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Renee Maskin a staple of the thriving music scene in Asbury Park, NJ, and today at The Big Takeover is premiering the track, “Jaques Cousteau,” from the upcoming Chansons de lune Split EP, a collaboration with fellow New Jersey artist SONOFDOV (Dennis King). The song showcases Maskin’s distinctive blend of indie folk, country, and modern rock influences, continuing her tradition of producing delicately crafted songs that resonate deeply with listeners.
“Jaques Cousteau” is a prime example of Maskin’s ability to merge poignant lyrical content with engaging musical arrangements. The song features quiet and contemplative ocean imagery, which Maskin describes as a metaphor for inner exploration. “With ‘Jaques Cousteau’ I was playing on the idea of inner-exploration by singing about this quiet and contemplative ocean imagery. The line ‘body of water made of me’ gives it away. Are we really singing about the bottom of the ocean, or are we singing about the bottom of our hearts?” Maskin explains. The track’s bouncy drum beat and nylon guitar give it a summery feel, making it “beach music for introverts.”
The Chansons de lune Split EP, recorded in 2023 and 2024, is the latest effort from Maskin and SONOFDOV, bringing together their imagery-laden songwriting and textural sonic palettes. The EP is designed to be experienced in one sitting, as it moves seamlessly from one sphere to the next, exploring themes of the tangible and intangible, our physical world, and the meanings behind our experiences. Joe Palmisano’s pedal steel adds a unique layer to the sound, enhancing the overall experience.
Renee Maskin has been making waves in the music industry with her prolific output, having released three solo LPs in three years. Her work draws from a deep well of influences, ranging from country to garage to modern indie-rock. Maskin has opened for a wide range of acts, including Jon Langford (Mekons), William Tyler, Del Amitri, Tyler Ramsey, and notably toured with her former group, Lowlight, in support of The Pretenders. She was named “Songwriter of the Year 2023” by New Jersey Stage Magazine, and her most recent LP, Shimmer, was recognized as one of 2023’s National Top Albums by The Aquarian.
With “Jaques Cousteau” and the Chansons de lune Split EP, Renee Maskin and SONOFDOV invite listeners to embark on a journey of introspection and exploration, set against a backdrop of beautifully crafted indie-folk music. This release is poised to be another standout in their impressive catalogs, offering a unique blend of sound and meaning that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
Visit Renee on her official website
