Music Review – Jennifer Saran – Rise Up Time
I’m a big fan of this track, the optimism and the overall message within the lyrics and the accompanying video are exactly the kind of art the world needs. It’s a feel good song, the lead vocal has a certain sort of joy within it, so it’s not the lyrics alone doing the work, there is a genuine level of care and good will incorporated in the expression. The melodies used in both the verses and the chorus are fantastic, joyful, memorable, the perfect length at each point so that the whole song gets into your mind and stays there – in a good way. It’s a song that makes you feel good, but it asks a lot of important questions, so it makes you think about others, the way you are in the world, what you might be able to do to help. It’s great, the vocal choruses and harmonies add a wonderful dynamic that means, everything else aside, this would sound brilliant with a huge audience of singers joining in. I’d love to see and hear it being performed live.
The video to go with this track is equally lovely, a really great job done production wise, and the concept of making a change and moving forward through hardship is consistently highlighted, yet in a positive and ultimately possible manner – these kind of changes are within reach, and everyone has the power within themselves to make a difference. The optimism is the key I think, it’s not just a dreary song about struggle and poverty, not that there’s anything wrong with that, every piece of music has it’s place and it’s power, but this one seems to me to be a song about possibility and hope; that’s what comes across, from the melodies and the music, and the general expression and mood suggested by the lead vocal. I was actually reminded a little of the more philanthropic or humanitarian tracks that Michael Jackson released back in the day. I think it’s brilliant, I hope to hear more from Jennifer Saran.
By Rebecca Cullen
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Jennifer Saran: I grew up all over the world. Chicago, Switzerland, Egypt (Cairo/Alexandria), with a varied education. While I loved singing I didn’t have any plan, as a young woman, to be an artist. In fact, singing as any organized activity came to me later, as an adult hobby. Recording music happened as a coincidental convergence of events and relationships. Happily so!
Jennifer Saran: The album name Walk With Me came from my favourite song on the album. By Favourite I meant ‘special’ in its origins musically and lyrically. Lyrically, it came from early days of my relationship with my late husband. We came from different cultures, countries, backgrounds; and it became a journey of trust that we would figure it out.
Jennifer Saran: I don’t agree with music sharing as Napster used to do; you take away the incentive for creativity when you ‘stream’ people’s work and artists have no way to even gauge the popularity of their art . It’s like asking someone to take a job and then selectively deciding not to pay them wages. However an artist can ‘choose’ to give music away for free – as a way to expose their talent to a broader audience. Buying the music is the ultimate respect.
Jennifer Saran: I am not qualified to advise on tips because the reason I am in this space now is due to the efforts of so many wonderful people and their belief in me and in what we’ve created together. I’m a complete novice in promoting myself. I truly went down this path for the love of music, singing, and thereafter because the experience of working with Narada and the Tarpan team, and my management team at The Record Label. I would only stress two things; love what you do and never stop trying to be better.
Jennifer Saran: I draw from my feelings, about events, people, situations, good or otherwise. It was a bit random at first but now I actively think about how I’m feeling about those things and whenever an idea comes up, I focus on it and try to express it in rhyme.
Jennifer Saran: Yes – www.jennifersaran.com. You can also find me on www.facebook.com/jennifersaranmusic,www.twitter.com/jennsaranmusic , www.youtube.com/ jennifersaranmusic
Jennifer Saran: Time is really the issue. There’s never enough. With half a year off I’d try to spend more time with family while working at ways to create more opportunities for less fortunate people or communities.
Jennifer Saran: So far it’s social media, radio and video platt, and word of mouth.
Jennifer Saran: Happy to talk about anything real. Narada and I are working on another album, started since the release of Rise Up Time.
Jennifer Saran: Probably more of what I’m already doing; singing with our Choir in Hong Kong, doing more with the businesses I have, more time with family with three kids living across the globe, likely travel to see old friends from time to time. And…., oh yes, I’d get more sleep and do more yoga and tennis-any kind of exercise.
Jennifer Saran: Not easily. Something always gives….usually it impacts time with friends and sleep. Used to be better at juggling. Seems that probably made me take on more. Trick is figuring out what to let go of.
Jennifer Saran: Definitely hope to finish the new album with Narada and some live performances towards the latter part of the year. I’m not sure I’m a ‘big stadium’ kind of girl. But I do love smaller intimate surroundings. Let’s see what the Universe throws our way.
