic gut-punch for anyone who’s been too stubborn to listen before learning the hard way.

Inspired partly by his late grandfather, the track carries a weight of generational reflection. It tiptoes through the complexities of enduring legacy and shifting perspectives with age, acknowledging the scars of youthful mistakes while nodding to the lessons passed down. “Young Man” doesn’t preach; it empathizes, and humility makes it particularly impactful. It is an anthem for anyone who looks back at their younger self and wishes they could whisper, “Slow down.”

Highrise has established his influence in making music and building a legacy, one brutally honest track at a time, telling truths that echo long after the song ends.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Highrise’s “Young Man“ on Spotify.
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