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Sonya Kahn

New Beginning (Mozarta Muzik)

By Catherine Patterson
Published: June 6th, 2008 | 1:00pm

Performing original music takes courage. Learning a new language also takes courage. Writing and performing original music in the learned language just takes guts. Enter the fearless Sonya Kahn, a 24-year-old classically trained musician who composes, arranges, and produces her own music. Did I mention she does it on her own record label? Oh yeah, and she has a doctorate in concert piano and musical theory. Oh, and she’s from Russia and learned English just to record music. Specifically, her independent release: New Beginning.

New Beginning is entirely Kahn’s blood, sweat, and tears. From the album’s first rock anthem, “Why Justify,” she shows the range of her voice and her pleasant eloquence. Songs like “Without You” and “Sabre Dance” show her classical piano training, while “Friend” has a more radio-friendly vibe, resembling work from Midwest-bred and pop chart–friendly band Evanescence. “Hunter” is a string-edged ballad, yet “Party Song” is a heavy rocknroll piece.

Listening to New Beginning is like listening to the soundtrack of a Broadway musical. Tracks are arranged fluidly, and Kahn’s passionate voice rings with vigor. During “Don’t Go Away,” I can imagine her in the scene: begging the show’s lead male character to stay with her. I nearly expect him to take over the song and duet with her before the chorus line breaks out in support, the strings begin to boom from the orchestra pit, and backup dancers pour from behind the curtains!

I’m getting ahead of myself.

Here's the bottom line: Sonya Kahn is a talented and motivated artist. This record will be interpreted in many ways, and Kahn should be prepared for a negative comment or two. But her sound is so pure and guileless that it makes this record worth a listen. Something tells me that if she does hear negative feedback, it won’t stop her; as she sings on the final track, "I was born to walk this road alone / Full of thorns but I’ll make it on my own."

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