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Veteran Musician Steven Ham and Be Epic Media’s Lisa Pellegrene Shine with Downstream Notation’s Distinctive Dual Releases
In Los Angeles’ vibrant music scene, Army combat veteran Steven Ham is carving a unique path with his electronic project Downstream Notation, delivering ambient soundscapes woven with introspective lyrics. On Sept. 7, Be Epic Media and Publishing, led by CEO Lisa Pellegrene, released Ham’s debut album, Unscripted Ending, a nine-track exploration of resilience and self-discovery. Preceding it was the double A-side single Lighting the Spark, dropped earlier in 2025, featuring two tracks that introduced Ham’s ethereal style. These 11 songs, distributed via DistroKid, showcase Ham’s singular vision, amplified by Pellegrene’s storied media platform dedicated to uplifting storytelling.
Steven Ham, raised in Rushville and
Ripley, Illinois, channels his U.S. Army combat experience into Downstream
Notation’s emotive sound. After his service, he studied psychology at North
Carolina University, shaping his songwriting’s focus on mental fortitude and
human connection. “Music is how I process life’s chaos and quiet,” Ham said.
“Downstream Notation captures that flow, giving voice to what’s unspoken.” As
the project’s sole producer and songwriter, he crafts every layer—melodies,
arrangements, and vocals—blending ambient electronica with indie pop influences
like Brian Eno and modern indie acts.
Be Epic Media and Publishing, founded by
Pellegrene, serves as the platform for Ham’s music. The company, named after
Pellegrene’s 2021 book Be Epic, Choose Love, champions inspiring narratives
across press, books, music, and TV/film. Pellegrene’s work consistently centers
on stories of perseverance, love, and hope, from press features and books to
TV and film productions, and now music that resonates with themes of empathy,
resilience, and triumph.
Pellegrene, a Los Angeles-based media
veteran, brings a multifaceted career to the table. She is a dedicated animal
welfare advocate and vegan, and the author of Be Epic, Choose Love, an
anthology of poetic prose and spoken word, celebrating the transformative power
of love for all. The book illustrates how individuals can overcome adversity by
standing strong with faith, hope, and love, with verses like “Soar with the
eagles, have the peace of a dove, there's an infinite source of love which
comes from within and from above.” Readers praise its uplifting energy, with
one Amazon reviewer noting, “This beautiful book inspires me every day... the
positive energy from Lisa’s writings changes my mood instantly.” Another called
it “an inspiration,” adding, “I can sense her spirit and seeking on every
page.” Available in paperback, Kindle, and extended full-color editions on
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Waterstones, the book is a cornerstone of
Pellegrene’s mission, detailed at www.lisapellegrene.com. In an interview, she
emphasized, “This is about the power of standing strong with love, truth,
empathy, hope, faith, and compassion.”
Pellegrene’s career spans decades of
impact. In the early 2000s, she founded Idea Analyst, a Los Angeles strategic
consulting firm guiding clients in branding and media. Her TV/film credits
include an appearance on Travel Channel’s Top Ten Southern California Beaches,
spotlighting Catalina Island, and producing films. She also created and
directed Peace, Love, Unity Dance Troupe TV, set to relaunch in 2026,
celebrating unity through dance and music, emphasizing the transformative
healing found in uplifting art, and encouraging others to believe in the beauty
of their dreams in the arts. Her recent expansion into music led her to Ham’s
work via his voice acting demos and early tracks. “Steven’s music is real, as
he writes his lyrics from personal experience or from others' experiences to
uplift,” she said. “It’s a privilege to amplify his voice through Be Epic Media
and Publishing.”
Ham’s double A-side single Lighting the
Spark sets a bold tone. The title track, a shimmering electronic piece, layers
synths with lyrics urging listeners to ignite their inner fire. Its B-side,
“Rule Breaker,” is a four-minute anthem of defiance, challenging norms with
driving rhythms. Released pre-album, the single gained traction on niche
playlists.
"Unscripted Ending" builds on this with
nine tracks forming a cohesive narrative. The title track opens with haunting
pads and whispered vocals, setting a reflective mood. “Defeat & Repeat”
channels Ham’s military grit, its mid-tempo groove paired with lyrics like
“Fall down seven, rise up eight / Echoes in the empty space.” “Hero” uplifts
with soaring melodies, while “Dreamer” offers a contemplative piano ballad.
Mid-album, “The Countdown” pulses with pre-mission tension, and “One Cent
Footprint” muses on legacy with sparse beats. “The Great Escape” surges with
bass-driven energy, followed by “Silent Whispers,” an atmospheric interlude,
and “Voice for the Voiceless,” a harmonious closer advocating for the
marginalized and being a voice for others, human and animal, emphasizing the
importance of showing love, being kind, and standing up for others.” Reviewers
praise Ham’s authenticity. “His veteran perspective adds depth to electronica’s
polish,” a Boomplay critic noted. His voice acting experience—narrating audiobooks
and commercials—enhances his clear, storytelling delivery.
Be Epic Media and Publishing ensures wide
accessibility. All 11 tracks stream on Spotify, with Downstream Notation’s
artist page featuring curated playlists. iHeartRadio ranks “Lighting the Spark”
and “Voice for the Voiceless” among top picks. YouTube offers lyrics videos via
DistroKid channels, while Qobuz provides hi-res streaming. Amazon Music
highlights “Defeat & Repeat” and “Silent Whispers” in ambient sections, and
Boomplay supports global downloads. Ham promotes on Instagram with production reels
and Spotify-linked teasers, with TikTok cross-posts boosting reach. The
official site, downstreamnotation.com, embeds players for highlighted tracks.
Pellegrene’s media expertise has secured
Ham podcast spots and blog features. Her own work, from "Be Epic, Choose Love" to her animal welfare advocacy through Pittie’s Angels, inspires through both literature and action. Ham’s music resonates with listeners due to its
emotional depth. Beyond music, Ham is the co-author of SuperTroop Adventurers and a voice actor. “This is just the start,” Ham said.
Downstream Notation’s Unscripted Ending
and Lighting the Spark cement Steven Ham as an emerging force in electronic
music, weaving his veteran experience into a sound that’s both introspective
and universal. Separately, Lisa Pellegrene’s "Be Epic, Choose Love" and her
leadership at Be Epic Media and Publishing harness the power of love and
inspiration, uplifting others through poetic prose, film, and now music,
proving that authentic storytelling remains a transformative force.
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