Keeley and Stan
Mary LaDrière
Issue date: 10/26/05 Section: features
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Versus Magazine Online [Image based format]
Stan Sonu, a senior at Vanderbilt, and Keeley Valentino, a recent graduate last spring, got together by chance. They met in a songwriting class two years ago, and when their professor suggested that Keeley ask Stan to provide the music for a song she was writing, the rest was history. They began collaborating on several projects, and eventually recorded a demo CD.
When asked what genre they would use to describe their music, Keeley replied, "I don't want to be confined to just one style; I think it depends on the song. Some of our songs are jazzier, some are folksy." However you describe it, Keeley and Stan's sound is undoubtedly worth listening to. They have written songs such as "Won't Wait Around," which has a catchy chorus that will have you humming it for hours, and "Time", a song about independence and growing up. Many of the lyrics Keeley writes are poetic and full of vivid imagery. Take, for example, these lyrics from "Sanctuary": My soul is the desert/ Thirsty for your rain/ And your refuge is the basin/ That will swallow all my shame. Keeley's amazing vocals paired with Stan's acoustic accompaniment will undeniably give you goose bumps.
The secret to success for this pair comes from their genuine friendship and mutual admiration. Stan said of Keeley, "She is so talented. She will eventually find someone better than me to play with her." Keeley replied, "That is a total lie!" She said, "Stan makes all my songs better. He hears things that I never would, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to play with him." But, this collaboration may be short-lived, as Stan says he recently took the MCAT and is planning to go to med school after he graduates this spring. Keeley recently recorded her own EP produced by fellow musician Matt Mangano (who is partly known, she says, for being John Mayer's roommate at Berkeley). Although the duo may go their separate ways, they foresee reunions in the future. Until then, make sure to catch one of their concerts on October 29th at 8pm at Caffeine or November 11th at 6pm at the Bluebird Café. You won't be disappointed.