Track By Track: Jeremy Roske Breaks Down New Album HEART STORM

Jeremy Roske is a fierce advocate for change, and he’s harnessing the power of music to help him achieve it.

A founding member of the Earth Guardians, Roske has been touring and making music for over 25 years, consistently delivering songs that uplift and inspire. His latest album HEART STORM, released last October, is no different, providing listeners with a gorgeous collection that tackles profound topics that both wear on our souls and make us come alive.

Rooted in folk, HEART STORM is a soothing offering in a world of chaos. Lending a mesmerizing blend of world fusion, soul, and socially aware messages, the album will take fans on a beautiful, transformational, and utterly unforgettable journey through the most profound darkness and into a place where they can welcome love, compassion, and healing light.

Roske sat down with Musical Notes Global to break down the album, track by track. Discover his thoughts below.

1. “SEED”

The seed of this song was planted when I was fourteen years old, living in India, and had a life-changing encounter with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. The meeting stirred something within and ignited my spiritual journey. Om Mani Padme Hum became a central mantra throughout my life. While exploring and questioning my own existence, this song was born. The lotus flower growing out of the dark muddy waters and reaching for the sky in such beauty left a lasting impression and inspired this song. ‘Seed’ features singer-songwriter Sandrayati Fay, whose voice touches the soul and opens the heart. This was a destined collaboration, and I am so grateful and blessed to have her singing on this track.

2. “REMIND ME”

Inspired by a poem written by my older brother, ‘Remind Me’ feels like pinky-swear-pact you make with your best friend to stay up all night and not fall asleep until the sun rises. In essence, we are here to remind each other of our shared divinity and connectedness. The song is blessed with the flute playing of Avishai Barnatan. I love the duet like a dance of voice and flute. I feel like he captured the essence and emotion of the song. Every time I hear it, I am transported into another world.

3. “FOUNDATION"

I wrote ‘Foundation’ recently while living in Bali. It highlights and celebrates all that it takes to show up fully and live a life of passion and purpose. The lyrics shine a light on the inner and outer conditions I need to ground and align with my higher self. My Capoeira Mestre would always remind me to build my house on solid rock, not shifting sand. The catchy chorus drives the point home, and the third verse rap brings me back to my earlier days of making music.

4. “SURRENDER”

This song poured out of me a few years ago while living in India. I was confronted by situations beyond my control, and surrender was the only option left. With this song, I turn myself inside out for all to see. Filled with vulnerability, I let go of the known shore and allow myself to be carried by the river of life. It is about surrendering to the will of the absolute, and returning to the heart of true love, the ocean of mercy and compassion.

5. “A LITTLE LOVE”

‘A Little Love’ is a response to the intensity we are facing. It is a reminder that every action counts, and together, we can create a tidal wave of kindness. “All we need is a little love, a bit of care, a gentle touch.” Start small and watch how a little flame can grow into a mighty fire of healing and transformation. The song is uplifted by the enchanting sounds of the West African instrument, the Kora.

6. “STEADY SHE GOES”

'Steady She Goes' dives into the landscape of the heart. It is my journey of understanding what it means to be in a committed relationship. To keep showing up no matter what, even if my heart has been broken a hundred times. To feel the highs, I had to taste the lows and climb my way back to understand myself and know where I stand. 'Steady She Goes' is a mantra invoking the courage to be brave and live with an open heart. It is a reminder that nothing is permanent, there is a time to stick it through, and there is a time to let go.

7. “BELONGING”

‘Belonging’ tells the story of my lifelong relationship with the ocean, from my earliest memories playing in the waves to present-day surfing in different places worldwide. I have always felt at home in the water, a sense of belonging and peace. I feel held, loved, and understood by the ocean, and she is my greatest teacher. My intention with this song is to awaken an awareness that the planet's waters are a precious treasure and should be treated with love and respect.

8. “WARRIORS HEART”

I wrote this song during a very challenging time. I was confused and scattered, sucked into the drama of life. Navigating the precarious edges of my human experience, I felt empty, like a barren landscape. The pain caused me to retreat from others, and I built a fortress of protection around my heart. Diving into this pain and transforming it into words and music helped me find my way through that rocky terrain. I had to confront my despair and the price of forgetting who I really am. ‘Warriors Heart’ is a journey of remembrance, returning home to the Garden.

9. “MOMENTUM”

This song sprung forth after a 30 songwriting challenge. It was a tremendous motivating impetus that required me to dig deep, push my edges, refine my craft, and claim my artistry. I realized momentum is not an outside force but something that is generated from within. Every time I show up and take action, I move forward, and like a snowball, the energy keeps growing. In essence, this song is a constant reminder that I am responsible for my life and my experience. With this knowledge, I feel empowered to go the extra mile and manifest my dreams.

10. “VESSEL”

The lyrics of 'Vessel' came to me while on the set of one of the Indian feature films I acted in. I was waiting for hours and began to witness my thoughts and loops of negative self-talk. I hadn’t been given the script, and we were in the heat of shooting the movie. I wanted to be prepared for my scenes and to make the best use of my time. Feeling drained and fed up, I sat down, and in desperation, began to meditate. These words came out like a mantra. “I don’t need to know, I just show up. Presence is my only preparation. What is needed in the moment will manifest with ease. I’m a vessel, higher power flows through me.” My energy shifted, and I was lifted to another level of awareness and understanding. It was a decisive moment that transformed my entire experience. 'Vessel' is about my EGO getting out of the way so that my SOUL can shine.

11. “FAITH NOT FEAR"

I wrote this song at a significant transition point in my life. I had recently ended a twelve-year relationship that was fraught with challenges, learning, and growth. This song explores the journey from breakdown to breakthrough and what it takes to keep the faith. I choose to keep the recording of this song raw and real without any props or distractions. It felt like a fitting way to end the album.

Listen to HEART STORM below.