Formula Indie Sessions — Interview with Heron Lane
Heron Lane’s music is characterized by dynamic guitar parts, dreamlike lyrics, and emotional vocal delivery. The eclectic songwriting style is influenced by artists like Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, and John Frusciante.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My dad introduced me to his music collection early on. It was mostly rock from what I remember. We had one of those car radios you could insert your burned CD into. The artists were in alphabetical order, so all of our road trips started with Aerosmith.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I think I heard music in my head even before I played instruments. When I was eight or nine and not really good enough a guitar player yet to use the instrument to get my ideas out, I wrote my songs in Guitar Pro, which had terrible MIDI guitar sounds.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
Heron Lane began as a solo outlet where I could explore writing and playing almost everything myself. I’m essentially a one-man band in the studio. I was always fascinated by artists like Prince or Stevie Wonder who made music that way. It can be a daunting task, but it feels fulfilling to have my fingerprint all over my music. Of course, collabs have their magic too, so I’m going to explore both approaches in future projects.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Indie rock with dark, dreamy vibes and a strong yearning for freedom. I tend to use jazz-inspired guitar chords and unorthodox note choices. As a listener, I like music that surprises me, and I want my music to have an element of unpredictability.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I’m trusting my intuition more and more. I always check in with myself to see if a melody feels good to sing or if my arrangement complements the song. I let my instincts guide me rather than my intellect or anyone’s expectations.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I can get inspired and come up with a lyric, a melody, or an idea for a song structure anywhere, spontaneously. I’m known to hum melodies into my phone, and my notes app is full of lyrical ideas. So, in that sense, I don’t need much. When it comes to recording, I have a few guitars to choose from. I usually prefer Strat or Tele-style guitars, but I also like semi-hollow, 335-esque guitars for a more rounded, warmer sound. I used a Squier Jazz Bass on all of my songs. For keys, it really depends on the song. Sometimes it’s a mic’d upright piano, sometimes it’s a MIDI keyboard and plugin.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I love Hayley Williams’s first indie album, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party. The whole album’s great, and I get goosebumps every time she sings “strange fruit, hard bargain” in the song True Believer.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Everything and anything that happens to me can influence my music. I write differently when I’m in a different location or surrounded by different people. I often deal with my personal issues in my lyrics. Sometimes I realize something about my past or my behavioral patterns, and then I sing an old song and go, “Damn, I was already writing about this thing way back when; I just didn’t know it.”
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Hopefully, they will feel more free after listening and walk away with a new perspective. That’s how I feel when I listen to music that really connects. I don’t really like using that word, but it’s a spiritual experience.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
That acceptance and curiosity take you way further than brute force.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
There are many. If I had to pick one right now, I would say Red Rocks. It’s such a beautiful and iconic venue.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Interesting question. Past: David Bowie. Present: Hayley Williams or James Blake.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
Intimate Lies Live Session
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnieZzaEqSM
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1CMrTxah19W66e4N3HqEWf
YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@HeronLane
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/heronlanemusic/
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@heronlane
SoundCloud
https://soundcloud.com/heronlane
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/heronlanemusic
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Lots of new music. Intimate Lies was the first single off my EP odds & ends. The other songs will drop in December and early next year. I’m also currently working on a new solo album and a few collabs with other artists and musicians.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I want listeners to experience the audio-visual and emotional world I’m trying to build. I hope more people will make it part of theirs and feel a little more free and connected along the way.
