Ria Carval
The subject of this week’s cover feature drops a special bi-lingual release of her latest single today, Friday, May 15.
Ria Carval is home in Colombia after having just finished her sophomore year at The College of Saint Rose. The miles away from the school program and the on-campus studio has not slowed her down. She released “Reflections” last month, and as a gift of gratitude to her fans that helped push the track to 7,000-plus views, she’s produced a lyric video.
“Reflections” is a song about two lovers who fail to overcome their faults and insecurities.
“My inspiration for “Reflections” and writing my songs is from my own experience,” Carval said. “it’s really about what I’m feeling in the moment.”
“Reflections” is available for purchase at iTunes.
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Chris Oliver
Before forming Hartley’s Encore, Chris Oliver took his guitar and gigged down in New York City’s music scene, hitting the circuit around Brooklyn and Greenwich Village. A few years ago, the Albany area native returned home and started up Hartley’s Encore with Luke Malamood.
The guitarist, however, has recently begun working on his own material, and “Pieces of You” is the first product of that project. The result is a deviation from the funk and soul style we’re accustomed to hearing from him.
“Pieces of You” is a summertime groove that puts Oliver at the mic on this pop track. You can have a listen on Spotify.
Zane Agnew
Zane Agnew has his hands in a lot of projects, musically speaking.
Agnew has played guitar with Hasty Page for the past several years. In addition, he’s recently been attached with This Strange Paradise and Julia Gargano. He was on stage playing guitar at Rocktoberfest behind Gargano last October. And, prior to that, his This Strange Paradise outfit made a push to open Pearlpalooza at WEQX’s annual Battle of the Bands competition.
With “Maybe I’m Just Insane,” Agnew breaks away from the alternative pop rock of his associates with a debut solo album steeped in the blues. Fans of Hasty Page won’t be too shocked by the move, as the band has exhibited some versatility in the past.
The recent Saint Rose graduate dropped the album as part of his senior project. Each of these eight tracks has a dark, mellow groove with Agnew crooning at the mic. Surprisingly, he said most of the music was captured from his bedroom. You’ll find a featured collaboration from Gargano (“Gone”), Belina Ligotino (“Buddy”), Ben Grant and Conor Meehan (“City Lights”).
Have a listen on Spotify.
Frank Palangi
Despite the name, Frank Palangi insists his latest EP “Bring on the Fear” is not inspired by current events.
The album doesn’t drop until June 5, but a video release of its first single goes online on Tuesday, May 19. “Gone Mad” is the first track from Palangi’s fourth studio album. He said this work is “a little bit” darker and heavier, but he still wouldn’t call it heavy metal.
Palangi said “Bring on the Fear” draws from his drive to push himself out of his comfort zone. Pursuing a dream can be scary, but the only way to grow and learn and to step out and face that fear, he said.
The video pairs Palangi back with director Cameron Gallagher. Gallagher directed Palangi’s “Break These Chains” video and most recently worked on another video for American Idol’s Madison VenDenburg.
“Bring the Fear” is self-produced and mastered by Grammy Award-nominated producer Robert Venable. Palangi also teams up with Kelly Clarkson’s drummer Lester Estelle, and Brian Craddock and Brandon Maclin from Daughtry. The EP will feature five tracks in streaming format, but the CD that will be available for purchase on Palangi’s website will include a total of 14 songs.
You can preorder your copy of “Bring on the Fear” on Amazon and iTunes.
Editor’s Note: Follow the link below to view Frank Palangi’s “Gone Mad” once it goes live on Tuesday, May 19.
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