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Bess Hepner releases first full-length album “17-24”

We’re so excited to celebrate the release of Bess Hepner’s first solo studio album “17-24,” recorded right here at Rolling Crone Studios in Seattle, WA. This is a auto-biographical compendium of songs that Hepner composed between the ages of 17-24, and spans her move from small-town Massachusetts to the tall trees and bustling city-scape of Seattle, WA. Making up the heart of the album is Hepner’s voice and storytelling, which spans from subtle and sublime (as on “Call my Name”) to poignant and powerful (as “Bowl of Fruit”). Gently and firmly supporting the album is Hepner’s excellent classical and funk influenced guitar performance. To give a sense of time and place to the sonic storytelling, Hepner has included a number of field recordings taken over the 8 years covered in this project.

From Hepner about the album, “I wanted to create a project that was a cathartic reflection of coming of age, an experience that everyone shares.” We think you’ll agree that the album manages to be both deeply personal, and personally relatable!

-Doug and Erika @ Rolling Crone Records

released April 26, 2019

Isaac Castillo Releases First Solo EP, “Dear Earth”

Rolling Crone Records is extremely pleased to announce the release of multi-instrumentalist Isaac Castillo’s EP, “Dear Earth.” This 7 song EP is a love letter to the earth that takes us on a journey which mirrors the artist’s own awakening and understanding of environmental issues, his place within the larger biological systems of our Earth, and of working through the grief of loss for degradation that has already gone too far. In songs like “Believe in Blue” and “Invisible World”, Isaac describes to us his deep connection to nature that he gained through learning about the ocean, and reminds us that we are as connected to the life beneath the surface as we are to each other.

Isaac’s skill as a musician is aptly displayed as he jumps from guitar, to ukulele, to upright and electric bass. In particular, the solidity and groove of the bass performances on the album will excite music appreciators from all backgrounds. The EP also features several other talented musicians including Drew Martin on banjo, harmonica and 12-string guitar, Beth Fleenor on bass clarinet and percussion, and Erika Lundahl on vocal harmonies.
The album is available on Bandcamp (preferred), Spotify, Itunes, Youtube Music and more.

Isaac Castillo is a multi-instrumentalist songwriter based in Seattle, Washington. For over ten years he has traveled the country, playing bass in bands whose styles have ranged from RnB, bluegrass, to avant-garde jazz and classical. His debut album as a solo musician, “Dear Earth” is available now.

#Enough– new release from RCR artist Isaac Castillo

In solidarity with the #StudentWalkout today, we’re proud to release Isaac Castillo‘s mashup song featuring Arthur James. We’ve had #ENOUGH. Thank you March for our Lives​ and National Student Walkout Against Gun Violence​ and the students of Parkland, Florida for your leadership. This song is for you with love.

Here’s a statement from the artist:

There are students being shot and killed at schools across the United States. As a music teacher, I have seen lockdown drills and the awareness of gun violence become commonplace to students who are too young to even pack themselves a lunch. We hide in our classroom and hope these drills, hiding behind desks and barricading doors, never become reality– the reality of violence we see time and time again. These are not soldiers, these are not police officers. They are students. They are children. I dedicate this song to those who have been robbed of their chance to live a full life and to those of us who still have a chance to save the lives of so many hopeful and strong willed students. Students have a right to learn, thrive and feel safe in their classrooms.

By supporting #MarchForOurLives, you support a student-led resistance to this cycle of violence. Thank you!