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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Eric Alexandrakis ignites a rhythmic anthem of tranquillity with the single “Home”
Eric Alexandrakis, in his evocative new single, “Home,” carves a sonic melody that feels personal and universally familiar, creating a symbolic space where one truly belongs and can confront the emotional burdens of life’s most challenging moments. The track is enriched by soul-infused rock reverberates with timeless echoes of iconic musicians such as Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen. However, Alexandrakis adds his special twist, sharing stories with a unique lens rooted in vulnerability and hope. This single spans miles, recorded across Greece, Texas, Colorado, and New Jersey, resonating with people everywhere who understand the ache of leaving pain behind.
The collaboration with drummer Ryan Hoyle lends a steady heartbeat and grounding rhythm, while the mixing expertise of Paul David Hager highlights the raw intensity of Alexandrakis’ vocals. Together, they cultivate a transformative sound that expresses sorrow and guides audiences toward brighter futures. Produced by Eric Alexandrakis and Mark Scandariato, “Home” merges enchanting musical elements with innovative energy, signaling that happiness often lies beyond the most arduous trials and necessitates a courageous first step into new experiences.
“Home” is a poignant and soul-stirring track that addresses the importance of moving away from emotional turmoil. It encourages listeners to walk away from sadness, loss, and loneliness and step toward their authentic selves. Alexandrakis emphasizes that “Home” isn’t just a physical location but rather an emotional state created by the act of letting go, where one can achieve true happiness. Amidst a cacophony of chaos, “Home” emerges as a distinctive piece, inviting audiences to engage in listening and, potentially, to find a semblance of Peace.
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Artist Spotlight
IKON unleashes a genre-defying odyssey with new album “MUSIC”
Prepare for an exciting musical adventure that connects soulful moments with catchy beats! Officially premiering today, rising artist IKON unveils his anticipated album, “MUSIC.” This fantastic album features a transformative 9-track masterpiece that mixes traditional Eastern Soul sounds with modern styles like funk, disco, R&B, and electronic music, whisking listeners back to Studio 54’s heyday. Known for his unorthodox talent and innovative spirit of crafting distinct sound as he writes, performs, and produces his music, IKON continues elevating his artistry by exploring the rich intersections of classic soul and contemporary rhythms for a captivating, futuristic feel.
The album “MUSIC” opens with the entrancing “CRAZY,” a song encapsulating the dizzying emotions of love’s early struggles and euphoric highs. Next, listeners are swept into the soulful embrace of the second track, “CITY.” This heartfelt tribute to the sanctuary a city can provide showcases IKON’s powerful ability to blend comfort with creative versatility. The title track, “MUSIC,” celebrates the joy of music’s timeless allure, combining catchy anthemic choruses with unforgettable dynamic beats that feel nostalgic to the universal language of sound.
As you listen, each song on “MUSIC” presents a carefully crafted sonic experience that explores diverse aspects of the human condition. The album flows seamlessly into track four, “LET U DOWN/RIDE,” which focuses on a commitment to the self-harmony narrative where he reassures his listeners with a promise of inner peace. As the album progresses, “I’M GOING DOWN,” a thoughtful fifth track, evokes themes of resilience through IKON’s insightful melodies and is followed by “MAN,” channeling soul-deep lyrics and introspective grooves about humanity.
Among other standout tracks, “MOON” transcends the typical retro-futuristic disco vibes by blending Italo disco influences with soul-infused vocals, classic Wurlitzer electric piano, and IKON’s soulful falsetto. The album wraps up with “MIND,” in which IKON merges Southern gospel influences with a laid-back West Coast groove, rounding out the album with a dynamic touch.
With “MUSIC,” IKON establishes himself as a pioneering voice in Eastern Soul. This genre-spanning exploration is a must-hear for those looking for a refreshing, introspective take on today’s music with hints of inspiration from legendary artists like Daft Punk and Nile Rodgers while paving its unique path. Don’t miss out on this experience!
CLICK HERE TO STREAM IKON’s Album “MUSIC“ on Spotify.
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