It’s hard to say how long humanity has questioned whether life imitates art or art imitates life. Panteon‘s forthcoming EP, Travel Log 1, proves that both are true. Inspired by travel, culture and nature’s wonders, Yvonne Ambrée (the artist behind the wonders of Panteon), curates music, moving visuals and photography to capture the beauty of her experiences on the road. Each track on the EP is an ode to a specific locale, where she’s journeyed, looking for adventure and a musical muse.
Today, Impose has the exclusive premiere of Travel Log 1‘s second single, “Ballyvaughan,” which was written when Ambrée was visiting County Clair, up in western Ireland, and drawing inspiration from the rolling countryside and craggy Atlantic coastline. The title of the song – “Ballyvaughan” – comes from the small harbor village close to ‘The Burren’ — a unique rocky wilderness area. Boireann, means “great rock” in Irish and ‘The Burren’ is one of the most beautiful places Ambrée says she’s ever been.
Listen here:
The single art of the two horses was shot directly in Ballyvaughan on the morning she left, and here are a couple of the gorgeous moments she captured during her trip:
A place like this could pull the poetry out of anyone, but there’s something in the way Ambrée expresses it with her dreamy vocals, introspective lyrics, and sonic precision. Just like the Atlantic ocean waves, the single feels so big and overwhelming, yet breathtaking, calming and mystical.
In an interview with Impose, Ambrée describes the single, saying, “Ballyvaughan was written shortly after returning from travels to Ireland. It is a small harbor village on the west coast which marks the entrance to the Burren, a stone desert surrounded by the countries green fields. The song plays with the idea of strong movement – the piano taking over the part of big and engaging waves that never stop while on the other side the land is more peaceful than most other places you will encounter.The Atlantic Ocean is relentless in this area and it opens up a state of calmness and melancholia inside of me. One of the most remarkable places I’ve ever been.”
Additional vocals on “Ballyvaughan” are by popular Berlin-based indie duo Fewjar, and Jay Jennings (of Snarky Puppy) plays Flügelhorn on the song. Collaborating with amazing musicians is a huge part of Panteon’s backstory in both music and travel. Ambrée has globe-trotted all over the world touring and working with a wide range of artists, such as Sleigh Bells, Little Boots, Lulu Gainsbourg, Eli “Paperboy” Reed and legendary soul singers, such as Syl Johnson, Ann Sexton and Gwen McCrae.
Look out for the debut EP, Travel Log 1, on all DSPs on January 19th. The 6 songs, each a testament to Ambrée’s impeccable storytelling capabilities, were recorded in Berlin, Brooklyn (Crown Heights, Bunker Studios) and the legendary Sear Sound in Manhattan (John Lennon, David Bowie, Fleet Foxes) and mixed by Canadian producer Howie Beck (Feist, Jamie Lidell, Chilly Gonzales). Also, be sure to check out Panteon’s first single and gorgeous video for “White Jaguar.”
