Jack Carenza - November 7, 2022

Harrisburg Flight Night Artist Spotlight: Alonda Rich

As the Harrisburg stop on Kota the Friend’s Flight Night Music Festival approaches, it is essential to remember the true purpose of the tour, and of the fltbys brand. That mission is clearly restated in a fltbys Instagram Post:

 “Ever since 2008 we’ve been giving people the opportunity to get on stage, when no one else was giving the opportunity,” said Kota.  “Fltbys has always been a young company of people who just want to do something but have no platform.”Harrisburg Flight Night

Embracing the concept of connecting up-and-coming talent to their community, we will showcase a stacked lineup of opening acts in Harrisburg, before Kota takes the stage at HMAC on November 11th. Harrisburg singer/songwriter Alonda Rich has all the tools to wow the Harrisburg crowd this Friday.   

Known for her captivating vocal performances, and vibrant harmonic hooks, Alonda Rich’s talents as a vocalist are obvious.  Her abilities as a formidable songwriter, and stunning singer have landed her features on tracks with Benny the Butcher, Stogie T and Freeway. 

Alonda pairs her quality in the booth, with a keen business acumen.  She has shown an uncanny ability to land sync placements, with tracks featured on The Chi, Black Mafia Family, Twenties and more.  Her success getting placed in film & TV resulted in Alonda publishing an e-book this year, titled Licensing your Music to TV + Film.  The combination of powerful art, and superb business skills is not one you often encounter in independent artists.  Look for Alonda’s deadly one-two punch to result in continued industry success.  

Rich, soulful vocals and poignant lyricism define Alonda Rich artistically.  Her discography is home to words of poetic insight, hope and a modest perspective on real-world challenges.  Presentation is just as prolific as meaning, and Rich uses glossy timbre and gorgeous soundscapes as a canvas for her impactful messages.   

Alonda Rich’s Sound

Alonda Rich’s vocals easily move from powerful and soulful, to delicate and manicured.  These effortless switch-ups create tension, cohesion and balance in her sound.  They exhibit her full range as an artist, and the true beauty that exists within contrast.  

Rich pointed to the 2021 EP Empty Room as the most important body of work she has released to date.  The five track project sees Alonda Rich exploring the fine line between loneliness and community, hope and struggle.  

Empty room begins with the beautiful and sparse title track, which sees Rich’s vocals paired with a stripped down, emotionally charged instrumental.  Midway through the track, steady drums begin to supplement the methodical guitar melody, bolstered by gorgeous harmonies.  

Lessons For My Daughters sees Alonda reflecting on the wisdom she’s acquired through experience.  She passes these truths to her daughters, embracing the vulnerabilities and challenges of a 21st century woman.  This dynamic creates an emotionally charged, relatable tone.   

Never Change gives real boom-bap vibes, and a listener is rewarded.  Following more crisp vocals by Alonda, South African rapper Stogie T taps in for a thoughtful and dynamic verse.  

Amid all the great tracks, a true album highlight is track two, Be Like This.  Alonda explores all corners of a gorgeous and open instrumental.  She tells the story of a collapsed relationship, where she was too vulnerable to open up to a man who almost cared too much about her.  The lyrics are intimate, nostalgic, and candid.  Both sonically and thematically, Be Like This is a brilliant work of art from a supremely talented artist.  

“I wonder if I cross your mind, or if I burned that bridge too./Is there another way to reach you?  I just wanna know if you’re okay.” 

 Empty Room is a truly special work of art, showing Alonda’s limitless talent, and ability to capture human emotion with clarity and style.  

Alonda Rich on Independence

While we highlighted Alonda’s talents in successfully navigating the business side of the independent game, challenges do still exist.  In this day and age of viral hits, it’s easy to lose sight of one’s artistic identity.  Of integrity.  Alonda Rich seems motivated to preserve that. 

“Yes, I’m an independent artist and songwriter. Staying true to yourself and your sound musically can be difficult in an industry that follows trends. You can easily get drowned out following whatever trend is popular at the moment. I try to stay grounded and remind myself what I stand for and why I started. ”

To this point, Alonda’s music seems to have remained true, a reflection of an artist and person who strives to make a positive impact.  

Harrisburg Flight Night 

Flight Night offers a unique opportunity for artists to perform on the grandest stage.  And do so in front of their hometown.  It also sees independent artists side-by-side with Kota the Friend.  Who often serves as a model for how they can continue to progress their career.  

“I’m a fan of Kota’s music and admire how he’s grown as an artist & brand. I’m excited and grateful to have the opportunity to join the stage with hard working independent artists who care about their craft.” 

Just days before a special night at Harrisburg Flight Night, Alonda Rich seems well poised to connect with an appreciative crowd at HMAC on November 11th.  Limited tickets are still available at FlightNight.com.  

 

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