Roan Yellowthorn EP

Daughter of famed “American Pie” song man Don McLean, singer-songwriter Jackie McLean has announced the release of her debut EP out 8th April 2016 and a forthcoming US tour.

Under the moniker Roan Yellowthorn, McLean is sharing a poignant labor of love and collection of literary pop, recorded at upstate NY's Nada Studios with husband and co-producer Shawn Strack. Reflecting a diverse palette of influences, from folk and country to Americana and indie, these six songs introduce her world and are reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, Regina Spektor and Sara Bareilles.

Roan spent years immersing herself in literature and ancient history, even penning a novel and book of poetry. In between her studies and newfound motherhood, she taught herself to play piano and began harnessing her musical DNA to find her own voice.

YellowthornRoan is a narrative collection of music that jumps off the page. 'Lie With Me' pays homage to a Shakespearian sonnet, while 'Fragment' sees her incorporate a personal translation of Sappho’s poem, Fragment 31. The pensive and painful 'As Long As Water Runs' draws inspiration from a particular passage in Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States and conjures true soul, just like the rest of the EP.

Ultimately, this is just the first chapter of ’sRoan story. “When people hear this music, I'd like for them to feel at once more connected to the world, and individually inspired,” she shares. “That’s how you feel when you read a favorite poet or author. That’s what I’m aiming for.”