Category: Sounds

Van Plating, the captivating and genre-defying artist, unveils her third album, Orange Blossom Child, on September 15th, 2023. With an unwavering determination to capture the essence of Florida’s unique music, Van Plating embarks on a musical journey like no other. Behold the birth of what she aptly calls “Orange Blossom Country.”

Orange Blossom Child (OBC) is a mesmerizing musical world crafted by Van Plating, driven by her desire to create something truly distinctive. Throughout the album’s creation and mixing process, her influences naturally emerged, resulting in a sound that authentically reflects her upbringing. OBC blends elements of her family’s heritage -bluegrass and old-time/outlaw country – with the sounds that shaped her adolescence, such as Tom Petty, Jeff Buckley, and Bob Dylan. Van Plating’s natural vocal prowess and prominent violin playing define her artistic signature, while her personal voyage becomes a profound exploration of self-discovery.

Van Plating’s journey began after her time at Florida Southern College, where she immersed herself in the enchanting realms of violin and voice. In her twenties, she serenaded audiences as part of her band, Pemberley, named after the iconic estate in Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. Their success flourished as they shared stages with renowned acts like Copeland, The Postmarks, Matt Pond PA, and Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s. However, life took an unexpected turn, leading to a nine-year hiatus—a period of silence that eventually led to her triumphant return in 2019 with her self-titled LP, a melodic masterpiece reminiscent of Lilith Fair.

It was on her sophomore creation, The Way Down (2021), that Van Plating embarked on a transformative journey. Infusing her music with a touch of twang on the road to Americanatown, her songs delved into existential depths, resonating with wisdom and nostalgia that left a lasting impact on listeners.. The fresh evolution of her sound reverberated throughout the industry, earning her a coveted spot at Americanafest and critical acclaim from esteemed publications like No Depression, American Songwriter, Wide Open Country, Paste Magazine, Americana UK and more.

Fuelled by the success she garnered, Van Plating’s confidence soared. While meticulously working on demos for her next record, she also took on the role of producer for the debut album of a rising artist from upstate New York, liv. This collaborative venture ignited the spark that led to the blossoming of “Orange Blossom Country,” allowing Van Plating to explore new musical territories with artistic freedom.

Delving into the power of place and narrative, Van Plating’s upcoming album delves even deeper into the raw vulnerability rooted in her upbringing in rural Florida during the latter half of the 20th century. Each element, from the lyrics to the musical influences, intricately weaves together a sonic tapestry intimately tied to a specific time and geographical location. With a fusion of folk, bluegrass, 80s Tom Petty, and cosmic country rock akin to Graham Parsons, Van Plating masterfully crafts a heartfelt and evocative journey that serves as a love letter to her childhood in Orange Blossom Country.

Working tirelessly in her home studio in Lakeland, Van Plating poured her heart and soul into each song, meticulously crafting the album. Embracing collaboration, she invited 33 performers from the US and Ireland to contribute their talents, resulting in a harmonious symphony that mirrors the beauty of a flourishing botanical garden. The creative process was intensive, with countless facetime calls and text messages exchanged, mirroring the intricate interplay of petals and roots. By the end of this artistic endeavour, Van Plating’s eye started to twitch from the immense effort poured into every detail.

Prepare to be captivated by the electrifying jams that resonate from the core of Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers, as their musical roots intertwine with the very essence of the earth. Feel the soul-stirring lyrics reminiscent of John Anderson stir emotions deep within. This is an unassuming Americana album—a harmonious offspring born of violins, banjos, and guitars, wild and untamed like the unexplored marshlands. It aims to live in smoky bars where humidity hangs heavy, amplifiers crackle and sizzle with the fervour of a botanical storm. Yet, amidst this organic tapestry, this album fearlessly embraces the pulsating rhythms of drum machines and the hypnotic allure of Miami bass—why shy away when such harmonious alchemy awaits?

This is a music that springs forth from the fertile soil of honesty, transcending superficial trends and fleeting scenes. Its roots run deep, intertwining with passions that have ripened through the seasons of adulthood. Like resilient flora, it defies definition, much like the enigmatic Van Plating herself. Rather than confining herself to someone else’s container, she has cultivated her own garden—a sonic oasis where her unique brilliance blooms, unencumbered by convention or expectation.

So, wander into this botanical wonderland, where melodies sway like graceful branches, harmonies flourish like vibrant petals, and rhythms pulsate like the very heartbeat of nature herself. Let yourself be captivated by the allure of Van Plating and her audacious creation. Allow the power of music rooted in truth and authenticity to transport you to a realm where imagination knows no bounds.

“I want it to be really clear that I made this thing, this was my specific vision and my objective”, Van Plating affirms. “I am the Orange Blossom Child after all, and along the way, I invited people to join me in the process. The result is a creation that is so much larger, more colourful, and more lush than anything I could have created alone. No one is an island. This time, I didn’t create like one.”

Experience the captivating journey of Orange Blossom Child as Van Plating unveils her heart and soul, immersing listeners in the enchanting realm of her musical artistry.

Artist’s website: https://vanplating.com/

‘The Hard Way’: