Music Observer

Twice: A Guide to One of Korea’s Most Successful Girl Groups

Twice, a K-pop girl group that started in 2015, has gained immense popularity over the years and has become one of the top-selling K-pop groups of all time. They have achieved numerous accolades, including recognition at the Billboard Women in Music awards, and have had a string of successful albums, EPs, and single releases. Their latest mini album, “Ready to Be,” was released on March 10 and was highly anticipated by their fans.

They have gained immense fame with 27 million followers on Instagram, 11.5 million followers on Twitter, and 12 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Whether you’re learning about the group for the first time or need a refresher since they’ve been in the industry quite a while now, here’s a guide on third-gen K-pop pride, Twice:

Who is Twice?

After a strict selection process through the reality show Sixteen, Twice was born. The group consists of nine members: Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu. They gained popularity with their debut song, “Like Ooh-Ahh” and have since released many successful songs and albums, becoming one of the top-selling girl groups in the industry. They are known for their catchy music, vibrant personalities, and synchronized dance performances.

Why are They Called Twice?

The group is called Twice because they aim to capture the hearts of their fans twice – once with their music and again with their performance. The name also represents the group’s goal to make a lasting impression on its audience. Additionally, the word “Twice” has a positive connotation, suggesting that the group wants to bring their fans double the happiness and joy.

What are Twice Fans Called?

Twice fans are called “Once.” The name was chosen because it represents the idea that fans will support the group “once and for all.” It also stands for “one in a million,” reflecting the uniqueness and special bond between the group and their fans. Once has become a popular and well-known fandom within the K-pop community.

‘Ready to Be’ Album

The group has recently launched a mini album on March 10. Earlier, they released a pre-released track “Moonlight Sunrise” on January 20, which made its debut at No. 84 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This song is the second all-English single of Twice, following their 2021 release, “The Feels.”

The group announced their fifth world tour in February, which will include stops in various countries, including the United States. The tour started on April 15th in Seoul, South Korea. This tour will make Twice the first female K-pop group to perform at MLB and NFL stadiums in the United States.

Twice Hits Milestones

Twice has achieved several milestones throughout their career. They became the first Korean girl group to earn a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan for their single “TT” in 2017. They also became the first Korean girl group to have a music video reach 500 million views on YouTube with their hit song “Cheer Up.” In addition, they have won numerous awards, including multiple Mnet Asian Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and Seoul Music Awards.

To Sum Up

Twice is a popular female K-pop group that has gained international recognition for their catchy songs and energetic performances. They have achieved many milestones throughout their career, including being the first Korean girl group to earn a platinum certification in Japan and perform at MLB and NFL stadiums in the United States. With the kickstart of their world tour, fans can expect to see more of their electrifying performances and impressive achievements in the future.

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From Rock to Pop and Everything In Between: Athan Hilaki’s Distinct Music Style Leaves a Lasting Impression on Stage and Screen

Athan Hilaki is a musical virtuoso whose eclectic abilities set him apart from the rest of the industry. With his soulful voice, expert songwriting, mastery of multiple instruments, and impressive production skills, Athan has consistently demonstrated his potential for success in the dynamic realm of music.

Athan, originally hailing from Athens, Greece, embarked on a musical journey that took him to the bustling city of New York in 2008. It was here that he found his calling and established the Alternative Rock / Indie Rock sensation Trapped In Static in 2011. A true maestro of his craft, Athan has lent his instrumental prowess as a guitarist, bassist, and keyboardist to numerous bands and singer/songwriters both on stage and in the studio as a producer and session musician. His undeniable talent has graced the same stages as some of the biggest names in the industry, such as The Killers, Duffy, The Prodigy, and many more.

Back in 2014, Athan composed the score for the TV flick “Preying For Mercy,” helmed by the acclaimed director Bill Duke and starring the two-time EMMY honoree Martha Byrne. Ever since, he has been churning out a plethora of soundtracks in addition to crafting captivating scores for both stage and screen. Currently based in the bustling city of Los Angeles, Athan is passionately pursuing his musical endeavors, dazzling audiences with live performances alongside a myriad of talented musicians, including Desert Radio, Alethea, Amy Stargher, and beyond.

Athan’s versatile music style caters to a diverse audience of music enthusiasts, ranging from rock and alternative aficionados to grunge and pop enthusiasts, as well as electronic music enthusiasts. Trapped In Static presents a unique blend of alternative rock and indie rock that appeals to a wide range of listeners. Athan’s solo and side projects under his name showcase his talent as a singer-songwriter with a distinct electronic music touch, where he also collaborates with various vocalists and artists.

Not only is Athan a gifted musician, but he also boasts an impressive 20-year track record as an IT consultant and web designer, making him quite the tech-savant. This technological prowess has proven to be a valuable asset in his recent endeavors, particularly in the realm of live streaming and looping, both of which he seamlessly weaves into his performances. In fact, Athan was at the forefront of the multi-cam livestream trend on Instagram in 2020 and was among the pioneering musicians to venture into multi-streaming.

Amidst the pandemic, Athan, like numerous other musicians, adapted to the new normal by taking his performances online. His talent earned him a spot among the elite group of performers associated with Voyagers, one of the most prominent streaming agencies in the US. In 2021, he made a mark for himself by ranking among the top 100 hosts in the BIGO LIVE app, entertaining his followers with live music every day. At the end of 2022, he was the first host to perform live VR concerts on PICO VR and one of the first 12 selected VR hosts worldwide. To elevate his live streams on BIGO LIVE and PICO VR, he leverages the magic of live looping, harnessing the power of his voice, guitar, bass, keyboards, and drum pads. For this, he relies on cutting-edge technology like the Neural DSP Quad Cortex and the Loopy Pro by A Tasty Pixel, taking his musical prowess to a whole new level.

For two years straight, Athan has captivated audiences without the crutch of a backing band, and his talent never fails to intrigue and mesmerize. His one-of-a-kind vocal range, a fusion of huskiness and velvety smoothness, has garnered comparisons to the likes of Bono, Eddie Vedder, and Chris Cornell. Add to that his impeccable guitar skills and mesmerizing live looping, which produce a sound that’s more robust than a complete band, and you have a true musical virtuoso.

For those who enjoy experiencing live music, Athan Hilaki’s social media accounts offer a variety of ways to engage with his music. Check him out on his website, as well as on BIGO, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and TikTok.

 

Take a Thrilling Journey Down the “Rabbit Hole” With Ruby Topaz: A Modern Take on Classic Rock

The classic rock band Ruby Topaz has dropped its new song, “Rabbit Hole”, which recreates the magic of metal music of the 60s and 70s. The lead vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist of the brand, Mark Bram, said “We have the glam and theatrics of Cooper and Bowie”. According to him, “Rabbit Hole” has the true essence of classic rock but is not without innovation. He believes the song has “The sophisticated rock of Queen, the power and urgency of early Zeppelin, with the melodic prowess of early Beatles.” 

Mark Bram is known for his authentic approach to all things rock. His style is highly influenced by legendary rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Beatles, and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Ruby Topaz, the band that reflects his essence and culture of music, is known for being honest and devoted to the original musical genres. The artistic approach of Ruby Topaz is evident in “Rabbit Hole”. The song has electrifying music that invites the listeners on a thrilling journey of ancient rock spirits.  

“Rabbit Hole” stands out in the rock music scene for its genuine approach to the genre along with songwriting, composition, and production. The music is marked by a high-pitched vocal range complemented by the harmonic overtones of the guitar. Mark reveals that the high-pitch in the song is inspired by Freddie Mercury and Robert Plant. To quote him “I got the power from Mercury and the highness from Plant”. The discernible sonic detail of “Rabbit Hole” reminds music enthusiasts of legendary guitar maestros like Brian May, Jimmy Page, Tony Lommi, Rick Derringer, Jeff Beck, Johnny Winter, Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton, Mick Ronson, and Ronnie Montrose. 

Bram’s discipline in music and creative excellence can be partly accredited to his years of training in Tai Chi Chuan, a form of mixed martial arts. He was a student of Lee Wah Yook, president of The Eastern United States Kung Fu Federation for 12 years. Mark also had a soft spot for classic rock and metal music. He wanted to remain true to these genres and even went ahead to build his own studio with all the authentic instruments. His studio boasts of some vintage gear used by artists like The Beatles. No wonder his music has inimitable acoustic drama. 

