In this interview spotlight, I chat with Ender Bowen about the music, the challenges, the technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
I’m originally from Northern New York but have lived in Nashville, TN for 15+ years. I would describe my music as 80s/90s Alternative Rock/Pop highly inspired by acts like U2, Depeche Mode, Smashing Pumpkins, Muse and Garbage.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
I’ve wanted to be a pop/rock artist pretty much my whole life. I’ve actually been releasing music for two decades, since before I even graduated college. Initially I was inspired take on this journey because I straight up wanted to be a rock star, but after growing, maturing, and taking on more responsibilities I realized I wanted to inspire others to keep after their dreams and passions. Music is currently just one of the ways in which I do that.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
This particular project is very different from my previous works, most obviously in that it’s far more mature. I’m talking about things that adults probably closer to and older than 30 are going to relate to (rather than teens and post-grads). I started raising a family when I first began demoing for this album back in 2014, and the last 7 years have been both a struggle and an adventure trying to make this album while also raising a family. A lot of that has informed the themes and messages behind the songs in the album. Stylistically it’s a real mish-mash of all my biggest influences, with somewhat of a contemporary spin.
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
I didn’t face many more challenges during the pandemic than I was already facing before then, on account of having all of these adult responsibilities and obligations to handle… nothing really changed in that respect and, I think, sometimes it even got easier, especially since I was intending to release this album in 2020 and pushed it back once the pandemic began. It allowed me to let a lot of the stress off my back and put the best final touches on it.
What was the last song you listened to?
Jelly Belly by The Smashing Pumpkins… I started as a drummer and have an eKit in my studio, so I often exercise by drumming along with Jimmy Chamberlain.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
Vinyl, hands down. There’s nothing like holding actual music in your hands. Getting any of my music into vinyl is a long-term goal for me.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
My website is one of the best places, but in order to stick with the journey and get a whole lot of free music and exclusive content I would highly recommend subscribing to my mail list – EnderBowen.com/Subscribe
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
These songs are pretty much the songs I’ve always wanted to make. They’ve taken years – through ups and downs and real struggles. I hope they inspire others to never give up on what they are passionate about, not matter how long and arduous the journey may seem. Passion. Patience. Persistence. Those are the keys.
