“‘Deep Down‘’imagines the voices of both Mother Nature and the people who once lived on this now paved and controlled place.” – Americana UK
LOS ANGELES (June 24, 2022) – Joselyn & Don announce the release of their western gothic single “Deep Down” on August 17. It’s off the EP, Seeds & Bones, due out October 7. The voice of the song is Mother Nature with an attitude. She’s been covered up with concrete and denied for too long, but her voice shimmers with authority and seductive reasoning instead of anger.
“Deep Down” is the first single and follow-up of their 2020 debut album Soar. Its swampy guitars, powerful blues-tinged vocals, and ethereal lyrics embody the spirit of nature come to reclaim her wild heart in no uncertain terms. Don Barrozo’s heavy guitar hooks and rhythmic work are juxtaposed with syncopated drums, creating a hypnotic feel. Whether this is a song or a spell is debatable, but this western gothic blues will compel its listeners to dig in.
The inspiration for “Deep Down” came from a wetlands creek within walking distance of Joselyn & Don’s neighborhood in Los Angeles. It’s an oasis in the middle of the city that draws migratory songbirds, raptors, bunnies, and coyotes. The Tongva tribal village of Saangna was once located there, and people thrived there for millennia. The village sites are now obliterated, and the L.A. River is covered with concrete to control the flooding that once regularly renewed the area. But the spirit of that land and those people is still here, as are their descendants.
Joselyn Wilkinson grew up in Montana and used to slip away to the hills above her home to wander. She says, “I feel that nature speaks to us whenever we choose to listen. In the song ‘Deep Down,’ I become that nature spirit, expressing both my right to exist and my connection with the listeners, inviting them to reclaim their own wild hearts. My hope is that when people feel reconnected to the earth, they might be inspired to live more sustainably and protect their beautiful home.”
On Seeds & Bones, Joselyn & Don excavate their collective past and deepest fears through blues, folk, and jazz to plant their hopes for the future. Joselyn Wilkinson says, “These songs grow out of our desire for something better, for our planet, our society, our spirits, and our desire to share who we are.” The album was mixed by Sven Martin, who has appeared with Shakira, the Black Eyed Peas, and Liz Phair as a musician and now writes and produces songs for TV and film.
Seeds & Bones Track Listing
- Deep Down
- Give Up the Ghost
- Seeds & Bones
- Stay
- Light a Spark
About Joselyn & Don
Montana natives turned Angelenos, Joselyn & Don’s intoxicating music feels like a walk through mountain wildflowers and Southern California Joshua trees. Enter their wild garden – where blues, folk, and jazz form a dark understory illuminated with lyrical truth. Joselyn Wilkinson and Don Barrozo forage musical ideas from many sources and plant those seeds in rich Americana soil. Their 2020 debut album Soar was warmly received by critics and independent radio across North America, earning several charting positions, recognition in song contests such as Music City SongStar, and opening slots for Americana artists including Willie Watson, Chris Pierce and Hubby Jenkins (of Carolina Chocolate Drops). Wilkinson is the founder of the women’s global fusion band, ADAAWE, who has toured extensively and appeared with luminaries such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Leanne Rimes. She previously released two independent albums and toured with her band Wild Roots in the 2000s. Barrozo, a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer with many album credits, also serves as film editor for the long-running animated series “The Simpsons.”
Tour Dates
Jun 25, 2022 – Armstrong Theatre, Torrance, CA
Jan 27 & 28, 2023 – George Nakano Theater, Torrance, CA
Praise for Joselyn & Don
“Their debut album, Soar, finds Joselyn & Don exploring country roots, folk, and American soul. Joselyn’s sultry vocals lock you in from the very first track.” — Americana Rhythm Music Magazine
“That sensitivity to the environment informs “Storm” and other songs on “Soar,” just as their rhythmic buoyancy tinges them with hope.” — Bliss Bowen, The Argonaut
“In a stunning mountainside setting, the video brings the song to life in all its splendor. “Wayfarer’s Son” is a tale of responsibility and commitment, made beautiful by the duo’s fluid style.”— Americana Highways
“Thank you for putting on such a beautiful performance at our summer concert! We felt so blessed to have you share your wonderful talent and creative sweetness with us. You helped to make the show a success!” — Roxanne Hill
“Montana natives, Joselyn & Don, have crafted a unique track that showcases the power of the Missouri River as a metaphor to the differences that divide us…The instrumentation is balanced and raw, and the delivery in the vocal is captivating.” — Independent Music Reviews
“Rooted in Americana, the album takes the listener on a roller coaster of emotions and imagery.” — Nicole Marchesi, The Women of Country
“In these divided times, we need the poignance and edge of folk music to unite us. That’s where LA-based duo Joselyn & Don come in. Sonically, the tune presents layers of folk, Americana, and blues…guiding us forward beneath Joselyn’s rich, soul-inspired vocal.” — Underground Music Collective
