Hen House Studios creates an eclectic brand of independent music, documentary film and video.

NEW Releases (CD, Mp3, DVD):

DVD - Iyengar Yoga with GabriellaKenneth Rexroth – The Signature of All Things (DVD) – Arguably one of the most talented and respected artists of his generation, Kenneth Rexroth was not only a venerated poet, but an essayist, literary critic, translator and painter. Perhaps most significantly, Rexroth was considered the instigator of The San Francisco Renaissance.

“The Signature of All Things” serves as a passionate ode to the artist, documenting a magical night of tribute to the genius of Kenneth Rexroth on the 100th anniversary of his birth. Held at Beyond Baroque, the notoriously avant-garde Literary Arts Center in Venice Beach, this standing-room-only celebration attracted an eclectic and eccentric roster of participants extolling Rexroth’s impact on an art form.

By turns exuberant and bitter-sweet, this film memorializes Rexroth with wild recitations and wry reminiscences from the assorted friends, family members, former students, writers, music archivists, performers and poets who knew him best. This documentary expresses, in its unassuming artistry, a lasting impression of an American original.
rodeo for the sheepishRodeo for the Sheepish (CD/Mp3) Henry Rollins writes: Ellyn Maybe is an irresistible force. To read or listen to her poetry is to be gently and completely crushed while simultaneously inspired and charmed. The honesty with which she so exquisitely reveals her vulnerabilities, desires and pain is beautiful and rare.

Rodeo for the Sheepish has so many great moments. The first time I listened to it, I was reminded of when I first met her many years ago and how much I liked her and her poetry. One of the stand out tracks on the album, There Were Two Girls Who Looked A Lot The Same, is a perfect example of why one becomes a fan of Ellyn’s immediately. I can’t understand how anyone could not find an aspect of themselves in that piece. This is what Ellyn does so well and so often in her work and on this album.

Reading Ellyn’s poems from the page is one thing but hearing her read them just the way she meant them to be heard is something else altogether. Ellyn has a great sense of humor and reads wonderfully. The musical accompaniment on the album is not mere background filler but a true collaborative effort between Ellyn and the musicians that really works.

Ellyn is a very gifted writer and a true gem.
Going Down The River In A Hayloft Coffin: The Evocative Years of Robert Peters (CD/Mp3) is a music poetry album featuring the illustrious poet Robert Peters and music composer Harlan Steinberger. The record includes forty nine poems that are strung with a twinge of Gothic & glaciated enchantments sequentially evoking how a poet thaws and carves out his destiny distancing himself from his primordial Wisconsin roots. The sequence forges to the present covering eulogies to his beloveds and poignant elegies to the folks who were such integral part of the poet’s life.
Maria Vidal – Living in Radical Radiance (CD/Mp3) features warm textual vocals and deeply blended instrumental arrangements. Produced in Maria’s pink painted studio in Los Angeles, this long awaited record takes the listener on a deep artistic journey. Hen House Studios is glad to announce to her loyal fan base that Maria Vidal is back!
Featured Releases (CD & Mp3)
Floyd Red Crow Westerman – A Tribute To Johnny Cash (CD/Mp3) “I Think Johnny Cash would be especially proud of this tribute album. Not just because of his high regard for Floyd Red Crow Westerman or his own life-long identification with Native Americans and commitment to their cause, but because it is such a respectful, loving portrayal of the man’s work. Floyd’s deep, powerful voice resonates with the truth. I had no idea he could sound so much like John.”

- Kris Kristofferson
Trevy, African Roots, Acoustic Reggae (CD/Mp3) from artist Trevy Felix, the lead singer of the band Boom Shaka. The CD features percussionist extraordinaire Remi Kabaka (Rolling Stones). Also, included is a duet with Native American great Floyd Red Crow Westerman entitled “Missionary”. Reggae music at its best in it’s truthful, stripped down and raw form.