Miami-based singer-songwriter Dreya Starr is breaking musical boundaries once again with her latest release, Ave Maria. This innovative single and accompanying video, released in collaboration with beatboxing talent Samy Hawk, reimagines the timeless beauty of Franz Schubert’s Ave Maria through a modern urban lens, fusing classical and contemporary elements in a way that is both bold and captivating.
A Unique Musical Fusion
Dreya Starr’s Ave Maria is not your typical reinterpretation of a classic. Drawing inspiration from Schubert’s romanticism of the 1800s and urban music’s creative energy in the 2020s, this track transcends time by blending genres that seem at odds yet come together seamlessly under Starr’s artistic vision. Known for her ability to combine operatic, classical, and pop influences, Dreya Starr pushes her limits with this urban fusion, delivering a performance that is both angelic and powerful.
Produced and arranged by multi-Grammy winner Julio Bagué, the track honors Schubert’s original composition while introducing innovative elements that elevate it to a new level. Bagué’s choral arrangement maintains the sacred atmosphere of the piece, while Dreya Starr’s vocal performance weaves arpeggios and harmonies with stunning precision and emotion.
Samy Hawk’s contribution to the single is no less impressive. His precise beatboxing provides the organic percussion and sound effects that complement Dreya Starr’s soaring vocals. The result is a stunning fusion of old-world beauty and modern urban rhythm, creating something entirely unique and emotionally resonant.
A Visual Masterpiece
The accompanying video for Ave Maria is as striking as the song itself. Co-directed by visionaries Leonor Anthony and Nima Soofi, the video uses the Baroque art technique of tenebrism to create a dark, moody, yet dreamlike ambiance. This visually rich style, blending light and shadow, adds a haunting and otherworldly quality to the video, which aligns with the song’s message of hope and urgency.
The visual narrative serves as a heartfelt cry to heaven, praying for humanity to wake up and address the ever-pressing issue of climate change. The combination of Baroque-futuristic visuals and Dreya Starr’s powerful vocal performance makes this video an unforgettable experience, both visually and emotionally.
A Message of Hope
At the heart of Ave Maria is a plea for humanity to reconnect with nature and recognize the critical importance of addressing climate change. Through her innovative blend of genres and powerful lyrical themes, Dreya Starr offers more than just a beautiful piece of music—she delivers a timely message that calls for reflection, unity, and action.
“This song and video are a heartfelt cry to heaven and prayer to the Virgin Mary to wake up humanity and stop climate change,” Starr explains. The urgency in her voice is palpable, and her message is one that resonates deeply in today’s world.
Dreya Starr: A Unique Voice in Music
With a vocal range spanning 3.5 octaves, Dreya Starr is known for her ability to seamlessly navigate between classical, operatic, and pop influences, creating a sound that is uniquely her own. Her ability to treat her voice as a musical instrument allows her to create complex melodies and harmonies with pure tone and emotion. In Ave Maria, her versatility and musical prowess are on full display.
As she continues to redefine the boundaries of pop and classical music, Dreya Starr remains true to her philosophy of “Down to Earth Glamour,” balancing both artistic integrity and environmental consciousness in her work. Her passion for the connection between mind and body, the healing power of music, and her love for nature shines through in every note of Ave Maria.
Listen to Ave Maria and Watch the Video
Dreya Starr’s Ave Maria is now available on all major streaming platforms, and the video can be viewed on YouTube. Prepare to be transported by this groundbreaking urban fusion that merges the past with the present, reminding us of the beauty and urgency of our time.
Artist Commented: I am so proud of this beautiful collaboration that allowed us to remain true to our artistic expressions, while at the same time, creating something that is so new, bold, and so needed right now.
