Episode 13: Listening Party- Van Plating's Orange Blossom Child
On today's episode, we are deep-diving into Van Plating's new album Orange Blossom Child.
We'll listen to the album from beginning to end and hear the background behind each song from the woman herself!
Join this very special listening party and let us know what you think! What other albums would you like a deep-dive into?
Van Plating, the captivating and genre-defying artist, unveiled her third album, Orange Blossom Child, on September 15th, 2023. With an unwavering determination to capture the essence of Florida’s unique music, Van Plating embarks on a musical journey like no other. Behold the birth of what she aptly calls “Orange Blossom Country.”
Orange Blossom Child (OBC) is a mesmerizing musical world crafted by Van Plating, driven by her desire to create something truly distinctive. Throughout the album’s creation and mixing process, her influences naturally emerged, resulting in a sound that authentically reflects her upbringing. OBC blends elements of her family’s heritage—bluegrass and old-time/outlaw country—with the sounds that shaped her adolescence, such as Tom Petty, Jeff Buckley, and Bob Dylan. Van Plating’s natural vocal prowess and prominent violin playing define her artistic signature, while her personal voyage becomes a profound exploration of self-discovery.
Van Plating’s journey began after her time at Florida Southern College, where she immersed herself in the enchanting realms of violin and voice. In her twenties, she serenaded audiences as part of her band, Pemberley, named after the iconic estate in Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. Their success flourished as they shared stages with renowned acts like Copeland, The Postmarks, Matt Pond PA, and Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s. However, life took an unexpected turn, leading to a nine-year hiatus—a period of silence that eventually led to her triumphant return in 2019 with her self-titled LP, a melodic masterpiece reminiscent of Lilith Fair.
Delving into the power of place and narrative, with raw vulnerability rooted in her upbringing in rural Florida during the latter half of the 20th century. Each element, from the lyrics to the musical influences, intricately weaves together a sonic tapestry intimately tied to a specific time and geographical location. With a fusion of folk, bluegrass, 80s Tom Petty, and cosmic country rock akin to Graham Parsons, Van Plating masterfully crafts a heartfelt journey that serves as a love letter to her childhood in Orange Blossom Country.
Working tirelessly in her home studio in Lakeland, Van Plating poured her heart and soul into each song, meticulously crafting the album. Embracing collaboration, she invited 33 performers from the US and Ireland to contribute their talents, resulting in a harmonious symphony that mirrors the beauty of a flourishing botanical garden. The creative process was intensive, with countless Facetime calls and text messages exchanged, mirroring the intricate interplay of petals and roots. By the end of this artistic endeavor, Van Plating’s eye started to twitch from the immense effort poured into every detail.
This is an unassuming Americana album—a harmonious offspring born of violins, banjos, and guitars, wild and untamed like the unexplored marshlands. It aims to live in smoky bars where humidity hangs heavy, amplifiers crackle and sizzle with the fervor of a botanical storm. Yet, amidst this organic tapestry, this album fearlessly embraces the pulsating rhythms of drum machines and the hypnotic allure of Miami bass—why shy away when such harmonious alchemy awaits?
“I want it to be really clear that I made this thing; this was my specific vision and my objective,” Van Plating affirms. “I am the Orange Blossom Child, after all, and along the way, I invited people to join me in the process. The result is a creation that is so much larger, more colorful, and more lush than anything I could have created alone. No one is an island. This time, I didn’t create like one.”
