New Haven-based singer-songwriter Aster Rhys is a fascinating artist whose music blends the ancient with the present, offering listeners a singular experience of what she calls “ceremonial folk.” Raised across the Eastern Seaboard, Aster has embraced her wanderlust roots and nomadic lifestyle, both physically and spiritually, tapping into her multiracial heritage and drawing inspiration from ancestral memory, folklore and myth. This connection to the past, along with her ability to transport listeners to a different world entirely through her voice, makes Aster Rhys a unique and celebrated presence in today’s folk scene.
Her artistic journey started with her passion for tall tales and folklore and today she channels the wisdom of the ages into her music, creating a sound that feels mesmeric and utterly timeless. Her vocals are a key part of this magic, moving between ethereal falsettos that seem to carry the weight of myth and empowering moments that channel the energy of 60s icons.
A wanderer in both life and art, Rhys’ path has taken her across the United States. Born and raised in New Jersey, she pursued her studies in New York, lived in California, and spent time reflecting in Michigan before finally settling in Connecticut. She’s now firmly established in the New Haven music scene, where her artistic voice continues to evolve and shine.
First unveiling her original sonic vision in 2020, she released her debut single “Diana,” followed up by a string of tracks in the build up to her debut EP, MÆTA, the next year. Taking a hiatus from sharing her studio sound, last month she returned with new material via the single “Ocean Deep” and now she brings us her latest release with the brand new song titled “Crossroads.”
Using the symbolic imagery of crossroads, Aster explores the idea of liminal spaces, those sacred, in-between moments where the choices we make are guided by unseen forces. Setting a delicate scene with the sound of bird song, soft acoustic guitar notes and gently tapped percussion form the backdrop for Aster’s stunning vocals, blurring the lines between commanding delivery and aching emotion as he threads dancing melodies into the developing arrangement.
With intricate accordion tones and fluttering acoustic guitar, the song glides from the subtly intense moodiness of the verse to the bright and calmly anthemic chorus as Aster’s incredible vocal performance drifts above the hypnotic blend of instrumentation. It’s a truly engrossing musical experience that showcases the songwriting talent and extraordinary performance ability of this talented and enduring artist who continues to impress on her return to sharing her compelling musical output with the world.
Listen to Crossroads below
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