Artist: Sara Ontaned
Album: Entre Espacios y Colores
Members/Instruments:
Sara Ontaneda – Vocals/Lyrics/Guitar/Synths; Alejandro Zorrilla – bass; Fabio Rojas – drums; David Manuhutu – keys; Santiago Bosch – keys; Yoo Sun Nam – Alto Sax; Samuel Batista – Tenor Sax; Dustin Beardsley – Trumpet; and Kiho Yutaka – Violin
Fearlessly expressing your frailty and assets in a powerful mix of vulnerability and emotional strength isn’t a deed that most people can achieve. But the talented bilingual singer-songwriter-instrumentalist, Sara Ontaneda, proved she’s at ease with expressing her most personal thoughts and feelings on her recently released debut studio album, ‘Entre Espacios y Colores,’ which features tracks in both English and Spanish.
The musician, who discovered her passion for music at the young age of seven, has stunningly created a rich, layered and genre-infused sound that reflects her multi-cultural life in New York City. Ontaneda, who majored in Contemporary Writing and Production at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, crafted a versatile record that’s not only driven by South American-inspired vocals, but also a stunning fusion of jazz, folk, indie rock and pop instrumentals.
Comprised of nine intriguing songs, ‘Entre Espacios y Colores’ features four entries in English, including the mellow and R&B-inspired ‘My City. The singer-songwriter’s soothing vocals are expertly paired with an elegant violin, alluring strumming from the guitar and steady drum beat and rhythms. Fueled by an indie feeling that’s reminiscent of singer-songwriter-guitarist Michelle Branch’s early work, Ontaneda isn’t afraid to admit that she wants a second chance at romance with the person she loves. As she vulnerably reflects on their relationship, she also divulges that she doesn’t want to give up on their connection so easily, as they both leave their pain behind.
Another intriguing tune on the singer’s first full-length record is ‘Darling,’ on which Ontaneda possesses a more intensely serious vocal range. The contemporary-inspired track, which has the signature characteristics to make it sound empowering during a live performance, warns the person the musician loves that they can have fun together, but she’s still battling pain from past experiences. Backed by a enthralling jazz-inspired guitar, the singer reveals that she’ll heal in time, during which she hopes they’ll be able to retain their love.
The next versatile song on ‘Entre Espacios y Colores’ is the blues and jazz-inspired ‘Waiting Outside,’ which features a unique and retro Motown vibe. Driven by a sophisticated mix of drums, keys, bass and violin, Ontaneda reveals that she’ll wait for the person she loves to truly welcome her into his heart. She wants him to see that they belong together, and realize that she can make his troubles better, which helps make the entry powerful and a sure live jazz performance classic.
The last gripping English tune on Ontaneda’s debut studio album is ‘Park Drive,’ which features a gripping guitar, synths and keys-driven melody. The singer once again funnels a positive energy into her music to create an equally mellow and serious sound as she ponders her life. She courageously encourages the person she loves to not be afraid to approach her, as she points out that they’re experts at always being able to put their lives back together after a crisis.
Confidently expressing your frailty and assets in a powerful mix of both overt and suggestive vulnerability and emotional strength isn’t a deed that most people can achieve. But the skilled Ontaneda proved she’s at ease with expressing her most personal thoughts and feelings on ‘Entre Espacios y Colores.’ The New York City-based singer-songwriter has stunningly created a rich, layered and genre-infused sound on her latest songs that reflects her multi-cultural life. The musician, who performed at SXSW 2016, crafted a versatile record that’s not only driven by South American-inspired vocals, but also a stunning jazz, folk, indie rock and pop fusion of instrumentals.
Want more information on Ontaneda? Then visit the musician’s website and social pages:
• Official Website
• Facebook
• Bandcamp
• Instagram
• Twitter
