EP PREMIERE: Lake Haven 'Transitions'

Lake Haven is the solo project of Ian Morrison, a 2018 graduate of Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music. Morrison studied classical music and jazz as a bassist in his undergraduate studies, but did an independent study in recording and audio technology. His debut EP, Endless Nights (June 2018), was the product of this study. Lake Haven as a full band is made up of brothers Tyler and Seth Key, and Trey Byars alongside Ian.

Following their 2018 release, Endless Nights, Lake Haven is set to release their second EP, aptly named Transitions, on Tuesday, April 2nd. I was fortunate to catch up with frontman Ian Morrison and get his take on the band’s most recent project. He was also kind enough to allow me an early preview of the tracks, after which I begged him to let us premier it early.

After my first listen I noticed that the band had taken a slight change of course from the 2018 release, and I asked Morrison for his overall thoughts and feelings about the EP and the band.

“This EP is a lot dreamier than the first EP, which is really what I want. There were a couple songs that didn’t make it on that we’ll release in the future that I’m excited about. I’m also happy that this record was more collaborative. The first record was done in Columbus while I was finishing school, so the only other (person) that recorded on it besides myself was Trey Byars, our drummer. On this record, Seth Key recorded guitar and also helped finish writing “Transitions”. Overall I am happy with the record, but I’m never fully satisfied with the end result, the artist’s curse I suppose” says Morrison.

The 4 song EP is a bit transcendent, taking listeners back through dreamy encounters and first loves. In “Whiskey Ginger”, Morrison paints a vivid picture of a romantic interaction that takes place within a presumably dimly lit-kitchen, followed by a vulnerable admission of affection. The remnants of 1950s doo-wop drape heavily over the track, making it difficult not to be transported back to a time. Morrison is joined by vocalist Kimberly Simpson on the EP’s finale, “Emily”, giving this track an added dimension while continuing to navigate listeners throughout a hazy dreamscape. “As a former jazz student, harmony is very important to me and I try to make Lake Haven’s music harmonically interesting. And I mean more than just writing a bunch of 7 chords…” Morrison added.

Based out of the metro Atlanta area, Lake Haven has begun playing local venues while recording new material. While this is no hard date on an upcoming LP, Morrison did note that a full-length album is a long term goal.

“One day when the resources are more accessible and the time is right, there will definitely be a Lake Haven full length album. But like I said, we are still growing and I’m enjoying that”.

Lake Haven will be releasing the EP live at the Caledonia Lounge in Athens, GA on Thursday April 4th. Event details and the EP stream can be found below. Lake Haven is also available on all major streaming platforms (with Transitions set to drop April 2nd), so be sure to give them a spin! Thanks for listening! – Written by Robert Wilson