'Music or Death' is more than a title to Jeff Lionheart

Review by Rebecca Lee

The classical violins and flutes of the orchestra don’t often mingle with their undersophisticated relatives—the electric guitar and drums—but Jeff Lionheart’s new album Music or Death joins them together in an unconventional musical mixer.

Released on Jan. 12 by 615 Records, Music or Death not only boasts upbeat, classic rock style tunes but rock ballads, sentimental ballads, and cheery melodies. Beneath the blaring electric guitar, pulsating drumbeats, and pointed resonance of Lionheart’s voice, Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra’s violins and flutes add depth and dimension to the sound.

The song “Inside of Me,” featured in the film Being John Malkovich, highlights the orchestra’s contribution. Other songs on the album, “Don’t Bring It On Again” and “Rain,” downplay the orchestra and instead display Lionheart’s grit—parading his rockin’ four-octave vocal range.

Since the age of four, Lionheart has been a music enthusiast—inspired by British bands like the Beatles and Radiohead. Though unable to read or write music, he composed and arranged the 40-part orchestration for his latest album. According to former drummer Greg Jackson, Lionheart’s passion will push him to make it in the music industry or die trying—which inspired the album's title. Lionheart dedicated the album to Jackson, who passed away this last year.

Currently receiving radio airplay in ten states—from Oregon to Virginia—Lionheart has stretched beyond the boarders of his home state, Michigan. With his unconventional musical combos, classic rock vocals, and fervent passion for music, he will either go far, or die trying.