Author: Jessica Golich

Based in Detroit, Michigan. Owner/Writer of LifeBeyondTheMusic.com.

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Music Reviews

New York Musician, Lillimure, Releases New Single – “WDYTM”

New York Musician, Lillimure, is diving into her boundless abyss of thought to discover previously uncovered wonders and musings pertaining to her journey ahead throughout her latest single release “WDYTM”. Lacing vulnerability and uncertainty into the songwriting behind “WDYTM”, Lillimure exhibits that she has reached a place of nothingness in mind throughout the chorus which showcases the self-awareness that she has reached at the ripe age of 19-years-old. Striving to answer questions that have been lingering through her mind pertaining to a relationship that is occupying her heart, energy and time, “WDYTM” gives listeners a glimpse into her world prior to her album release that is currently set for June 2019.

Having chosen to express herself through storytelling and lyricism that is simple yet carries the intent through with precision, Lillimure has her vision set and has in turn created a track that meets the modern-day Indie feel. As a young, driven and emerging musician who is leading out her day to day life and finding herself as an Artist along the way, Lillimure is packed punch of young and vibrant soul that is setting a new tone. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Norah Jones, Skylar Grey and Joni Mitchell, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Lillimure on Soundcloud.

Lillimure Social Links:

Facebook • Website • Instagram

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Music Reviews

LA Musician, Heather Gruber, Releases New Album – ‘Dancing Into The Desert’

LA Singer/Songwriter, Heather Gruber, has spread her wings to extend beyond what she had previously known to find her way back “home” throughout her latest full-length release, ‘Dancing Into The Desert’. Here’s our track by track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Beauty Outside the Lines”, Heather begins with a fun and spirited instrumental that walks listeners into her youthful yet soaring vocal style that is rich in soul. “Here You Go Again” is the second track that carries songwriting that speaks to oneself about stepping outside of a comfort zone that has swallowed her whole. The third track, “Ready or Not”, colors outside of the lines with a cheery intro instrumental that lead into a vulnerable songwriting bundle of love while Heather lays down her armor and surrenders to what she is ready to explore. “Running on Empty” is the fourth track that is an acoustic blend of lyrical indecision and seeing the truth for what it is as Heather faces thoughts that are trying to keep her from taking the next step forward as she keeps in mind that she is simply ready to go. The fifth track, “Lost in Space”, is an album highlight that begins with Heather’s darkened vocals that are full of clarity when it comes to what she knows it best for her and her future.

“Lost My Halo” is the sixth track where Heather lyrically speaks to herself about how she recognizes that she lost pieces of her inner puzzle while chasing something that once felt impossible yet is indeed feasible. The seventh track, “How Do You Feel About Now?”, is written with metaphorical precision as Heather lyrically expresses her enduring love for another that won’t fade away. “Let it Fly” is the eighth track in which Heather lyrically maneuvers through her indecision and attempts to overcome her doubt and set herself free for once and for all. The ninth track, “Perfect Day”, begins with a beautiful and simple opening instrumental that matches the lyrical direction that is an ode to simply being. The eleventh track, “Letting Go”, stirs into the soul of listeners as Heather knows that what she had once collected is no longer serving her life path which continues to broaden as she travels and experiences how boundless the world that we live in truly is. “Stepped Outside” is the twelfth track in which Heather sets sail and lyrically tells the tale of facing the great unknown. Closing out with “What’s so Good About Being Young?”, Heather ends on a high note as she lets go of a relationship that was holding her back as she has come to learn to set her sights on what is best for her.

 

Emptying herself in a gap of civilization while immersed in the mystery that abounds in the wild to return to her core, Heather Gruber yearned for more and expressed her mindful action and emotive experiences along the way throughout ‘Dance Into The Desert’. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Sara Bareilles, Poe and Regina Spektor, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Heather Gruber on Spotify.

