With the debut of their latest single, “Ellis Island,” Actve Captve, the versatile rock/soul/pop band led by multi-instrumentalist Justin Han, explores the poignant and universal themes of love, loss, and hope.
The song artfully parallels the emotional turbulence of a heartrending breakup with the journey of immigrants who leave their homelands in search of new beginnings, much like the thousands who passed through Ellis Island in pursuit of the American Dream.
“Ellis Island” captures the dichotomy of leaving behind a cherished world while simultaneously holding onto the hope of creating a new one.
Drawing from Justin Han’s personal experiences, this new single delves deeply into the complexities of human emotion and relationships. Han, who initially trained as a classical pianist before embracing punk and blues drums, uses his broad musical foundation to inform ACTVE CAPTVE’s genre-defying sound.
The song, produced by Jason Heninger, mixed by Israel Doria, and mastered by Justin Colletti, stands as a testament to Actve Captve’s meticulous attention to sonic detail. Cassie Brandi’s soulful vocals add an almost gospel-like quality to the track, which is further anchored by the rock-solid drum work of Kyle May, recorded in Nashville, Tennessee.
In “Ellis Island,” listeners are invited into a deeply personal space. Its evocative lyrics and the band’s distinctive sound offer an immersive, cathartic musical experience that resonates with those who have navigated the complexities of loss and hope.
This single is a significant addition to Actve Captve’s repertoire, following their previous release “I Can’t Explain.” It marks the second track from their upcoming EP, titled Saudaze.
Actve Captve originated as Justin Han’s personal exploration of contradictions—the interaction between opposing forces within an individual or community, and the tension and dynamism that these conflicts generate. With his songwriting, Han probes deep into the human experience, aiming to embrace the contradictions that define us as individuals.
Their live performances have garnered attention for their captivating energy and authenticity. The band is committed to pushing the boundaries of musical expression, blending Han’s classical background with a raw, contemporary sound that continually evolves, reflecting the rich tapestry of modern music.
As Actve Captve continues its musical journey under Justin Han’s lead, the overarching message remains clear: creating music that connects with listeners on a profound level. Han’s goal, and that of ACTVE CAPTVE, is to evoke a wide range of emotions that remind us of our shared human experience.
In this way, “Ellis Island” is more than just a single; it’s an emotional narrative set to music, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys of love, loss, and the ever-present possibility of new beginnings.
Listen to “Ellis Island” below!
#Peace.Love.ActveCaptve
