Driven by innocence and organic talent, young songwriter and artist Aaria & Band Wildlife confidently and cleverly highlights the unique and impassioned qualities of her single Ponies In Denver.
The first single from their upcoming album Feel The Light, Ponies In Denver features a colourful organic arrangement of voices, keys, rhythms, bass and guitars, and introduces the reflective childhood memories and experiences of the bigger project in a compelling way.
The set-up follows a bright piano part, and Aaria’s cleanly-mixed natural voice, towards a bigger-band groove that lets the music and melodies connect as effectively as the lyrics. The voice is slowly supported by additional vocals, and as the lyrics softly intensify during the second verse, the music and tune reach an unexpectedly striking peak, before trailing back again towards the calming imagery and adlib of the instrumental.
Far from a simple celebration or childlike expression, Ponies In Denver unites realism and optimism, looking ahead at the bigger picture of life, whilst considering the irreplaceable comforts of the past. It’s a bittersweet nostalgic venture that’s fascinating in both lyric and melody, capturing the essence of both optimism and uncertainty, happiness and melancholy, and ultimately resounding with character and energy.
Aaria Chakrabarti has been writing songs since just five years of age, releasing her first originals at nine, and all the while splitting her time between Los Angeles (CA), Montreal (Canada), and Moorestown (NJ). Her songwriting is undeniably mature, drawing inspiration from a bold blend of cultural influences across the two cities.
As such a well-travelled youngster, Aaria’s genre naturally notes hints of inspiration from both classical music and modern pop, and ultimately presents as a kind of mildly theatrical singer-songwriter vibe, which captures affection across the board. More than this, her wisdom and poetic framing of ideas as a skilful songwriter is incredibly nuanced and impressive, and shines with genuine feeling and personality, throughout this single.
Growing up is a universal experience, and it’s loaded with both opportunity and struggle. Aaria’s ability to collect her thoughts and feelings on this matter, and resolve them with such a concise and clear image and hook, is quite phenomenal. The pianist and singer guides us through the highs and lows of contemplation, and Band Wildlife elevates those natural qualities beautifully, as we build towards a heartfelt crescendo.
The name Band Wildlife draws from Aaria’s own profound connection to nature and sustainability, aspects of life that consistently help move her creative process. Her devotion to subjects of meaning, her refusal to simply play it safe stylistically, is the essence of her thoughtful and interesting songwriting, and when balanced with the clear diversity and depth of her performance ability, makes for an unrivalled and unmistakable original sound.
Emerging complete with a live performance video and some striking visuals of horses and old photographs, Ponies In Denver is a joyful storytelling piece of music and performance, which introduces the complex and careful creativity of a talented and promising young artist. With tens of thousands of followers and monthly listeners already tuning in, the future is looking incredibly bright for both Aaria and Band Wildlife.
Find Aaria on Instagram & her Website.
