There are some artists whose presence feels less like a debut and more like a long-overdue reintroduction; like they’ve always been quietly circling the universe, collecting emotion, insight, and melody, just waiting for the right moment to speak. Allan Jamisen is that kind of artist. A composer, painter, and lifelong creative spirit, he carries the air of someone who’s seen storms and still chooses light. He’s someone who understands that art isn’t just expression, it’s healing. Inspired by a gallery of legends from Burt Bacharach to David Bowie, with the grit of Johnny Cash and a gospel-rock core, Allan has finally let the world in with his debut single “Rise Above” released in January this year.
“Rise Above” introduces itself with guitar strums that feel like a sunrise on tired skin. It’s enchantingly, and the kind of acoustic phrasing that speaks before words do. It draws you in with patience, something like a moment of calm before the truth unfolds. And unfold it does. The opening lines, “Next in line, a new day arrives,” are delivered in Jamisen’s soft and relexed tone. His voice is the kind of vocal presence that doesn’t rush to impress but instead invites you to listen and feel. You hear the wisdom of someone who’s lived through loss, reinvention, and reflection.
And then, there’s the female backing vocalist; an artful but soul-soaked presence whose harmonies feel like memory, prayer, and affirmation all at once. Her voice doesn’t just support Allan’s, it lifts it; gently and spiritually just like the way love often shows up in the background, steady and unshakeable.
More than anything, “Rise Above” is a song about surviving what could’ve broken you and transforming pain into power. The repeated mantra “I’m always gonna rise above. Turning hate into love” lands like a promise, not just to the world, but to oneself. This isn’t a song that denies the darkness; it acknowledges it openly: “Well I see my soul from outside of myself. And I’m looking inside. There’s no easy way out…” But even in the face of that truth, Jamisen doesn’t surrender, but leans in, lets go, and chooses forward motion. To me, this song is a journal entry, a late-night conversation, and mirror. It’s music for us who have been “down and out, in the midnight sun,” and somehow still find the courage to hope.
Produced with a seasoned hand, “Rise Above” musically balances a lush pop-rock arrangement with gospel touches that never feel forced. The percussion is soft but insistent and the blend of acoustic strumming with ambient electric guitar layers adds texture without overwhelming the song’s emotional core. Every instrument understands its role: to serve the story. And the story here is one of grit, grace, and growth. There’s an elegance to the production. No unnecessary flash, just intentional choices. It honors the song’s message: that rising above isn’t always loud or flashy. Sometimes, it’s quiet and about showing up again.
In conclusion, Allan Jamisen is a name I’m proud to introduce to y’all to. His work is rooted in reflection, redemption, and real emotion. With “Rise Above”, he’s extended a hand, offered a mirror, and planted the seeds of hope. So if you look to music not just for entertainment but for meaning, he’s a name you’ll want to remember. Not because he demands the spotlight, but because his quiet strength makes you stop and feel something real. And in today’s world, that’s not just music; that’s medicine. If this is the beginning, I can only imagine the depth and beauty his album will bring. For now, let this be your introduction to a rare kind of artist.
Listen to “Rise Above” on Spotify
Follow Allan Jamisen on Instagram
