It’s not every day that earthday.org, part of the UN, sponsors a musical release, but that’s just the case with multifaceted music artist Aria Mariano’s (aka Mariano Schiavolini) latest track, The Next Life.
In support of their initiatives in 2022 for animals and their habitat, The Next Life has the organization’s blessing. Aria has smoothly merged genres—hip-hop, rap, classic pop, and adult-orientated rock—to create a dynamic and engaging musical experience. An introductory electric piano part previews the chord progression that forms the basis of the verses.
These verses are intercut by a rap section, expanding the form of the track, and imbuing it with a series of unexpected textures. The chorus hook becomes the central focus, augmented by strings, brass, backing vocals, and featuring a soulful lead vocal performance.
The song builds, intensifying through instrumentation, a transposed vocal range, and a surprise arrangement until it reaches a peak with an outro rap section that summarizes the core perspective of the track.
A key figure in the Italian progressive rock scene, Aria is the founding member of renowned Italian prog-rock band Celeste (dubbed ‘the Italian King Crimson’) and has a long and rich history across various musical cultures.
A staple of the Sanremo Music Festival, the artist was a bridge between the Italian and British music worlds. Passionate about bringing the world together through music, Aria has since gone on to orchestrate projects across LA, Prague, Johannesburg, and more.
‘‘ The Next Life is a powerful amalgamation of melody and lyric, with a significant and timely depth, a hymn and cautionary tale all in one and an unforgettable artistic testament to our responsibilities and place in the natural world.
With a musical history spanning the creation of leading Italian rock record label Dischi Noi (RCA Distribution), collaborating with the likes of Kit Woolven (David Bowie, Thin Lizzy), Nick Griffiths (Pink Floyd, Roger Waters), and Daniel Boone (The Who, Kraftwerk), and concert production on Rock at Midnight for Italia 1 TV, Aria’s legacy is self-evident.
Recent collaborations include recordings with the late Makeba’s band members, Thuthukani Cele (of Lucky Dube fame), and the famous Soweto Gospel Choir. The Next Life is a powerful amalgamation of melody and lyric, with a significant and timely depth, a hymn and cautionary tale all in one and an unforgettable artistic testament to our responsibilities and place in the natural world.
LISTEN TO ARIA HERE: