Nashville-based duo BOWEN * YOUNG embarks on a musical journey with their debut album, Us, a melodic tapestry woven by the harmonious souls of Clare Bowen and Brandon Robert Young. Produced by acclaimed Americana songwriter/producer Sean McConnell, their 10-track revelation is slated for a global release on May 3rd via Snakefarm/PIAS.
Hailing from rural Australia, Clare, and Connecticut native Brandon infuse ‘Us’ with haunting, ethereal songs that delve into the depths of ferocious love, heartbreaking loss, and unwavering hope. Their musical collaboration, aptly named “Cinematic Americana,” is a testament to the emotive songwriting, honest lyrics, and hypnotic harmonies that encapsulate their special bond.
In the luminous shadow of their individual backgrounds, Clare, famed for her role as Scarlett O’Connor in ‘Nashville,’ and Brandon, a seasoned musician touring with legends like John Hiatt, share a common North Star—sweeping emotion, intimate moments, and bombastic sound.
The couple’s creative synergy found its missing piece in Sean McConnell. The revelation struck while composing ‘Water To Wine,’ a song that seamlessly captures the essence of their profound connection. Yet, life’s shadows emerged in the form of ‘Dangerous Love,’ a single born from a harrowing experience when an assailant invaded their home. Undeterred, Clare and Brandon transformed adversity into art, choosing joy over fear.
Entering the studio with McConnell and producer Roger Alan Nichols, they discovered the sweet spot of true emotion, using their crackling energy as the cornerstone. From the stripped-back ‘Halo’ to the unpolished honesty of ‘To The Bone,’ each track on ‘Us’ resonates with the authenticity of their musical journey.
Clare’s arrival in Music City in 2012 marked the beginning of a musical voyage with luminaries like Vince Gill and the Zac Brown Band. A pediatric cancer survivor, her life story adds a poignant layer to their narrative, emphasizing the resilience to embrace both light and dark.
Brandon’s journey, beginning in 2000, unfolds with nights spent filling composition books with melodies in Nashville. His collaborations with John Hiatt and contributions to projects such as ‘Johnny Cash Forever Words’ showcase the breadth of his musical prowess, heard in shows like ‘Shameless’.
Fate orchestrated their union in 2013, when Brandon became Clare’s last-minute duet partner. Their unique chemistry blossomed into love, culminating in a magical proposal at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and a union officiated by John Carter Cash in 2017.
The couple’s musical saga continues to resonate globally such as sharing the stage with Billy Joel at BST/Hyde Park last year, a headlining US tour, and an astounding 838% growth on Spotify. The spotlight has embraced them, and the world eagerly awaits the May 3rd release of ‘Us.’
As the pages turn to 2024, the duo anticipates their return to the UK for the Highways Festival at The Royal Albert Hall on May 17th & 18th among other exciting opportunities. The symphony of BOWEN * YOUNG continues an enchanting tale of love, resilience, and a harmonious odyssey through the corridors of life and art.