Following his love for authentic vintage music, Mark conceptualized “Rabbit Hole” to set it apart from any other project in this genre. Apart from the music, the album cover is a painting created by Mark’s mother-in-law and wife. Unique and reminiscent of classic rock album covers, it aptly defines the spirit of “Rabbit Hole” and reflects the syncopation and passion oozing from the music. 

Mark Bram is a music fanatic who has been storming the rock music scene for a few decades. He started the band, Ruby Topaz, named after his topaz birthstone. Over the years, Mark and his band have delivered several smash hits. Noteworthy among them are the independent singles, “Why”, released in 1982, and “The 45”, which was co-produced by Mark and local guru, Phil Greene. Ruby Topaz is back with their signature sound in “Rabbit Hole’,’ which is brimming with melody and energetic vibes. The song is a must-listen for lovers of old-school rock who want to experience  rhythmic pyrotechnics.

The Art Behind the Music: Andrew Neil’s Unique Approach to Album Production

The talented musician and composer Andrew Neil is making waves in the music industry with his unique and creative approach to producing albums. Unlike many musicians who focus solely on the music, Andrew places equal importance on the cover art, recognizing it as an integral part of the overall album experience. He truly believes that the art that adorns the album is just as crucial as the songs it contains, and his efforts in this regard have earned him a reputation as an artist who is meticulous and detail-oriented.

To achieve this, he has collaborated with two talented artists, his brother Kyle Scott Maternick and Daniel Benayun, to create visually stunning and thought-provoking covers for his albums.

Andrew’s brother, Kyle, is an abstract artist who has created the cover art for two of Andrew’s albums, “Code Purple” and “Freak.” Despite a difficult period in their relationship in 2013, when Andrew struggled with mental health issues, the two brothers have reconciled and continued to collaborate on Andrew’s music.

Daniel Benayun, on the other hand, has created the cover art for “Merry Go Round (shown in the picture above)” “Sunny Side,” and “Alien.” The combination of Andrew’s musical talent and the visually stunning cover art created by these two artists has resulted in albums that are both a feast for the ears and the eyes.

In addition to their musical and visual appeal, Andrew’s albums are also highly collectible. Each album is available on CD, but for the ultimate fan experience, they are also available in limited-run vinyl pressings. “Code Purple” and “Merry Go Round” each have a pressing of 300, while “Freak” has a pressing of 300. “Sunny Side” and “Alien” are even more limited, with only 100 and 200 pressed copies, respectively.

Andrew‘s unique approach to producing albums and his attention to detail has not gone unnoticed. He is beginning to gain recognition on a national and international scale, with fans and critics alike taking notice of his musical and visual creations. In fact, his first album, “Code Purple,” got him recognized as one of the best outsider music artists by Rankers. 

Despite the challenges he faced, Andrew found solace in music. He taught himself how to play the keyboard and guitar by writing songs and has never played a cover. Instead, he opted to write his own original songs by making up his own chord shapes, creating a sound all his own.  He has written over 400 songs in this manner. 

In 2013, Andrew Neil had a psychotic episode and stabbed his brother Kyle’s arm, leading him to be committed to the Virginia State Hospital system for over three years. During this time, he wrote and recorded almost 100 songs onto a battery powered recorder. Upon his conditional release from Western State Hospital in May 2017, he selected 11 of these raw stripped down songs and  released  his lofi album “Code Purple.”

Andrew met music producer and founding member of the late-1990’s band, “Earth to Andy,”   Andy Waldeck in 2018. Together, they recorded and released his first studio album, “Merry Go Round,” which received airplay on college radio stations and was well-received. In 2019, while recording his second studio album, “Freak,” Andrew was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of lymphoma cancer, but he found the strength to finish recording the album despite undergoing intense chemotherapy treatments.

Andrew’s music is a reflection of his life journey, and his lyrics are a window into his innermost thoughts and feelings. He blends grunge, blues, and shoegaze influences to create a truly authentic sound. Despite being a reclusive artist, Andrew Neil continues to perform at local open mics in the Charlottesville area and is working on releasing two more albums in 2023.

