Leif Vollebekk - Southern Star
Leif Vollebekk is a singer-songwriter from Ottawa yet now is based in Montreal, Canada; who has sold out multiple tours across North America, Europe and and Australia. Later this year, he has plans to release a full album called "Revelation" on September 27th.
This one will surely be one to stay on the lookout for as the 11-track project features quite a few impressive artists as the supporting cast, some of which include legendary drummer Jim Keltner, steel guitarist Cindy Cashdollar and bassist Shahzad Ismaily.
"Revelation is both spiritual and down-to-earth, from the heavens above to the oceans below. The 11 tracks on Vollebekk’s Revelation combine narrative lyrics and many one-take lead vocal performances with cinematic arrangements, gorgeous sonics, well-placed space and lush orchestration. Vollebekk’s Revelation songwriting process was inspired by an exploration that began with Carl Jung’s I Ching and continued into the science of alchemy and the mystery of the divine. The final result is at once organic, earthy and celestial, with themes of nature -- water, astral constellations, mortality – woven into a meditation on living in an ever-changing present laced with existential doubt, the search for a higher power".
Yet, while we anxiously await that, today's focus is mainly on his newest single, "Southern Star"; right away I could tell it would become one of my favorites.
It has a softer opening, and overall a more chill tone. The vocals flow very smoothly and it is very heavy on piano, which brings forth more nostalgic or emotional tones. The lyrics have always been my favorite thing about music--how it allows me to break down concepts, themes and overall thoughts from the artist. This one is no different and as I started to go into the details, I realized it is a very relatable concept that is sure to ignite many emotions. A few lyrics stick out to me the most:
"Maybe I was born to wander, you took me a while to find. You know i still get shivers, when your voice rubs up on mine".
Just from those few lines, I already knew this song would hit so many people on a deep level; Love, the concept of it, and relationships that can dance around the subject is a part of life we all can relate to. Whether it is our forever partner, or just someone who was only a part of our journey, it is one we all feel. To me, these two lines really helped write a story of true love; when you find someone who you just feel so comfortable with. The person who was worth all the struggle or heartbreak you endured before finding them.
"Say, when love doesn't come easy, just know who you are. Baby, you're my southern star. "
This one also supports my last statement, that this song is meant to bring nostalgic feelings of love; or at least that is what it did for me. This line is giving value to the subject of the song; almost as if to say ' hey even when it gets hard, you are all i want'. I think this will register with many people in the fact that relationships are work; they aren't meant to be easy, but what matters is how you see yourself, and what you value.
Overall, I thought not only were the lyrics beautifully written but the instrumental aspect was also incredibly well done. There are many singer songwriters out there yet his music gives a very sophisticated level within it, that I feel like can be more rare to find. An artist who can immediately make you feel exactly what they're portraying, especially so quickly, is one to keep an eye on.
He has X, Facebook, Instagram and a website that I encourage you to check out and follow him on. His music is on Spotify and Apple music so you can easily check it out! I have full confidence in saying that his new album will be one for the books and you won't want to miss it.
Visit Leif’s official website here for music, info, and more!