When we constantly make plans, worry or reflect about things in the past or future, it is easy to get lost in our own thoughts. We lose track of the here-and-now. The Song Gardeners’ upcoming single Present – to be released on April 12, pre-save/pre-order here – reminds us to focus and be one with the moment. It is an energetic, catchy and highly accessible New Age Pop song that inspires from the very first listen.
The Song Gardeners, a San Francisco Bay Area band, was formed in August 2019 by singer/songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Corrie Dunn and Mary Gospe. In October last year, they released their debut album. In my review, I wrote that: “When listening to People Passing Through, one can’t help focusing on the songs’ meaning and the optimistic, feel-good atmosphere. But beneath all of that are eight rock -solid pop melodies with a charming touch of New Age music. It is a sound that paves the way for New Age pop in the 2020s, which seemed very unlikely before this band entered the stage.”
Present
Present starts with a light rhythm and funky bass line. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself tapping along with the beat only 10-20 seconds into the song; the carefully crafted melody is 1980s-90s inspired pop, updated for the 2020s. The Nord keyboard sound delightfully analogue. At the same time, the lyrics are charged with New Age’s spiritual and emotional depth. It is the best of both worlds.
As with previous The Song Gardeners songs, the lyrics are highly important. This is not just a pretty melody with light singing in the background; this is music with a message:
Embracing a universal time zone
The past and the future letting go
In a world full of noise and confusion
Focus all of your senses
Breathe in the essence of calmness
Listen to what I say…
Notice how quickly Dunn and Gospe establish a “guided meditation” atmosphere, but without being dogmatic or “serious.” This has the vibe of a conversation between friends, and when you “listen to what I say” you will for sure get good advice. On the one side is the pandemonium of everyday life, on the other is a healthy, meditative state – best experienced together with someone you love. The pop sound further strengthens the friendly and playful mood.
Dropping into a state of awareness
Our hearts feel the connection
Amplify communication
Listen to what I say…
Be Here, Be Now
Be One with the moment
Feel the light shine deep in your soul
Everything leads up to the “Be One with the moment,” urging us to live here and now. It is the very definition of mindfulness, combined with The Song Gardeners’ patented dose of pop.
The cover photo underlines the song’s meaning. In nature, without all the distractions of the modern world, it is easier to feel present and “breathe in the essence of calmness.” Receiving a handpicked flower, or a heather, can be like a precocious gift. This is a song about being present while being together.
The single is not just charged with meaning; it is a genuine treasure chest for the synth enthusiast! The selection of 80s sounding analogue keyboards is outstanding. I’m sure the single’s producer, David Scheibner, had a thing or two to do with that. The bass line by James Butler is also great.
Present is, in short, a fabulous first single from what hopefully becomes a new album sometime down the road, featuring The Song Gardeners’ one-of-a-kind, genre-renewing style.
For more information and music samples, visit thesonggardeners.com.