Naphtalia

Bio:

.. .. .. .. ..

.. .. .. .. ..

.. .. .. .. ..


ABOUT NAPHTALIA

Making music doesn't always make sense, yet riding on the encouragement of friends, family, and her own dreams, Sommer Naphtalia is now moving into her second official year as a singer.

Sommer has been writing and performing unofficially since the age of 5. At 18 she left her small Minnesota town for the city lights of Wheaton, IL. It may not have been the greatest adventure, but the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music solidified her belief that good music comes from both the mind and the soul. After training on classical piano at Wheaton, Sommer took time off to live in an artist colony on the island of Martha's Vineyard. It was there that she shed the last of her fears about being a professional musician. Working with the genius' of Tom Willet and Warren Pettit, Sommer's natural blues and folk-rock writing style became a sought after commodity on and off the island. When Sommer returned to Wheaton for her senior year, she began to focus on jazz piano studies to build more color into her repertoire. As a result, Sommer dazzled the Wheaton community with a refreshing recital of her own classical and popular compositions as well as jazz standards such as Autumn Leaves and Anthropology. Admiring the honesty and intensity of Patty Griffin and Tracy Chapman, Sommer Naphtalia boldly and beautifully invites you into her heart every time she steps on stage.

Sommer is often heard saying, "it is when I sing that I feel most whole." That spirit of peace is transferred effortlessly from singer to listener by Sommer's dark chocolate voice and easy smile. The real thing, in every way, Naphtalia is a welcomed talent in the Chicago and Minnesota music scene. This is one musical life that definitely makes sense.

This year Naphtalia has reconnected with her Minnesota roots through two brand new recordings, new composition, and soon to come touring projects. Please be watching for updates in the months to come.
.... .. .. .. .. .. ....

Member Since:

October 01, 2005

Members:

Tall Mountain, Cold Mountain EP

Sommer Naphtalia Robles: Lead Vocals, Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Background Vocals, Production

Peter Thiel: Lead Producer, Acoustic Guitar, Bass, Background Vocals

Coty Sloan: Production, Violin, Background Vocals

Luke Pollard: Drums and Percussion

Jonathan Kratzke: Keys and Accordion

Sophie Thiel: Background Vocals

Influences:

I am always listening, letting just about anything influence me. From city streets, to rainfall, to notated music. I find inspiration in the clusters of Bela Bartok and the long romantic lines of Mendelssohn. I also am moved by the honesty and guts of artists like Patty Griffin, Bob and Jakob Dylan, Carole King, and Tracy Chapman. Anything innovative, anything real, anything thoughtful--that is the music I love.

Sounds Like:

THE COLD MOUNTAIN EP
Releasing: April 7, 2009

Tracks Include:
Cold Mountain
One, Two
Gold Crown
Peaceful Giant



NAPHTALIA IN THE AFTERNOON
Releasing: April 7, 2009

Tracks Include:
Here I Come
Cold Mountain / Peaceful Giant
Let My Love
Ohio
Go To Waste
The Furnace Song
Guy Noir
One, Two
I'll Fly Away
Home

Record Label:

Blackbird Records