Rap Star Tina Turn Up Cuts Through the Noise

Standing out in the cutthroat music industry can be especially challenging. The competition is fierce, and it can be difficult to make your voice heard among the noise. However, with the right strategy and mindset, it is possible to set yourself apart and achieve success in even the most crowded of industries. 

Tina Turn Up is a name that is quickly making waves in the music scene. This talented rapper has a passion for music that started at a young age, and her story is one that is sure to inspire anyone looking to make a name for themselves in the world of entertainment.

Tina’s love for music began when she was just seven years old. As she grew older, her taste in music helped her discover her preferred genre – rap. Now, as an upcoming rap artist, she is working tirelessly to expand her business and opportunities as a musician, constantly striving for excellence and self-growth in every aspect of her life and career.

Tina’s journey in the music industry is just getting started, which is why she is always on the lookout for new ways to set herself apart and get recognized. Her work, charisma, and energy truly represent the essence of a real superstar, making her a fascinating and compelling artist to watch.

One of Tina’s main goals is to inspire others to follow their dreams and work hard to achieve their goals. She believes that anyone has the strength to fulfill their achievements, but she is able to stand out in a sea of competitors through her impressive hard work and consistency. Coming from a humble background has always made Tina think big and strive for success, no matter what. As a loving daughter, her ultimate inspiration is to offer her mother a better lifestyle and financial stability, pushing her to keep dreaming big and work her hardest to fulfill it. 

Tina’s journey inspires anyone looking to start a business or pursue their passions. Her dedication, hard work, and consistency are a testament to the fact that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and work toward your goals. Keep an eye out for Tina Turn Up, as this rising star is sure to make a big impact in the music industry.

Poker Face Adds New Fresh Cast Members

[credit: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, Rian Johnson (6855052782), CC BY-SA 2.0]

As excitement builds for Rian Johnson’s upcoming Peacock series Poker Face, MusicObserver has learned that four new actors have been added to an already star-studded cast. Cherry Jones, Luis Guzmán, Hong Chau, and Reed Birney will join an ensemble helmed by Natasha Lyonne (Orange Is The New Black) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, last seen on the small screen playing Uber founder Travis Kalanick in Showtime’s Super Pumped. The show has been billed as a ‘mystery comedy-drama’ and will feature a new case each week. Also signed up are Ron Perlman, Nick Nolte and Simon Helberg – however whether these actors – or any of the new four – will be principal characters or one-off guest stars is a tightly kept secret at this stage.

Casting aces

Getting Guzmán could be seen as a coup for showrunner Johnson. He’s currently the talk of social media through his casting as Gomez in the new Addams Family show, Wednesday. Jones brings with her an assurance of quality – her TV projects have included Black Mirror, Succession and The Handmaid’s Tale, where she won an Emmy for her portrayal of Holly. Poker Face will be Chau’s only TV work of 2022, although she’s been seen on the big screen three times, in The Menu, Showing Up and Brendan Fraser’s return to leading roles, The Whale. Birney has plenty of experience in the mystery genre from two seasons playing Sylvester Lisko in Home Before Dark.

Writing winners

There’s a good reason for Peacock to have gone all in on Johnson with Poker Face. A fall of fantasy with both Game Of Thrones and Lord Of The Rings series may lead viewers to long for the less lavish, and a classic whodunnit might be playing their cards right. His last two movies as a director have been Knives Out, and its sequel, the imminent Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. The Agatha Christie-esque storylines and impressive ensemble casts (headed up by Daniel Craig in both flicks) mean Johnson is in familiar territory. The show creator will direct and executive produce Poker Face, although it will be his first foray into writing a TV series. Given he scooped the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Knives Out and the format being self-contained episodes – little movies if you like – any concerns should likely be hastily folded.

Awaiting the deal

Why Poker Face though? With no leaks in potential plotlines (as befits a crime caper) we can only speculate. A poker face, of course, is one of the most popular poker terms, meaning the face one pulls when trying to hide emotions. Could it be referencing a suspect under questioning from a detective? Could it refer to the game itself? Perhaps – but card terminology has always spilled out through to popular entertainment. Think Lady Gaga’s song of the same name, or the classic 1980s-90s sitcom Full House. We can go back as far as 1946 to find Jack Carson and Joan Leslie in Royal Flush (and Eddie Murphy won’t tell you this, but Coming To America owes that movie quite the debt). With details on the upcoming series – even its release date – being currently kept locked behind a…well….poker face…from Peacock, fans should stay tuned to MusicObserver for the latest news.

