By: Staff
Aster Rhys Mesmerizes with the Ethereal and Grounded Sound of "Crossroads"
Aster Rhys has released "Crossroads," and true to her signature style, she delivers a tremendous beauty in music with profound messages woven throughout. One of the most remarkable aspects of Aster’s music is how soft and gentle it opens, invoking a sensation of being deeply connected to nature. In a world where so much music is crafted in studios using electronic means, this can sometimes leave us feeling detached from our presence here on earth. Aster, however, gifts us the true sounds of nature, grounding and relaxing us as we immerse ourselves in the experience she creates.
The drumbeat in "Crossroads" stands out with its uniquely customized sound, serving as the backbone of the song from the very first moments. Its distinctiveness is palpable and sets the tone for the entire track. Alongside the drums, the beautifully used flutes are a perfect adornment to Aster’s powerful vocals, creating a harmonious blend of sound that is ethereal yet grounded.
Aster’s delivery of words carries immense depth and commanding presence. Her vocals are crisp, believable, projecting, and sustained, creating a theatrical platform that draws you in. You don’t just hear Aster sing, you visualize the performance, allowing you to fully place yourself within the song rather than merely observing it. The combination of her vibrato and the delicate flutes was a particularly striking and brilliant touch. Aster’s live performances must be like experiencing a full production and will absolutely wow live audiences worldwide.
While we’ve told you about the sheer beauty of this song, you can also dive deeper into the meaning and message behind "Crossroads" by reading the interview with the artist herself below.
You can find this release on any major platform, see below for links to take you straight to some of the profiles. Make sure to playlist, stream and share "Crossroads" by Aster Rhys!
Powerful Quote about this artist:
"Rhys' ability to merge rich folk instrumentation with mystical undertones has particularly stood out. The arrangement of acoustic guitar, flutes, and accordion is praised for creating a lush, cinematic soundscape that mirrors the profound lyrical content about fate and choice"
Wait… there's more!
We had the chance to catch up with Aster Rhys for an exclusive interview in "The Cage" Music Blog.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview
What inspired the poetic narrative of fate, spirituality, and life's uncertainties in "Crossroads"?
“Crossroads” was inspired by a time where I felt so viscerally–and literally–that I was at a crossroads in my life. It was late summer of 2020, I had been estranged from a partner of 7 years, I had left my day job, and I had moved from California. All a lot. Throw Covid on top of it and…well it really seemed like my personal world, and the world world, were really up in the air. Anything could happen. So when that previous partner and I reconnected and decided to see each other in person, as I was packing up my car and mapping out the drive from Michigan to New Hampshire, I had this intuitive sense that however this reunion would go would set into motion a series of events that would change the course of my life. It was like I was watching myself from some far off place, another dimension or time, and had this foresight. And that is the spirit I channeled into “Crossroads.” We all have these moments, these inflection points where we look back and can pinpoint them as the impetus for how life unfolded since then… and when you’re able to tune into that feeling in the present, that can feel otherworldly.
Can you tell us more about the metaphor of crossroads in the song and how it represents life's choices?
A crossroads is a significant motif in folklore and mythology. It is a liminal space where deities, devils, and guides can appear. Crossroads can take you to another dimension, to the underworld, to your life’s purpose. And ultimately what a crossroads represents is a field of choice, a multiplicity of choice combined with a directive: you’ve got to go somewhere. You can’t stay still. A crossroads is a call to change and there is no keeping yourself from that change. It’s going to happen, no matter where you step. So, try to choose wisely, use your intuition, and consider who is “the guide of your intention.”
We read the song was written after a road trip from Michigan to New Hampshire. How did that journey shape the lyrics and mood of "Crossroads"?
Yeah, I was literally writing this song while on the road and the lyrics definitely reflect that. Being at a crossroads is a metaphor, yes, and also driving on real roads, real highways, being in a transient state was actually happening at the time. The lyrics reflect that, specifically the repeated line of “I find the yellow brick road, and running white lines of light, they’re mine… and of my kind.” And on the mood… “Crossroads” is brooding. There’s a sense of anticipation, a hauntedness that comes through, a harbinger of what’s to come. It’s anticipatory, giving that feeling of there’s something on the other side, even if you don’t know what it is, and it’s calling you.
How do the themes in "Crossroads" connect to the broader journey you're exploring with your upcoming EP Four Directions?
“Crossroads” is part of a larger exploration of cardinal directions and elements, a driving theme of nature-based and pagan religions. “Crossroads” is the air song, and the composition and instrumentation reflects that. I wrote this song channeling air, the sound of the wind, bird calls, intermittent silence—and then recording it at Off The Row Studio, collaborated with multi-instrumentalist Jeff Taylor of The Time Jumpers to amplify that feeling with accordion and flutes. “Crossroads” is the first song of the series, and as the element of air, corresponds with the eastern direction—an invocation, and nod to new beginnings that originate in the East.
In what ways do you think "Crossroads" speaks to listeners who are at their own crossroads in life?
I think “Crossroads” calls listeners to ask themselves whether they are at a crossroads in their life, to examine that. There’s an invocation of self-awareness, of intuition, and of fate: who is it that you want to be? What life do you want to live? Are you honoring (or do you even know) your authentic self, and if not, what will you do to change that? Every day is an opportunity. And it’s an opportunity that we too often forget. Choice is not an illusion. There can always be an explanation or an excuse. But ultimately, we are making a choice in every waking moment. That realization can be daunting. Or empowering. So “Crossroads” is ultimately asking: what is it that you will do? In any moment, at any time, at any juncture.
Can you tell us about your time recording in Nashville and how it shaped your latest work?
Recording with Off The Row Studio in Nashville felt like an otherworldly experience. They originally reached out to me on Instagram with the opportunity to be a Breakout Artist at their studio, and record an EP with a full band and production, and tuning into my intuition, I knew I was to go there. Houston, the Producer, was excited about the concept and the opportunity to bring in different soundscapes and instrumentation. The musicians I met—Matt Bubel on drums, Mark Prentice on bass, Danny Parks on guitar, and Jeff Taylor on accordion and flutes—picked up and tuned into the songs immediately. Sharing the stories of these songs and singing with them, I felt the energy rise in the room. It was a whirlwind of about just two days. I lived and breathed and vibrated with the music. The music grew during that time through the talent, interpretation, and contribution of everyone there. And, on top of that I worked with Erin McCaffrey (Photographer) to do a full photo series with different looks that correspond to each song/ element. I very much appreciate the visual dimensions, the symbology and color and landscapes, that can amplify the stories of my songs. It’s like creating a living painting, and I embrace it.
End Interview
We’re thrilled to have shared this artist’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
Now, click the links below to experience their incredible work firsthand!
Check out this latest release and listen to more of Aster Rhys on Spotify & YouTube.
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