Heather Gruber Social Links:

Twitter • Bandcamp • YouTube

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Music Reviews

California Rockers, American High, Release New Album – ‘U.N. Article 14’

California Rockers, American High, are back with intent to awaken the masses to the current state of the climate when it comes to injustice throughout their latest full-length release, ‘U.N. Article 14’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Second Sister”, the guys of American High rock their way into listeners’ hearts with a bold blast of snarky songwriting that points the finger at an individual who has taken the backseat of their own life. The second track, “Cheye Calvo”, instrumentally feels like a Blink 182 track right off bat as lyrics that float in and out of consciousness attempt to confront and hold authorities accountable for their failure to provide proper evidence. “I Can’t Change” is the third track that slows it down with a mellow intro instrumental that feels like it stepped out of a Jimmy Buffett release while the lyrical trajectory takes listeners down the road of contemplation. The fourth track, “Test Pilot”, is an Indie jam that is abounding with minimal instrumentals in the beginning which n shifts into a fury of a chorus that is unexpected yet a showcase of the dynamic range of American High’s approach in the studio.

“Fairfield, CA” is the fifth track that is a lyrical ode to the city that feels like “home” in one of the most beautiful states in the country yet metaphorically creates the impression that home is a woman and feeling. “U.N. Article 14” is the seventh track and title track that is an album highlight that is full of lyrical hope toward a brighter future of freedom ahead. Closing out with “Belly”, vocals that begin sounding like the late and great Tom Petty pour forward over lyrical simplicity that subliminally speaks of the importance of dialing down to what truly matters in your life.

 


‘U.N. Article 14’ is a politically charged and jam-packed bundle of impressive thought that keeps listeners musing upon what they choose to accept throughout their one precious life experience. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Blink 182, Death Cab For Cutie (instrumentally) and alt-J, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for American High on Spotify.

American High Social Links:

Facebook • Website • Soundcloud

Categories
Music Reviews

Washington Progressive Rock Veterans, BRAVE, Release New Album – ‘the calm | the storm’

Washington Progressive Rockers, BRAVE, have weaved a synergetic blast of mystery into a dynamic full-length release, ‘the calm | the storm’, that is worthy of praise. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “I Will Wait”, BRAVE stir into the soul over a light and eclectically rich bundle of instrumentals that carry elements of grandeur thought coming forward as haunting vocals from Lead Vocalist, Michelle Schultz, who has sustained her vocal capabilities over a wide-ranging array of musical experience are abounding with passion. The second track, “Mystery”, begins with a bold and emblazoned steer into the direction of Dream Theater in their ‘Awake’ days as songwriting that yearns for clarity pours forward from a vulnerable and open space. “A Thousand Miles of Sand” is the third track that slows it down into an instrumental feel akin to Seether as the Washington Rockers and thinkers set the tone for an atmospheric ride to their emotive side. The fourth track, “No Gravity”, begins with a surprisingly welcoming element of instrumental Folk and Country over a melodic flow that is masterly composed. “Summertime” is the fifth track that picks up the pace and feels like it walked out of a 1970’s Rock show as songwriting that finds peace within the truth feels wholesome and real. The sixth track, “Bay Song”, slows it down into an acoustic spill into a lyrical revelation that has stemmed from letting go and comes straight the soul. “Race to the End” is the seventh track that revs up the engines of listeners over a contemplative lyrical bundle of reflection and haunting memories that are crippling in a welcoming way. The eighth track, “November”, pays lyrical attention to to the wanderlust that has stemmed from heartbreak yet in hindsight serves to teach lessons still unknown. “Electric Ravens” is the ninth track that shifts into a 90’s Rock state as discontentment is laced into songwriting that is bold, fury and intentional. Closing out with “Feel the Rain”, BRAVE ends in a state of lyrical surrender as they tend to their highest desires from a clearer inner space.

BRAVE has hit a home run once again with ‘the calm | the storm’. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Evanescence, A Perfect Circle and Tori Amos, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for BRAVE on Soundcloud.

BRAVE Social Links:

Facebook • Website • Bandcamp 

Categories
Music Reviews

Chicago Electronic Musician, Acidic Base, Releases New Album – ‘Purple Skies’

Chicago Electronic Musician and Mastermind, Acidic Base, has cooked up some new Electronic heat that proves that it is never too early or too late to follow your dreams. The notably 12-year-old go-getter is far ahead of his time artistically, spirituality and intellectually throughout his debut release, ‘Purple Skies’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Purple Skies”, Acidic Base trickles in by entrancing listeners with an atmospheric journey into a colorful world with a waxing and waning entry into a portal of his youthful mind that is set on the stars in the most grounded and intentional way. The second track, “Halcyon”, begins with a calming reflective dose of Trip-Hop that flows seamlessly as Acidic Base plays with different synthesizer techniques that astounds the listener who keeps his chronological age in mind. “Chernobyl” is the third track that begins with a mellow groove that ignites the senses and leads listeners into a peaceful state as 8 minutes of minimal expression is the exact right amount of flow. The fourth track, “Blurred”, begins with the feel of an Adventure Club track and travels through an EDM dose of feeling that is fluid and mastered with precision. “Omnidirectional Hyperjet” is the fifth track that blasts off slowly into one of the most impressive Trance tracks that I have heard since the hard-hitting days of The Prodigy and Tricky in the early 90’s. The sixth track, “Mountain Face”, would fit perfectly into an action-packed video game as Acidic Base travels through an escalating beat that begins to hit harder and elevate in expression until the last second. Closing out with “Borealis”, Acidic Base slows it down with a fun and upbeat tone that showcases the vibrancy and aliveness that he is experiencing within his youth.

Balancing the tedious efforts that come with being an 8th grader with the expertise of a seasoned musician at the ripe age of 12-years-old, Acidic Base is a project by Chicago’s Siddharth Goswami that isn’t going to fold. Picturing Siddharth Goswami looking at his parents asking them to provide the tools so he can learn how to make music gives chills to the enlightened and conscious listener. If you’re a fan of fellow artists such as Adventure Club, Suicide Sheep Remixes on YouTube and Tiesto, then keep an eye on the promising ride ahead for Acidic Base on Soundcloud.

Acidic Base Social Links:

Facebook • Website • Twitter

Categories
Concert Reviews

Bring Me The Horizon Soak up Love From Packed Detroit Crowd

British Rockers, Bring Me The Horizon, are back with an emboldened fire that is morphing into a blaze. Riding the high from their first and well-earned #1 Album in the UK with the recent release of ‘amo’, the gents of Bring Me The Horizon are soaring to new horizons with an Electronic and Trip-Hop element that invites listeners from all backgrounds and walks of life into their dynamic Rock world.

Kicking off their sold-out Detroit show with “I Apologise If You Feel Something”, the gents hyped up the frenzied crowd by waxing and waning through their growing eclectic discography. Rounding to second with their hit single, “Mantra” and floating effortlessly into “The House of Wolves”, Bring Me The Horizon proved that they are a band that creates their own rules and fans are receptive and impassioned by their every move. Creating an experience of a lifetime, Oli Sykes created a frequency within the room at The Fillmore in Detroit last night that was both hypnotic, captivating and a showcase of the band’s immense growth over the years. Traveling back to their third studio album, ‘There is a Hell, Believe Me I’ve Seen It. There Is a Heaven, Let’s Keep It a Secret’, to play tracks such as “Antivist”, long-time BMTH diehard fans were enamored by Oli and the gents ability to capture the heart of the band’s ever-growing legacy within a two-hour set.

All Photos: Jessica Golich

Grab your tickets HERE to the remaining US dates of the ‘First Love’ Tour with Bring Me The Horizon, Thrice and FEVER 333.  

