Songsalive! supporting, promoting and educating songwriters and composers worldwide

We are pleased to announce Kevin Mongelli as our Pro Member Spotlight for August - September 2012:


CD REVIEW

I am deeply moved by an artist who is courageous and eloquent to create a full album of piano instrumentals. Kevin Mongelli's album, Fort Lonesome, captured my attention the first moment,... the first note. I love the piano, being a pianist myself. The first song that was provided to us, "Darker Days", really captures the essence of the title: it's moody, evocative, emotional and deep. I almost cried as the keys crescendoed about half way through, taking me down into my darkest and inner most secret cave of longings and dreams. Wow, what a pianist, and what a composer. We need more Kevin Mongelli's in the world to usher such emotion and take us on a journey in music. Thank you for delivering this to us. Albeit a dark and lonely place, they say you need to feel the blues to play the blues. 



A sense of his classical roots, "Fort Lonesome" is Kevin's 3rd album and shows his strength as a composer, pianist and emotive performer. "Passion for Springtime", while still emitting the deep emotion as the last, has a certain hope infused in Kevin's playing. "Ride The Wind" uses the full spectrum of the keys, and it really feels like the wind is taking me off, as the fingers move and chords progress.

"Train to Despair" while yet another melancholy title, really captures the movement of the train and I didn't feel so "desperate" when hearing it. If anything, Kevin's compositions uplift and inspire me, though I feel that perhaps he has been to those dark places to be able to emit the emotion so well in his music.

Kevin is very clever with his song titles. They really depict the sound he is creating on the ivories. He's also mastered the independent artist promotional strategies, of which I'm always trying to get our Songsalive! members to be masters of: he has his website, itunes/amazon/e-stores, Songsalive!, musicXray and other social network profiles up to speed. Check out his website at www.PianoEloquence.com and Songsalive! Profile at http://www.songsalive.org/profile/Kevin-Mongelli. File as Classical, instrumental. Make no bones about this: he is up there with the sounds of Czerny and Beethoven, but for our modern day audiences who love piano, this album will truly capture your heart.

INTERVIEW

1: Where are you from, originally and what brought you to Tampa Bay, Florida?
 I've lived several places in my life.  Grew up mostly around the Cheseapeake Bay in Maryland.  Also lived in St. Croix for a few years.  Now reside in beautiful Tampa Bay, Florida!
 

2. What style of music would you say you do?
 Solo Piano - Original, Visual, Classical
 

3. What do you enjoy best - songwriting or performing and why? 
I prefer composing.  I am sometimes surprised to find levels of emotion inside of me that I wasn't aware existed.
 

4. Who are your musical influences? 
Elgar wrote emotive orchestral pieces with strong central themes, which is similar to my style of composing.  I am also strongly influenced by Stravinsky, Mahler, and Debussy.
 

5. Describe your favorite song you have written and why is it so special to you? 
My favorite composition is Darker Days.  Much of the music from my new Fort Lonesome album originated from different parts of my life.  I actually composed Darker Days last year, which became of opening piece as the perfect lead in for the album story.
 

6. What are your goals for the next 5 years musically speaking? 
We have been very pleased over the response from fans and critics alike on the new release of Fort Lonesome.  Will be promoting it heavily over the next year and then intend to begin work on my next project.  In addition to reaching as many fans as possible, also have been actively placing my music in front of industry professionals for placement in film and tv.


7. Tell us about your recordings and what's in store next for you? 
In 2009, I released my first album "Ascension" with eight original compositions and was touched by the positive response.  I then researched and arranged unique holiday themes, which ultimately became the "Christmas Variations" album in 2010.  In 2012, we released "Fort Lonesome" with ten new compositions. I am so pleased at the response and reviews.  It was nominated for Album of the Year at the Indie Music Channel Awards.


8. Where can we buy your music? 
My music is available from all of the major online retailers.  CD's are on Amazon.  Tracks can be purchased from my website, iTunes, CD Baby, Rhapsody, and more.  A good starting point for direct links is from my website at www.PianoEloquence.com.
 

9. What are your views about where the music industry is heading in your community, or on a global level?
 I have been so pleased at the progression of opportunities available for independent musicians.  That sector is clearly growing which has allowed my music to be heard around the globe.


10. Anything pertinent you'd like to say about Songsalive! 
I am proud to be a new member of the great community!