Music
Alysia Kraft Finds Solace Through Hardship With Debut Solo Single “Cold Mountain”
“Cold Mountain” is an earthy folk tune acknowledging the immensity of pain, loss, and struggle as a first step toward healing and making a change.
Singer-songwriter Alysia Kraft delivers a striking performance on her debut solo single, “Cold Mountain,” out February 18th. As the first song from her upcoming record First Light, out later this year, “Cold Mountain” introduces the project with a sonic breath of fresh air. The Wyoming born artist has made a beloved reputation for herself in the Wyoming and Colorado music scenes; “Cold Mountain” showcases a different side of Kraft’s artistry following her work with Whippoorwill and The Patti Fiasco, inviting listeners to experience the ethereal whimsy inherent to this track’s lush, bioluminescent folk soundscape. Fans of HAIM, Waxahatchee, and Kacey Musgraves will find themselves right at home immersed in Kraft’s lush vocals and melancholy-steeped poetry. “Cold Mountain” is set to make an emotional appearance in the short film, Be Still, premiering at the Front Range Film Festival in Longmont, CO, on February 19 for which it recently won the Indie Short Fest award for “Best Original Song”.
“Cold Mountain” came to Kraft like a breath of fresh air; having grown up in rural Wyoming, this song finds it’s roots in the same grandness of the windswept plains the queer artist took refuge in while enduring various struggles for acceptance and understanding throughout life. Kraft wrote this track “in a moment of fully feeling how brutal and beautiful life can be all at once.” For her, “Cold Mountain” is an exploration of the ways in which we “find the space to feel both the grief and hope we need to keep going.” As co-producer, Kraft made it a point to create something that felt true to the place and emotion of the song. In collaboration with J. Tom Hnatow (producer, mixing engineer) and Justin W. Craig (producer, mixing engineer), Kraft brought her vision to life as a brilliantly multi-dimensional final product. Alysia Kraft partnered with SonaBLAST! Records to create this project, adding her captivating artistic signature to their acclaimed catalog.
Fans can stream “Cold Mountain” on all major streaming platforms on February 18th.
More about Alysia Kraft:
Having amassed devoted regional followings for projects Whippoorwill and The Patti Fiasco as a celebrated songwriter and incomparably magnetic frontwoman, Kraft has sold out most of Colorado’s big stages and directly supported icons Bon Jovi, Blondie, Nathanial Rateliff and Bonnie Raitt on significantly bigger ones. Embracing the complexities of growing up queer on a cattle ranch in small-town Wyoming and choosing to love within a landscape that didn’t always love back, “First Light” is a triumphant homecoming and a defining solo debut. Smart, retro-influenced indie pop and lush, bioluminescent folk will find crossover appeal with fans of HAIM, Sheryl Crow, Sharon Van Etten, and Waxahatchee. Enlisting close collaborator J. Tom Hnatow & Grammy-nominated Justin Craig to produce and mix and acclaimed engineer, Sarah Register to master, “First Light” is open-hearted and thoughtfully hook-adorned– with soundscapes as dimensional as Kraft’s western upbringing and the liberated narratives contained therein.
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Artist Spotlight
Heliara unveils a symphony of courage in vulnerability with her new single “Cloak of Fear”
Heliara sings with a commanding and compassionate tone in her new single, “Cloak of Fear.” This stirring pop-rock anthem dives headfirst into the shadows of their anxieties and low self-esteem while extending a hand toward hope and promoting self-discovery. The Ottawa-based singer-songwriter draws upon her extensive musical odyssey to craft this unapologetically candid yet emotive track, effectively merging vulnerability with a powerful message of hope. The song’s lyrics invite a journey of emotional release, encouraging them to trade their “cloak of fear” for something brighter.
Musically, “Cloak of Fear” exemplifies a masterclass, in contrast, with the piano and bold guitar working together to create a fascinating interplay of light and shadow. The juxtaposition of its darker lyrical themes with an uplifting melody is striking, creating a unique sonic landscape that mirrors the journey from struggle to resilience. Heliara’s voice soars as the song builds, conveying strength and tenderness, a reminder that authenticity has power even in our most vulnerable moments.
What sets this track apart is its sincerity. Each word feels like it’s been pulled from the pages of her diary, making “Cloak of Fear” an intimate portrayal of struggle and affirmation of transformation. It’s a celebration of the process of overcoming adversity. Heliara’s willingness to embrace the power and vulnerability within herself inspires others to do the same, pushing audiences to banish negativity, discard their insecurities, and step into their most authentic selves. “Cloak of Fear” emerges as an empowering melodic narrative imbued with an indomitable sense of optimism; it’s a reminder that regardless of the obstacles encountered, we possess the inherent strength to rise.
“Cloak of Fear” by Heliara demonstrates that vulnerability can be a source of superpowers. This track is a must-listen for anyone seeking to embrace their courage and rewrite their story.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Heliara’s “Cloak of Fear“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight
“Wishing on a Star” by Claire Littley evokes a soulful odyssey of timeless classic dreams and optimism
Breathing new life into its familiar melody, Claire Littley’s reimagining of “Wishing on a Star” transcends its origins, transforming a timeless classic into an intimate, deeply personal narrative. Written initially by Billie Rae Calvin and recording popularized by Rose Royce, this song has always been a beacon of hope and dreams. However, Littley’s version delves into uncharted emotional territory, offering a vulnerable and soulful spin that feels like a heartfelt whisper to the universe.
Claire’s vocal performance stands out the most when she starts singing. Her delivery has a distinct emotive softness, a deliberate fragility that underscores the yearning at the song’s heart. Every word feels imbued with intention as if she’s not just singing about wishes but living them, shaping an atmosphere of intimacy that draws you in and holds you close.
Her production choices are equally thoughtful. Stripping the track to its emotional core, Littley creates a chilled, soulful arrangement that complements her vocals without overshadowing them. Delicate layers of instrumentation glide effortlessly, balancing nostalgia with innovation.
This version is unique because Claire connects with the song’s personal yet universal themes of hope, longing, and love in a way that resonates with generations. Her interpretation taps into these emotions, making it feel as relevant today as it did when the song was first released. It reminds listeners that the idea of “Wishing on a Star” is a metaphor we all share, a quiet act of defiance against life’s challenges.
“Wishing on a Star” by Claire Littley is more than a cover single; it’s a reinvention that will linger in the minds of listeners long after the final note fades, inviting everyone on a soul-stirring journey to dream and hope a little bigger. It’s proof that even the most familiar stars can shine in new and beautiful ways.
For more information about Claire Littley, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Claire Littley’s “Wishing on a Star“ on Spotify.
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