Kristen Rae Bowden’s latest single, “Skateboard,” is a shimmering indie-pop anthem that captures the heady thrill of young love and the unfiltered freedom of late summer nights.
This song feels like an invitation to relive those golden moments when the world seemed wide open, and every emotion was amplified.
The opening guitar riff played by Joe Lawlor (Dave Matthews Band) immediately evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia. The guitars blend shimmering clean tones with a hint of crunch. Bowden’s vocals are tender yet powerful, and bring a folk-inspired quality that works together with the indie-pop vibe of the song.
The lyrics of “Skateboard” have amazing vivid imagery: skateboarding under the stars, the wind rushing through your hair, and the excitement of being young and free.
Bowden captures the essence of those fleeting moments, singing about the joy and uncertainty of first love with a sincerity that’s impossible to resist:
“Young love carries this sense of freedom, heart-racing excitement, scary vulnerability… there’s a reason we call it falling,” Bowden reflects. By drawing a parallel between the exhilarating risk of skateboarding and the emotional rollercoaster of young love, she taps into a relatable experience.
Feeling so high / When you’re driving all night / To my front door / And it’s after midnight
And the pressure’s so high / And I’m not sure / ‘Cause what do I know / Oh, what do I know / I’m as young as I’ll go
Oh, young as I’ll go / And I might be crazy or stupid in love
Production on “Skateboard” is highly polished yet retains an intimacy, thanks to the skilled hands of John Alagia and Pedro Laet, who have worked with the likes of Lukas Nelson, Ben Folds, and Mt. Joy.
The mixing strikes a perfect balance that allows Bowden’s voice to soar while the layered guitars add a rich enveloping backdrop. Jansveld’s mastering adds a warmth that enhances the song’s inviting feel.
Raised in Boone, North Carolina, in a family where music was a constant presence, Bowden taught herself piano by ear and took cues from artists like Ben Folds and Billy Joel. Her formal musical education included classical flute training and a dual BFA in acting and musical theater from Elon University where she was deeply influenced by the songwriting of Stephen Sondheim.
These early experiences laid the foundation for her unique approach to storytelling through music.
A pivotal moment in Bowden’s life came after the passing of her father when she began writing her own songs at 18. Music became a means of processing her grief and finding her voice. A phase of personal growth and artistic exploration ignited her adventurous spirit, taking her to Hawaii, where she lived off-grid and brought June Carter and Johnny Cash duets to life in performances across the islands.
Eventually, Bowden settled in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she has become an integral part of the local music scene. She has performed with various bands, played at festivals like Roosterwalk and Floydfest, and held a long-standing residency at a local bar. Her debut album released in 2019 marks the beginning of her solo career.
Kristen’s collaborations with Joe Lawlor have been a significant part of her recent musical journey. Together, they’ve performed at the Dave and Tim weekend in Cancun and opened for acts like New Potato Caboose, BoDeans, and TR3 featuring Tim Reynolds. Bowden has also shared the stage with notable musicians such as George Porter Jr., Tim Reynolds, and Rashawn Ross.
Kristen Rae Bowden’s music is characterized by its raw vulnerability and her ability to translate universal emotions into personal stories.
“Skateboard” is a nostalgic ride that captures the essence of what it means to be young and in love, and blends folk roots with a modern indie-pop sensibility that feels both fresh and timeless.
Connect with Kristen Rae Bowden:
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