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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“Home My Universe” by Santa Cecilie evokes a lush sonic odyssey through the galaxy of her stunning new EP
Santa Cecilie, an accomplished Norwegian artist from Bergen, has recently launched her latest five-track EP, “Home My Universe,” representing a significant progression in her artistic evolution and considerable musical sophistication. This emotive masterpiece expertly merges the sensibilities of classic pop with introspective lyricism, delving into the complexities inherent in the human experience. Crafted in collaboration with Ketil Fersum, Daniel Birkeland (from Studio Havnelageret), and drummer Marius Erster Bergesen, the work serves as a reflective meditation on themes of life, mortality, self-acceptance, and the universal quest for belonging.
The opening track, “Seize,” establishes an assertive sonic landscape with bold arrangements and lyrical depth, delivering a motivational message to embrace transient opportunities. Its vibrant energy transitions seamlessly into “Home,” a soulful ballad articulating a longing for familial connection and evoking the healing properties of love and comfort. It is positioned as a central pivot in the EP’s emotional framework, encapsulating its introspective themes.
The centerpiece of the EP, “Life,” thoughtfully investigates the duality of beauty and fragility within the human experience. Through its captivating craftsmanship and nuanced execution, Santa Cecilie invites the audience to engage with the transitory nature and profound significance of life’s critical moments, creating an emotionally resonant framework. Its universal appeal is further enhanced by a seamless interplay of soulful pop aesthetics and incisive lyricism, highlighting the fleeting nature of our grasp on existential experiences.
Following this, “Keep” presents an anthemic quality supported by dynamic piano lines and infectious rhythms that foster a spirit of resilience and aspiration. It motivates listeners to persist in the pursuit of their dreams, reinforcing the EP’s overarching themes of hope and tenacity. The concluding track, “Rain,” produced collaboratively with Cecilie Nirmala Andersen, Ketil Fersum, and Daniel Birkeland, offers a haunting auditory experience. Its intricate arrangements and pulsating rhythms, entwined with poetic lyricism, invite profound contemplation.
Santa Cecilie’s meticulous craftsmanship, highlighted by her layered vocal performances and intriguing instrumentation, is displayed across the EP. The production achieves a delicate equilibrium of melodic brilliance and lyrical profundity, resulting in lush arrangements that demand careful listening. The innovative amalgamation of classic pop sensibilities with stylistic production techniques provides an immersive auditory journey while preserving a cohesive sonic identity.
Ultimately, “Home My Universe” solidifies Santa Cecilie’s position as a prominent figure in contemporary music, presenting a compelling synthesis of authenticity and innovative creativity. This EP constitutes a pivotal addition to the repertoire of any discerning listener, exemplifying the transformative potential of music and Cecilie’s capacity to navigate conventional musical limits. This release promises a richly enchanting adventure for those eager and willing to immerse themselves in her distinctive sonic palette.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Santa Cecilie’s EP “Home My Universe“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight
Vishwa Ganesh stirs a mesmerizing pure rhythmic joy with “Don’t Wanna Go”
Hit play to briefly escape the world with “Don’t Wanna Go,” an innovative work by emerging artist Vishwa Ganesh. Based in Dubai, this dynamic vocalist embarks on a delightful creative adventure, offering listeners a richly vibrant, intimate, and cohesive auditory experience. Recorded in his hometown of Dubai, “Don’t Wanna Go” pairs rhythmic hooks with lighthearted vibes and infectious energy from the first beat. Vishwa’s velvety vocals float effortlessly over intricate production and instrumentation, while the immersive Dolby Atmos mix elevates the listening experience to a whole new dimension.
Breaking away from his customary narrative-driven style, he adopts a comprehensive role as a writer, composer, and performer, leveraging his multifaceted talents to craft an upbeat track that encapsulates a danceable anthem celebrating the sheer joy of being present at the moment. Each meticulously fused sound feels perfectly placed, enveloping audiences in a kaleidoscope of melodies that inspire their feet to move.
What truly sets this track apart is its dedication to authenticity. Eschewing pre-made samples and loops, Vishwa crafted this masterpiece entirely from scratch. That raw creativity shines through, making each note, rhythm, and harmony personal and intentional. The result is a standout track in his discography that doesn’t just entertain; it connects.
“Don’t Wanna Go” embodies a sensibility that encourages individuals to immerse themselves in its exuberant rhythms through high-energy dance scenarios or simply enjoying intimate listening vibes with headphones. It reminds us that music can be a profound source of unfiltered happiness, providing a respite from the distractions and complexities of everyday life.
Through “Don’t Wanna Go,” Vishwa Ganesh conjures an enchanting sonic vibe that merits inclusion on every playlist. He transforms mundane moments into spontaneous dance opportunities while demonstrating his versatility as an artist. This work underscores his musical evolution as a noteworthy trajectory to follow. Set it on repeat, and you will find it hard to let go.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Vishwa Ganesh’s “Don’t Wanna Go“ on Spotify.
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