Living the Dream: How Gianluca Tavani Made His Wildest Dreams Come True

Here’s a story of how passion, humility, and determination transformed a naïve 15-year-old boy into a household brand. Gianluca Tavani, also known as TAVA, is one of Italy’s biggest and brightest DJs and producers. The Piacenza native is at the peak of his career, performing at various gigs across Italy and Europe. Apart from being a DJ, TAVA is also a renowned music producer, and one of his famous productions is “Twilight.”

TAVA’s story began when he first walked into a nightclub in 2009 at 15. Unlike his friends who went partying, Gianluca spent most of his time behind the booth, admiring the DJ’s performance. He immediately became attracted to the art and bought his first console. TAVA began playing at birthdays and private parties. His passion and motivation made other clubs within the city recognize him, and at 18, he became a resident at one of the best clubs around.

Gianluca was exceptional in his art, and a few years later, he started working in the studio where he released his first productions. His work was so good that it opened up various opportunities for him outside the city.

His career took off, and TAVA has had an eventful adventure in the production industry. TAVA’s success began when he collaborated with Nari and Milani in “Twilight.” The collaboration was a huge success and became more influential when French superstar DJ Laurent Wolf did a remix of it. After his first success, TAVA collaborated with Nari and Stefani Pain, featuring Luciana in “Pump It Up.” This track was the game changer—after its release, it immediately reached #1 on the Beachport Electro House Top 100. After a few months, the track was being played on national and international radio and reached over 2 million plays on Spotify.

Here is a brief analysis of TAVA’s main career highlights:

  • Collaboration with Nari & Milani on “Twilight”
  • Collaboration with Nari & Milani on “I am Right”
  • Collaboration with Nari and Stephani Pain featuring Luciana on “Pump It UP”
  • The track “Para Paradise” was released on international radio stations in Italy, Germany, etc.
  • Did a side project, R4GE, with artists VIZE and Emie.

TAVA has also had a successful DJing career, and he recently collaborated with the 82nd DJ in the world, remixing his single “Oh My My.” TAVA has an extensive track list, and some of his most well-known songs include “Supercars,” “Come On Girl,” “In The Night,” “I’m In Love,” etc. One of his latest singles, “What I Feel,” released on Hot Vibes Records, has managed millions of plays on Spotify and over 3 million streams on Sony Music Germany.

His success didn’t come easy, and if you are an upcoming DJ or producer, TAVA is here to show you that patience, passion, and humility can take you places. The way to be great in the industry is to work hard and express your passion through your work. Despite his success, TAVA aims to do more—start his own record label and perform on the biggest stages across Europe. You can be part of TAVA’s success story and reach him through Instagram, Facebook, and Spotify

TAVA’s journey to becoming a household brand in Italy and beyond was not without its challenges and setbacks. In order to achieve success in the competitive world of music production and DJing, TAVA had to consistently work hard and strive to improve his skills and techniques. This required a great deal of dedication and determination, as well as a willingness to take risks and try new things.

Despite his natural talent and passion for music, TAVA also recognized the importance of humility and the value of learning from others. He was not afraid to seek out guidance and advice from experienced professionals in the industry, and he worked hard to build relationships with other artists and DJs. This helped him to establish himself as a respected and sought-after collaborator, and it allowed him to work with some of the biggest names in the industry.

One of the key factors in TAVA’s success has been his ability to adapt and evolve as an artist. He has consistently pushed himself to try new things and to experiment with different styles and genres, always striving to find new and innovative ways to express himself through his music. This has allowed him to stay fresh and relevant in a rapidly changing industry, and it has helped him to build a loyal and engaged fanbase.

As TAVA continues to grow and evolve as an artist, he remains driven by his passion for music and his desire to make a positive impact on the world. He has big plans for the future, including the launch of his own record label and the opportunity to perform on the biggest stages across Europe. No matter what the future holds, TAVA is sure to continue living the dream and inspiring others to chase their own wildest dreams. So, he is a perfect example for all the upcoming DJs and producers that hard work, passion, and humility can take them to the heights of success.

