The
international response to up and coming artist, Yakova, has
disappointed no one. Soon after the worldwide digital release of her
debut EP, Yakova received placement as "Featured Artist" not once, but
twice on Hollywood California’s radio station 89.7 KLAS FM. In
Venezuela, a 17 year old fan writes to Yakova, “I am charmed with your
style and your voice; you sing incredibly,” and in Guangdong China, a
27 year old fan exclaims, “So wonderful, so amazing!” In England,
Spectacular Music of London called Yakova's work "Enchanting and
dramatic."
Back in her home state of New York, Mark Mensher of Candiru Films wrote
"Yakova's voice is powerful and beautiful and her song-writing skills
are quite impressive. Also, she really has down that 'haunting' quality
of vocals." Los Angeles-based music critic and writer for All Music
Guide, Tom Mureika, published a glowing review including such praises
as this: "From the opening strains of Crush, the remarkable new voice
of Yakova leaps out at you - like the best parts of Tori Amos, Kate
Bush and Evanescence's Amy Lee - yet still uniquely her own."
After writing her original songs acapella, Yakova worked with several
talented musicians to complete the arrangements, all of which was
accomplished in eight months in New York City. The release of her self
titled debut was soon followed by two radio mixes of "Crush" and "Test
Drive," and almost two years later, a brand new single was released in
collaboration with Weird Out Productions entitled "Another Crossroad."
Where did that big voice come from? Yakova’s vocal career began in 2001
with classical voice lessons from former principal tenor of The
Metropolitan Opera, Dana Talley. Later in her vocal career, she became
the student of pop rock vocal guru, Don Lawrence, known for his work
with MTV and VHI as well as his work with big names such as Christina
Aguilera, Joss Stone, Bono from U2, Whitney Houston, and a list of
others. Yakova’s vocal quality flourished under this polemic
instruction of rock versus classical.
Musicians on her debut EP include Paul Strayfer, guitar writer;
Geoffrey Hale, pianist; DJ Haze on “Disarm Me”; Seth Johnson, drummer;
and Jason Marcus on bass. After the recording of all instruments,
Yakova spent many days and nights in the studio mixing and producing
her tracks with the help of seasoned engineer, Mike Anzel.
As for the meaning of her name, Yakova explained, "It's one of my
names, not just a stage name. When I was born, my mom gave me the
Hebrew name, Yakova, after my Russian great grandfather, Yakov. Hebrew
names don’t go on birth certificates and sometimes don't ever get used,
but I was happy that I had a reason to start using it."
When asked what she plans to do from this point forward, Yakova said,
"I’ll ride this wave where it takes me. We’ll see who I meet, and what
kinds of musical ideas we conceive."
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