February 5 Chicago, IL Aragon Ballroom

February 6 Minneapolis, MN Armory

February 8 Dallas, TX South Side Ballroom

February 9 Houston, TX Revention Music Center

February 11 Denver, CO The Fillmore Auditorium

February 13 Los Angeles, CA The Forum

February 15 Phoenix, AZ Comerica Theatre

February 16 Las Vegas, NV The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Bring Me The Horizon Social Links:

Facebook • Spotify • Website

Categories
Music Reviews

Canadian Musician, Norine Braun, Releases New Album – ‘Through Train Windows’

Prestigious Canadian Singer/Songwriter, Norine Braun, lets both her talent and soul set free throughout her latest full-length album release, ‘Through Train Windows’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Sleeping Buffalo”, Norine’s vocals instantly captivate over a haunting acoustic guitar that is overcome with emotive prowess that spreads throughout the song in an enlightening way.  The second track, “I’m Going Home”, is a lyrically vulnerable step into confrontation with oneself as Norine attempts to figure out which way feels like home along her ever-changing road. “Jerkwater Town” is the third track that picks up the pace by taking listeners down a metaphorically rich dose of songwriting as lyrics such as “Life was good with a one-track mind” seep into the soul. The fourth track, “Exhale”, instantly begins with the feeling of a Jewel track back in her ‘This Way’ backs as another exquisite stirring of songwriting leaves listeners stopped dead in their tracks by Norine’s sheer writing abilities.

“Climbing Table Mountain” is the fifth track that changes the dynamic of the album as Norine takes the mic in hand and creates an atmosphere of overcoming while instrumentals that have pieces of Jazz flair mesh perfectly. “I’m Moving On” is the seventh track that is abounding with clarity as Norine reflectively tells the tale of a love that has gone sour as she lyrically confirms to herself that she is ready to let go and flow. The eighth track, “Rock the Rolling”, is an album highlight that begins with Jazzy instrumentals that carry an element of Trip-Hop as Norine bares all through mysterious songwriting that is fun, flirty and light. The tenth track, “Rue St. Jean”, feels like it walked out of a 1960’s sitcom in the greatest way as horns enamor and ignite energy reservoirs within listeners. “Crosses and Sweetgrass (Salvation)” is the eleventh track that opens with a haunting piano as Norine lyrically tugs at her side of the rope of a relationship that is losing balance.The twelfth track, “Heaven Only Knows”, eases into a raw lyrical inspection of what Norine could have done if she turned back time and tried again in this maze called life. Closing out with the title track, “Through Train Windows”, Norine ends on a high note with an uplifting dose of soul that makes listeners desire to get out there and live in this boundless creative world.

‘Through Train Windows’ is a poetically rich dose of humanness that is abounding with lyrical remnants of Norine’s life experience coming forward. Through accolades galore ranging from being a nominee for ‘Spiritual Artist of The Year’ by Western Canadian Music Awards to being the 2008 winner of the Los Angeles Independent International Music Awards Female Singer-Songwriter of The Year Jazz Category for her track, “Crystallize”, it is indented in Norine’s blood and veins to artistically bring forward both her light and pain. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Sheryl Crow, Paula Cole and Jewel then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Norine Braun on Soundcloud.

Norine Braun Social Links:

Facebook • YouTube • Twitter

Categories
Interviews

Interview: Gatherers

New Jersey Rockers, Gatherers, have spent countless hours on developing a concept and album that served as a dose of their Hardcore roots coming forward with heart. I caught up with the guys to discuss ensuring to keep their friendship at the forefront, comparing success and failure on social media, ‘We Are Alive Beyond Repair’, the importance of eating right and sleeping on the road and more.

Congrats on the success and release of ‘We Are Alive Beyond Repair’. Tell us about the creative and recording process and what you learned about yourself along the way.

Thank you! We started writing initial ideas for the album around winter of 2015 if I recall correctly. At the time Adam was in the process of moving into a new recording studio and I believe we initially started writing what would later become the opening track “Spill”. We were going through several member changes at the time so we had to explore a lot of ideas between bass, drums and vocals. In hindsight, I think it was a very healthy way to go about writing in a more focused direction. Eventually, Anthony and Rob joined on guitars respectively. They both provided a much needed perspective on the songs we’d been sitting on for months. We finally finished things off as a complete band by writing “Ann Liv Young” and “Starve.  I think writing and recording this record taught us to be more objective for what best served each song and the album as a whole.

Who did you work with on the album cover/photography for ‘We Are Alive Beyond Repair’ and how did you come up with the visual concept?

The album photography was lent to us by Evelyn Bencicova and is part of a series titled “Asymptote”  She’s an award-winning artist based in Berlin and has an extremely original way of building these “worlds” within her photography and filmmaking.  We discovered the photo early on in the writing process and felt that it also existed in the same world as the album we wanted to write. We reached out to her with demos and the album title and she was very receptive to the idea.  

Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?

To stop comparing our success and failures based on the facade of social media. It is a habit I battle on the daily, but I’m learning that we should only speak when it counts, to only think about our band within the framework of things that excite us, and to not get caught up in the rat race of everyone trying to “make it” overnight. Above all, I’m learning to value my friendship with my bandmates more.  

What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?

Any “culture” born on social media is very uninspiring to me. I think things now move at such a pace that the baseline for culture has been lowered, which means trends die even quicker with more people attached to them. I would be a hypocrite to not admit how valuable of a tool social media plays in the promotion of our own band, after all it has become this requisite extension of our music and art. However, I have a distaste for the way it herds people into various (very predictable) patterns of behavior. I notice it especially in new bands, touting the same style of content, the same way of speaking and so on. It’s all feels very commodified.  

No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.

We all simply try our best to respect our friendship to one another and to be the best versions of ourselves every day.

As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?

Eat right. Sleep right. Avoid excessive time on the phone. Take in the sights and make the most of each show. Also, it’s critical to make each other laugh as much as possible.  

You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years and have played at some major festivals. Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way.

Stay humble. Study other bands. Also, get your shit on and off the stage as quickly as possible!

What do fans of Gatherers have to look forward to in 2019?

We’ll probably end up touring a bit more and then who knows? We’ve been flirting with some loose ideas for our next album, so that might end up occupying our time towards the end of the year.  

Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!

Thank you for your support. Listen to Great Grief.  

Gatherers Social Links:

Facebook • Spotify • Website

Photo Credit: Kelsey Hunter Weinberger

Categories
Interviews

Interview: Ali Caldwell

Soulful, grounded in positive intent and delivering a Motown vocal style that listeners could never forget, Ali Caldwell is it. I caught up with the New Jersey Musician to discuss the Summer of 2019 release of ‘88’, her experience on The Voice, keeping her family and best friends close while touring, clearing space for a healthier mindset and more.

Congrats on upcoming release of ‘88’. Tell us about the creative and recording process in the studio and what you learned about yourself along the way.

‘88’ is scheduled to come out Summer 2019! The process is going really well and I am working really hard to make it perfect.

Let’s talk life beyond ‘The Voice’. How have you handled spreading your wings and transcending as a musician ever since you have moved on from your experience on the show?

After my time on The Voice I realized that I have grown so much as an artist. I have grown in my performance skills as well as vocally. Seeing the growth made me want to keep going harder, and I was very proud but well aware that I still have some growing to do and was ready to take on the world after coming off of such a platform on a high note.

Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?

I would worry about what people thought of me. If I was pretty enough. IfI was the perfect weight, if my hair was straight enough. Many non-productive thoughts would constantly run through my head so much that at one point it took control. Basically, lots of over thinking. Through growth, self-love and realization, I am in a much better head space then where I used to be but AS A HUMAN. I learned not to be too hard on myself and realize that no one is perfect.

What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?

I do believe that social media has literally taken over not only our younger generation, but the world. I admit It’s fun, but some don’t know how to separate the internet world from their actually reality, and to me that’s the scary part. But overall, I love the positive things about the internet and social media. I love the ability to touch and talk to my fans globally at the click of a button. For me it’s my vehicle to spread love and positivity worldwide.

No career path or number of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.

I’ve always taken a lot of pride in my relationship with my family. My grandmother is literally my heart, putting a smile on her face always makes me proud. I’m very proud of never getting in any trouble as a young lady coming out of high school and figuring out this thing called grown up life. I remained focused on doing whatever it takes to accomplish my goals. Being a focused and driven woman in a male dominated world especially in this industry; I take LOTS of pride in that. As a young girl I’ve always been one to never like to ask anyone for anything including my parents. I’ve always wanted to prove to them I can figure it out on my own and I have been doing just that for years making my parents and myself very proud. I take pride in being the best person i can be and spreading as much light and positivity to those I come in contact with.

As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?

Massive amounts of prayer! I’m never afraid to pick up the phone and call my parents,  grandma or best friends to bring me back to reality, and keep me grounded and humble. I make it a habit of keeping the circle of people around me clean and beautiful. I believe the energy we keep around us is very important when it comes to mental, emotional, and physical health. Peace and a stable mind are everything to me. I love life drama-free!

You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years and have played at some major festivals. Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way.

There are a few things I never forget. Some very important people have shared with me as advice and uplifting words of encouragement while touring and traveling (to name a few!) which are….

“Be Yourself, It’s Okay”

“Perform like it’s your last time”

 “Leave it all on the stage”

 Patti Labelle once told me, “People will hate for no reason, but your job is to remain a class act, smile, love them anyway, and then kick their butts later!”, and these words I have always kept with me and it helps me so much every day.

What do fans of Ali Caldwell have to look forward to in 2019?

My new album, ‘88’, will be released in the Summer 2019. new videos, more collaborations with some of my favorite singers, more show dates and a possible States tour and European tour. Of course, my limit is beyond the stars so who knows. I do know 2019 will be special. How special? MyAlikats (fans) and followers will have to stay tuned to watch and see.

Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!

I absolutely adore my Alikats. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. Without their undying support I wouldn’t have a following or a career, so I’m beyond grateful for each and every Alikat that loves and supports me and my journey and my dreams. I truly feel like we are riding this thing together. I can say thank you over a billion times and never get tired! It literally means the world to me. I’m very excited to share this new music. I can’t wait!

Ali Caldwell Social Links:

Facebook • Spotify • Instagram

Categories
Music Reviews

New York City Musician, Anne Steele, Releases New EP – ‘Made Out Of Stars’

New York City Musician, Anne Steele, is embodied and abounding with self-love throughout her recent release of her latest EP, ‘Made Out Of Stars’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Obsessed”, Anne’s instrumental style mimics the likes of the modern-day musical flair laced into songs composed by artists such as Purity Ring and Phantogram as Anne’s voice carries out a youthful vibrancy that is compelling to the light  heart. The second track, “Better”, is Anne’s lyrical proclamation to demanding better when it comes to her interpersonal relationships and stands tall in her decision to put herself in the driver seat of her life. “Love Somebody” is the third track that begins with an EDM beat that showcases Anne’s ability to reach into the souls of listeners of all walks of life as lyrics that make you stop in your track pour forward naturally. The fourth track, “I Miss Those Days”, lyrically travels back to days of struggle as Anne feels a place of comfort in the direction that her life is heading. “Love Can Take Us There (2019 Nash Overstreet Remix)” is the fifth track that is an absolute banger that laces in the early 90’s of House and Techno instrumentally as lyrics that are fun and inviting welcome a night of free and fluid love. The sixth track, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”, puts a twist on the Tears for Fears classic in a delightful way with Anne’s Pop vocals that mesh with the psychologically intriguing lyrical subject matter. Closing out with “Love Can Take Us There (Acoustic Version)”, Anne believes in the love that she has found and makes it known from a grounded and mature place.

 

 

‘Made Out Of Stars’ travels through a compelling lyrical narrative that dials back into the simple pleasures of life that are often overlooked or taken for granted. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Ingrid Michaelson, Colbie Caillat and Sara Bareilles, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Anne Steele on Soundcloud.

Photo Credit: Christopher Boudewyns

Anne Steele Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • YouTube