Setting Her Sights on World Domination, Ali Spartels Rules the Australian and UK Airwaves with Babalon

The music industry is teeming with talent just bubbling from under the surface. Spanning multiple genres, artists, and adept musical stylings, the industry has become a wellspring of inspiration for aspiring musicians to stake their claim within a burgeoning enterprise. Ali Spartels is among these talented individuals. Carving out her legacy in the music and entertainment industry with unabashed enthusiasm, the prominent musician has unveiled a solo project under the moniker Babalon

Donning the Babalon persona, Ali Spartels has crafted a musical icon that fully embodies her sheer artistry. The artist utilizes a synergistic blend of genre elements straight out of Indie, Electro Pop, and Dark-wave Electro Pop. Babalon is a vehicle for Ali’s creative expression as she immerses herself in character and blurs the lines between her artistic creation and her own personality. 

Ali’s talents took root way before she decided to pursue a career in music. Since the early days of her childhood, she had already shown tremendous promise as a musician. She learned jazz piano at a young age and now carries what she has learned throughout her musical journey. Plucking her influences from revered artists such as Prince, Sting, and Joni Mitchell, Babalon’s music has a way of captivating an audience and seamlessly blending the artistic stylings of one Ali Spartels. 

Apart from her sonic influences, Ali Spartels also heavily draws visual inspiration from the legendary filmmaker David Lynch. With every new release, Babalon has allowed Ali to express her artistry through music accompanied by compelling music videos. Coming from equally talented parents, it’s no surprise that Ali Spartels has made an indelible mark in the music industry. 

Both of her parents are well-known actors in the Australian entertainment industry and have featured in multiple leading roles in theater, film, and television. Her father, George Spartels, was a staple in “Playschool,” a long-running children’s television series on ABC where Ali began her songwriting career at the age of five. She wrote songs on her father’s albums for the show, which continues to be celebrated today. 

Her mother, Liz Alexander, is a famous Australian actress who recently starred in the highly successful Netflix series, “Clickbait.” Her mother’s talent for visual flair has carried over onto Ali’s dazzling onscreen presence, allowing her to become a magnetic force throughout her many music videos. 

Babalon premiered in the Music Magazine in 2020. Since the solo project’s inception, Ali Spartels has garnered radio play all across Australia. Her latest single, “Scream,” is part of a larger project that Ali is currently brewing up. This new undertaking brings the likes of Max Vangeli, Stonebridge, and Going Deeper to rework the tune and bring various EDM stylings accompanied by Ali’s hauntingly beautiful vocals. 

Since its initial release, “Scream” has enjoyed tremendous success all across the United Kingdom, consistently being played across the club and radio circuit of prominent venues. The single is currently available to stream across all mainstream digital platforms, along with a hypnotic music video that audiences just couldn’t take their eyes off. 

Swiss Sensation Katherine Vollenweider is MLife Music Group Bright New Recruit

  Katherine Vollen : Photo By – Paulo Hez

Katherine Vollenweider’s face recently lit up Times Square, giving us a glimpse of his star rising. 

The 20-year-old singer-songwriter originally dazzled spectators when she appeared on Miss Suisse Francophone competition in 2021. The competition brings french-speakers across Switzerland together to showcase their talents. She represented her small, lakeside town of Neuchatel, and, by placing in the top 10 of contestants, put her home on map as the birthplace of a promising star.

Currently living and working in New York City, the Swiss-born singer is now getting the All-American star treatment. In April 2022, she was featured in Untold Magazine. She was photographed and profiled for the beauty and fashion publication. Following the release of the story, she told her instagram followers that her “future begins now.”

Seemingly to affirm her statement, several important projects followed the release of the article in Untold. She modeled for famed photographer Marc Baptiste. As a guest of her label, MLife Records, and Nasdaq, she appeared at the TEDxWaterstreet Reimagine 2022 event in April. With so much traction under her feet, she made New York her official home in May, committing herself to the continuation of her career. 

Though a transplant to the land of stars and stripes, she continues to stay true to her European roots. She was a guest at the Angel Ball 2022 at New York’s famed establishment, Cipriani. Around the same time, she was in the studio with MLife.

