The emotional core of singer/songwriter Candice AlonA was first
heard on her captivating six-track debut EP, Maelstrom, as it
navigated an intense, musical minefield through a story of tumultuous
love and all of the complex emotions that came with it. Candice is now
excited to be releasing her second AlonA EP, City Free, which
finds the artist moving past much of the frustration and turmoil
evident on Maelstrom into a new stage of exhilaration and promise.
Mixed and mastered by Jay Frigoletto (India.Arie, INXS and
Blondie) City Free is slated for an Internet-only release in late June
followed by a traditional release in Fall 2008.While AlonA's
debut EP, Maelstrom, dove deep into melancholy and rage over
dysfunctional romance, City Free plays true to its title, revealing a
refreshing sense of freedom from leaving the past behind. Candice
AlonA stripped down the recording and producing side for this release
by writing and producing with one collaborator instead of a full band
and a separate producer. With the collaborative skills of local
musicians, friend and up-and-coming French-born producer/songwriter Gyom, City Free was written and recorded in its
entirety out of his home project studio. "It was a full collaboration
on the songwriting," she offers, "but he is totally responsible for
all production and those instruments played on all the rock
songs."Conceptually, Candice calls City Free "a purposeful
departure from Maelstrom in multiple ways," but a common thread is her
bold and confident vocals, which drive these songs. There is a sense
of freedom and elation in the exuberant "City Free," which Candice
reveals is "more a testament to a feeling than any specific
occurrences." Call it what you will: a step from the darkness into the
light, an escape or a new beginning – this song launches an astounding
sophomore effort.The singer/songwriter-style pop of "Fade to
Black" provides a pivotal moment of self -rediscovery – a statement to
the absolute end of the tumultuous space Candice experienced during
the period that she wrote the songs on Maelstrom. "The lyrics talk
about the relationship like a metaphor for a "sad movie scene," she
explains, "and how it's come time for a recasting and new direction in
the plot." Lines like "I'm OK as long as you're far away," provide
some of the EP's best lyrical hooks."Weightless" – a song
Candice calls, "an anthem for those who dare to take the road less
traveled," is reminiscent of the melancholy melodies present on
Maelstrom but reworked from the bitter and angry end into an almost
celebratory, "sad but happy" and melodically passionate about it kind
of emotional pop. "Weightless" is one of the best songs I feel I've
written stylistically", says Candice. "As far as an overall aim for
sound, it lands right in the center."The EP's final track,
"Skyscraping" introduces a collaborative side project, The Ebony Bed which features Candice, producer K-Murdock (of Panacea), and graphic designers
Aaron Hill and Chris Vanderhoof. "Skyscraping" embodies a chill feel
with urban flavors courtesy of K-Murdock's smooth production set
against Candice's vocals. This ambitious track recalls the remixes
from Maelstrom and again shows AlonA to be an artist of exceptional
talent and vision who cannot easily be pigeonholed into one
genre.As Candice seeks to assimilate all facets of her music
and her life, she pursues dual passions: while actively immersing
herself in music, she is also pursuing a doctorate in Clinical
Psychology. "These two realms naturally intersect for me," Candice
explains. "Lyrically, music provides both an emotional release and an
emotional safe haven. I've always been an introspective and socially
observant person. Songwriting is just another part of psychology and
vice versa for me. They are both huge parts of who I am."AlonA
performs frequently in the DC/Maryland area, sometimes with the full
band but just as often with Candice accompanied only by her guitarist.
"I love to get more intimate with the microphone in ways you can't do
with a full band," she explains. "I think it's easier to connect that
way." Clearly Candice AlonA has barely begun to plum the depths of her
potential as a vocalist, songwriter, musician and recording artist.
For more information on AlonA, please visit her website at www.alonaband.com.
- Gail WorleyRock Critic At Large
