Cheryl B. Engelhardt’s new single, “Ithaca,” is a beautifully ethereal song that captures a moment of inner peace. Without using words, Engelhardt still makes vocals the star of the show with other-worldly chanting layered over soothing piano. The song instantly brings a sense of tranquility and center, like a nap that doesn’t make you groggy. When Engelhardt put out her last album in 2020, Luminary, she wanted to create music that could “combat anxiety and provide energetic peace and focus.” It seems that “Ithaca” is the continuation of that journey; it is an extremely soothing track. It’s perfect for meditation and yoga, or for a quick escape in the midst of a hectic day. Even if soft New Age isn’t “your thing,” there’s something captivating about “Ithaca” that can probably draw in even the most skeptical.
While this more ambient New Wave sound is new to Engelhardt, she’s no stranger to music. She studied at Juilliard, composed music for numerous commercials and web shows, arranged choral music, and has performed with choral and acapella groups. She also has multiple albums that have a more indie/pop kind of sound, but are still infused with her lovely soulful style. She founded a choral group called VOICES21C, that hopes to spread social awareness and understanding through music. In February of this year, Engelhardt and VOICES21C composed and produced a powerful song called “The Listening,” based on Dr. Martin Luther King’s 1967 speech, “Beyond Vietnam: Time To Break The Silence.” Activists such as Donzaleigh Abernathy, Halim Flowers, and Wes Felton lent their voices along with The Listening Choir. Engelhardt masterfully arranged and mixed the final song, and is mentioned in articles in PEOPLE, Harper’s Bazaar, and The Hill.
Ithaca
Listen to Ithaca on Spotify. Cheryl B. Engelhardt · Single · 2021 · 1 songs.
Following the release of “The Listening,” Luminary, and her latest single “Unwind,” Engelhardt was named on Muzique Magazine’s list of “Female Artists Ready to Breakout in 2021.” They celebrated her endless musical talent and dream-like songs. Luminary was awarded “Best New Age Album of 2020” by New Age Music Guide, and hit #1 on both Amazon and iTunes New Age music charts. It would appear that this might be her true calling, after trying multiple different styles during her career. She floats effortlessly between genres and jobs, something a lot of musical artists don’t do. Engelhardt can do it all; compose, sing, play the piano, and mix it afterwards. She’s someone who truly knows and understands music inside and out, and you can feel her passion for it in everything she does, even if it’s a peaceful track like “Ithaca.”
In a world full of chaos and anxiety, songs like “Ithaca” are special. Music has the power to soothe and to heal, and Cheryl B. Engelhardt has harnessed that power. “Ithaca” is wonderfully melodic and dreamy, but still manages to make you feel grounded. Maybe Engelhardt will make New Age music cool again? She’s definitely an artist to keep a close eye on, and someone who will continue to impress.
Clay Burton