By Chris Brock (Original URL)
Russell native Ender Bowen, a recording artist in Nashville, has reissued his third album, “Lemonymous” following a crowd-sourcing funding campaign.
The album, which will be released Sept. 29, has one track, “So Can’t I,” that will be available through iTunes as an “instant gratification” track beginning Sept. 15.
“Lemonymous” was originally released 10 years ago. The new version of the album, which includes a 16-page color booklet, has a separate companion CD of alternate takes and remixes called “Lemonymix.”
Ender Bowen, the stage name of Joel D. VanBrocklin, graduated in 1998 from Edwards-Knox Central School, where he was a member of the concert, jazz and marching bands. He graduated in 2002 from St. Lawrence University. Canton, with a bachelor of arts degree in music.
In response to emailed questions, Mr. Bowen said he decided to release the remixed and remastered “Lemonymous,” originally recorded in 2005 in Canton, for several reasons.
“At the time I started the process it was the only one of my albums where I owned the rights to all the music,” Mr. Bowen wrote. “It was the most eclectic collection of my work so it allowed me to ‘reintroduce’ myself in such a way that I could show all of the things I can actually do … In general I just think it’s my most colorful and interesting of my work.”
As an iTunes instant gratification track, the song “So Can’t I” will be able to be heard immediately beginning Sept. 15 if people pre-order the “Lemonymous” album.
“It’s my favorite song on the album, and one of the songs I always envisioned as being one of the singles, despite it being mostly instrumental,” Mr. Bowen wrote. “I feel it best reflects the nature of the album, which is a little unconventional and out there, by typical radio considerations.”
Mr. Bowen performs solo on all his albums. He describes his music as similar to the soaring, big sounds of U2 mixed with the heavier eclecticism of such groups as The Smashing Pumpkins. His music, which ranges from party music to introspective songs, also has elements of electronica. Some of his themes are drawn from literary elements, such as the works of author C.S. Lewis.
His other albums are “Neon Apocalypse,” released in 2001 and recorded at St. Lawrence University; “Scarlet Dawn,” released in 2003; and “Middle Aegis,” released last year. That album is a compilation of EPs and singles released from 2009 to 2013.
Mr. Bowen, who moved to Nashville a decade ago, is rehearsing and programming music for live gigs that he’s hoping to book in and around the city next spring. He’s also preparing to make a few music videos to go with his new release.
He is the son of Vickie Strate of Russell and Larry VanBrocklin, originally from South Russell but now of Hendersonville, Tenn.
The CDs “Lemonymous” and “Lemonymix” are available on Mr. Bowen’s website for $20 and $15 respectively. His website is at www.enderbowen.com.
The albums and songs from both albums will be available online at such sites as iTunes, Spotify and Amazon on Sept. 29.