Chasing her R&B dream

Valley Life editor

When you think of the R&B hot spots in the country, Palmer probably wouldn't crack the top 10. Or top 100, for that matter. But that isn't stopping Rani Malone from chasing her dreams.

Malone, a 2003 Palmer High School graduate, is headed to Nashville this week to record four songs, to go with five she already recorded during a previous trip to Nashville last summer.

Malone's hoping it all adds up to a major recording label signing her in the near future.

"I love Alaska, but there's not a chance for much exposure here," Malone, 19, said. "But I do think that it makes you more marketable because it's something unique."

Malone has been working with Anchorage songwriter Carl Whiter for several years. They put together some recordings and mailed them out, and got a call from Plateau Music.

Malone signed a two-year contract, and started recording last summer, with five radio-ready songs produced in Nashville last May.

She's planning a return to Nashville to complete several more songs and wrap up an album with producer Tony Mantor in the spring, to complement the four songs she's recording this time.

"I'm really excited about the possibilities. Tony knows a lot of people in the music industry, and I'm hoping through him, I can get signed by a major recording label," Malone said.

Mantor knows several board members from Curb Records, and last summer, all 12 board members heard Malone's songs and were impressed.

Although Curb Records didn't ask Malone to sign, they did pitch her three new songs, which she is recording this week. In addition to those songs, Malone will be remixing "I'll Never Love This Way Again," made famous by Aretha Franklin.

Malone admits that Nashville isn't exactly an R&B hot spot either, but Hill Top Studio, where she records, is one of the top studios in the country. It is known for it's first-class engineering equipment and state-of-the-art technology.

She said a lot of well-known country artists record there, and she's excited about the chance to return to the studio.

"We have professional musicians coming in to record, and I sing, and it's just an extremely incredible experience," Malone said. "Tony and I will pick apart each song to make sure everything is perfect - every note, every word, every sound. We won't stop until we're both really satisfied with the results."

Malone said working in the studio and living the life of a musician isn't always the MTV image it's made out to be. It is a lot of work, she said.

"I'm just as tired after a day of recording down there as I am after a day of waitressing up here," she said with a laugh. "It's a job. You have to put a lot of work into it."

After Malone leaves Nashville, Mantor will work with the recordings, adding tracks of special instruments and background vocals, to complete a package that will be first-rate, Malone said.

Despite the inroads she is making in the industry, shattering the stereotype of being from Alaska is a challenge.

"When Nashville called, I was pretty surprised," Malone said. "They don't realize how diverse Alaska really is. I don't think the music industry realizes the potential we have up here."

Music has always been a part of Malone's life, and she's hoping it continues to be - she ultimately wants to make music her living.

"It seems funny to say because I'm only 19, but I have to get started in the music industry before I'm too old," Malone said. "You have to start young in this business."

If she would make it big, it would ultimately come at a price - she'd probably have to leave Alaska to continue her career.

"When I do get more established, I don't think I can do it living in Alaska," she said. "We'd definitely have to leave Alaska, but Alaska will always be a part of me."