LIGHT OVER THERE – Light Over There
aaamusic | On 03, Apr 2015
Singer songwriters Aileen Henderson and Rex Haberman live on opposite sides of the Atlantic, in Galway, Ireland and Minnesota, USA respectively. They’re quite an unlikely duo to be working together on a rock, country and Americana project.
Young Aileen Henderson, who sung country from an early age, grew up in a musical home and was introduced to Elvis Presley, The Dixie Chicks and Dolly Parton by her father. By uploading videos online she gained confidence from positive feedback and her YouTube channel now has over 68,000 views. She also raised €4,000 for her local cystic fibrosis charity by releasing a CD.
Veteran Rex Haberman has recently released a series of albums and EPs with socially aware band War Poets who play 80-100 shows a year. They’re also heard extensively throughout the USA on college, commercial and internet radio.
Aileen and Rex met through Twitter last year. They emailed each other and wrote 5 original songs together across the Atlantic. These were recorded at Drum Farm Studio in Menomonie, Wisconsin by well known Nashville musicians Jesse Isley (guitar), Adam Beard (bass), Tim Lauer (keyboards), John Richardson (drums), Lizzy Herder (vocals) and Jennifer Grimm (vocals). Aileen’s vocals were recorded in Ireland with Ray Diamond. The songs were then mixed by Grammy winner Joe Baldridge and mastered by another Grammy winner Richard Dodd. Curiously, Rex and Aileen have still not actually met in person!
Their surprisingly lively 5 track debut EP was released on St Patrick’s Day, March 17th 2015. ‘Where Memories Live’ is about dementia and the tragic toll it takes on sufferers and families who try to show empathy and understanding. ‘Solitude, Gratitude’ deals with the loneliness and isolation felt by those with a chronic illness, whilst ‘Mountain Song’ tells of people’s dreams and ambitions despite life’s injustices.
Aileen and Rex have been inspired by working together across an ocean, both aware of the others distant but actual and symbolic presence in the ‘light over there’. There’s a rocky rhythm to sounds which are unexpectedly upbeat and optimistic despite the very serious lyrics. Their songs may not offer answers, but within them can be found beauty, emotion and urgency.