Perhaps her most shining moment to date was her appearance at the Clinton Foundation Gala. Representing MLife, she shook hands (and took photos) with esteemed guests including Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. 

Check it out Wyclef Jean Attends MLife’s Billboard unveiling ceremony in Times Square, NY in May 2022.

https://youtube.com/shorts/mIf9gXgdheA?feature=share

             Katherine Vollen & Hilary Clinton : Photo By – Paulo Hez

“What a beautiful soul,” Rodham Clinton said following their meeting. “You have a bright future ahead of you, especially here in America.”

Now that she is signed with New York-based label, MLife Records, Ms. Vollenweider is certainly on a path to stardom. Her first single is in the works and due to drop in 2023. 

Mezzo Yana Mann and her exploration of the contemporary arias

Yana Mann. Photo by Vladimir Osnovin

In 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, Russian mezzo Yana Mann decided to start working on the release of her first studio album: Los poemas de bar. The intimate collection of songs, written and composed by NY–based Colombian composer Julián De La Chica, explores the most ordinary conversations that take place after 3:00 am in a New York bar. And this would be not only Yana’s first album, but also the “Recording premiere” of the song cycle composed by De La Chica, years ago.

The result of the album is exquisite, with new sounds (close and warm), full of stories, experiences and memories. Although the time of the pandemic meant a time of silence and uncertainty for many, for Yana it meant the opposite: produce and sing. By September 2020, Yana jumped into this new Zoom’s world and started working remotely, along with Julián, on the production of the album. Both artists, Yana from her studio in Dubai, and Julián from his studio in Brooklyn, would begin the details of this new production.

The album was released in May 2021, achieving a very good reception not only from the general audience, but also from critics. Later, Yana was invited by the Brooklyn–based record label Irreverence Group Music, to present the premiere of the work during her anticipated debut at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City. And what could be more perfect than the Weill Recital Hall, known for its intimacy, as well as its majesty, to present this sonic trip.

Yana Mann and Julián De La Chica at Carnegie Hall, NY. Photo by Fadi Kheir.

The concert was on February 12, 2022, and with a full house, Mann dazzled with her voice, the precision of her sound, and her dialogue with the piano (performed by De La Chica himself). In the first part of the recital, Yana, dressed in sober black, presented Los Poemas de Bar, Op. 12, while in the second part, in dramatic red, she presented a new work written for the occasion and dedicated to her: Las Arias Florentinas, Op. 15. Critic Grella said In the program notes: “The result is a human connection, familiar shapes but new sounds. And with the bar stories coming through the voice, a feeling of duende that is something beyond genres and styles, just De La Chica’s own compositional voice. Tonight, that’s inseparable from the clarity and color of Yana Mann’s singing. She is both an excellent interpreter of the Poemas, and the dedicatee of the Arias.”

Las Arias Florentinas were composed by De La Chica in the summer of 2021, while he was visiting Florence with his family. According to him, his experience of the pandemic and the cancellation of live music brought him immense sadness. But one day (in Florence), while walking through the lonely city, he saw the announcement of a concert in an old chapel. The feeling was wonderful: “To be witnessing music in its purest state again, listen to a soprano, in the beauty and intimacy of this small chapel, and also in Florence. Of course I came out with my head full of ideas, and that’s how the arias were born, which by the way I decided to call them that, as a tribute to the Italian opera of the 17th century.” says De La Chica.

Yana Mann and Julián De La Chica at Carnegie Hall, NY. Photo by Fadi Kheir.

The arias are composed in a minimalist style, as is the style of De La Chica. The sounds of the piano come and go, as they intertwine around Yana’s voice. Yana seems to personify an ancient muse, who wanders through the streets of Florence. De La Chica’s music has the conviction of easily enveloping the listener. His music, although austere, is powerful, and although you could say it is minimal, it is complex. And these concepts, along with repetition and circles, quickly captivate the listener.

Now Yana will take the arias to a new album, and this exploration–her exploration of new music, plus “the heartbreaking melancholia of Mann’s voice,” will bring a wonderful result, I’m sure. Yana will collaborate with De La Chica again, and we hope that for this occasion, it will not be remote but live, also with everyone present, for the enjoyment of our senses.

  • Watch Blanca, the new video of Yana Mann.

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