- Bryon Harris
Kala Farnham - 'Beautiful Heart'
Review Written By Daniel Hoyt & Staff
'Beautiful Heart' by Kala Farnahm is featured on BWH Music Group’s new release, ‘On Peace Street, Vol. One.’ The compilation album is a collection of 19 original songs in various genres by today's best independent artists and songwriters. Sharing songs about peace and social justice, the artist's songs will ultimately remind you of the importance of peace, fairness, love and unity. Filled with meaningful lyrics and exceptional music, this playlist is an example of how music can influence, and even change, people, movements, and society.
Kala Farnham is a Singer-Songwriter who has gained recognition in her work with numerous awards including the Rose Garden Performing Songwriter Contest. She takes influence from her classical education, her professional career in musical theater, and her love of folk music. On can hear all three elements (classical, folk, and musical theater) in "Beautiful Heart,", however, there is a depth that goes far beyond genre, the stage and the audience - it is a depth that is personal and brave.
“Beautiful Heart (Shine On)” is a piano ballad in the introspective key of Bm. There is a powerful emotional element, right from the start, that could have come from the soundtrack of a Broadway hit show and if it did, this would be the song that moves the audience to a standing ovation.
Musically, 'Beautiful Heart' uses the key progression of any pop hit of today; however, the voice leading in the bass line really pulls out those musical theater chops and gives the song an above par performance that is engaging. Kala's voice can connect to any style of music and in 'Beautiful Heart,' her vocals come directly from her soul and listener's can feel it. The whole arrangement is a duo, her voice and piano, which allows for her lyrics and expression to take center stage.
The lyrics of this song are the real highlight. Not often do you find songs with this much poetic power. Above all else, "Beautiful Heart" it is about having a voice and that voice gives hope and healing. It’s an empowering statement to girls and women everywhere who are Queens and will “Shine On.” It is for every woman in a “man’s world.”
The story of this piece begins back in the fall of 2017 when the #MeToo Movement was in full effect. Farnham wanted to share her story and empower women everywhere, and she accomplishes this and so much more. “It’s a hard game girl” and “Sometimes Justice never comes” are two key lines in the chorus. It’s out in the open and it’s not hard to understand that she’s saying that in this world, life is hard, and the victims of these crimes can endure a lifetime of psychological trauma, but they can "shine on." They are not at fault, and Kala Farnham has shared her voice and in doing so, she has given others a safe space, through song, to share their voices and be heard.
In "Beautiful Heart," Kala Farnham has given the world a song that is more than a movement; it is part of her soul and she bravely shares her story and "shines on" like the Queen of song she was born to be with a voice and a message so personal and powerful, she is heard on every level.
Kala Farnham has a true message and her musical talents are without question. A very bright future awaits this phenomenal singer-songwriter who will surely rise to the very top of any music mountain she chooses to climb.
About Kala Farnham
Armed with a voice, entourage of instruments, and faith in the power of story, songstress Kala Farnham set out into the world with one vision: To inspire through the transformative power of musical storytelling.
Farnham has garnered numerous awards and recognition, including 2019 Rose Garden Performing Songwriter Contest winner and alumni of the Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project.
Farnham's recent album, a heartfelt account of adventure and homecoming titled "Samadhi: Home Is Where You Are" was nominated for RI's Motif Music Awards "Best Americana Album" and hailed by Bill Copeland Music News as "soulful Americana" in "one of New England’s best voices in one of this year’s best written and best recorded works."
Drawing from a classical education and professional career in musical theater, Kala presents hallmark reinvention of the folk tradition; her passion for fairytales, ancient history, and vivid storytelling draws her audience into imaginative re-creations of the familiar world.
For more information about Kala Farnham, please visit her website.
Connect:
Listen: