Veeder fever: North Dakotan singer-songwriter releases Nashville-produced record

Music | June 3rd, 2015

“Northern Lights” will shine bright at The Stage at Island Park this Sunday for Jessie Veeder’s CD release concert.

The Watford City, N.D.-based Americana musician has been singing, writing music and performing since her teenage years. The now 31-year-old has released five full-length albums and has toured the country playing music. Her experience, along with her cherished talent and loyal-to-the-area song content, has led her to become one of the most important modern-day singer-songwriters in the state.

“Northern Lights” should easily go on to become Veeder’s most popular record to date. Of course, this is not to say Jessie Veeder’s older work is not fabulous. It is. It’s just that this new record is Americana magic. This popular western North Dakota woman, who’s also a newspaper columnist for The Forum, has really become an adroit songwriter.

Certainly, the work of Nashville recording professionals and musicians helped make the record great. The production and instrumental work, which includes fiddle, banjo, dobro, accordion, lap steel and guitar, is impressive. And the harmonies of Jessie with her father, Gene, found on a couple different tracks, are perfect.

Veeder’s bluegrassy Americana tunes, like “The Boat Song” and “Jiggity Jig,” bounce, pop and, yes, jig like never before. Her country-rock tunes, like “Kristina,” “Posted” and “Kids in Cars,” growl, wail and groove on another level. Her radio-ready folk-pop tunes, like “It Ain’t Easy” and “Work,” are more coherent, congenial and sing-song-able than ever before. Her slow ballads, like “Horses and Homes” and “Raining,” impeccably capture her calm confidence.

Yes, Veeder is a fine, exuberant singer. Yes, she writes tuneful melodies. Though more significantly, it’s her realness that bolsters her musical talent. What’s most impressive about Veeder is her remarkable ability to express her true character and life experiences through song. She can write meaningful lyrics, craft appealing music and express herself openly and then have these elements converge in the most beautiful way. “Northern Lights” is proof of this.

Jessie Veeder’s music is available on iTunes, Spotify and CD Baby. Visit jessieveedermusic.com for more information.