Skateboard Dreams - Kristen Rae Bowden’s Ride Through Young Love and Freedom

Kristen Rae Bowden’s music is a blend of vulnerability and strength, exploring the delicate balance between conscious and subconscious memories.

Her Americana sound is characterized by its rich, layered acoustic elements. For Kristen, songwriting serves as a cathartic process —transforming personal struggles and emotional turmoil into art that resonates with listeners on a profound level.

For Kristen, songwriting is a profound form of transformation — transforming personal struggles and emotional conflicts into art that connects with others on a deep level. Her piano driven compositions and expressive vocals create a rich tapestry of sound that captures the essence of her experiences and emotions. Influenced by artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Radiohead, and Kate Bush, Kristen embraces the full spectrum of human emotion in her music, mixing it with her own distinctive style to produce songs that are as poignant as they are evocative.

In her latest single, "Skateboard," Kristen captures the exhilarating rush of young love with a warm, sun-drenched vibe.

The song draws a vivid parallel between the thrill of falling in love and the risky excitement of skateboarding, where the joy of the experience comes with its share of risks.

Co-written with Joe Lawlor (Egypt, Dave Matthews Band), the track features shimmering guitar tones and a polished production, thanks to mixing by John Alagia (Lukas Nelson, Ben Folds) and Pedro Laet (Mt. Joy, DMB).

“Young love is a mix of freedom, heart-racing excitement, and scary vulnerability—there’s a reason we call it falling,” Kristen says.

By drawing this analogy, she captures the essence of a feeling that resonates with anyone who has experienced the intense rush of young love.

The mix achieves a flawless balance, with Jansveld’s mastering infusing the track with a warmth that deepens its inviting atmosphere.

Musically, "Skateboard" displays elements of indie-pop, folk, and alt-country elements, bringing them together into a cohesive sound. This mix achieves a flawless balance with mastering by Whynot Jansveld adding a final touch of clarity and warmth.

Kristen's musical journey began in Boone, North Carolina, where she grew up in a musically gifted family. At just 5 years old, she impressed her family by playing the melody of "The Rose" on piano by ear, showcasing her natural musical talent. Her ability to harmonize with everyday sounds, like the garage door, was evident from an early age. Raised in a home where music was a central theme, Kristen was profoundly influenced by her father’s passion for music. This influence extended to her siblings, many of whom are now professional musicians, including her brother Richard Bowden, who tours as a fiddle player with Ryan Bingham.

With a successful debut album and increasing recognition for her live performances, Kristen continues to reflect on the power of her music.

“Few things can create an intimate connection between strangers like a song,” she says. “I hope people feel like these songs truly understand them, like someone out there knows exactly how they feel.”

Kristen’s music creates a space where listeners can connect with their own emotions and experiences, bridging the gap between her personal journey and that of her audience.

Stay connected with Kristen Rae Bowden on her Website

Listen to music on Spotify and YouTube Music.