With a pinch front hat, cowboy boots, and a ruffled high-low dress that sways and twirls with her as she moves, combined with a commanding stage presence, El Toro native Adysen Malek exudes everything that is country. She says from the stage that she comes from a seven-generation ranching family, and that ranch girl authenticity shines though all the trappings of Nashville country music.
The performance, celebrating her first single, Cry Me a River, is on the stage at the Inez Community Center, but wouldn’t be out of place in a stadium.
Confident and comfortable behind a microphone and Gibson acoustic, Malek can belt a high note with the best of them, but the real star of the show is the songwriting.
Clever hooks dominate, combined with catchy, memorable melodies and energetic delivery. Adysen brings to life 10 original songs, many of which her manager Michael Cef says “didn’t exist 90 days ago.”
Malek has been writing songs since she was in high school, after which she packed up and moved to Nashville to attend college and pursue a career in music. There, she found the fledgling label Write On Records, and her manager Michael Cef.
In addition to Cry Me a River, Adysen performs nine more original songs, which will appear on her first album. Cef says they hope to release it around September. He is emotional as he describes Makek’s work ethic and singing ability.
As for Adysen she is just
see ‘CRY ME A RIVER’ REVIEW on page A3 grateful. She’s grateful for her family and their unending support. She thanks them from the stage, then again in an interview. She thanks those who showed up to celebrate her single.
She thanks the band, the label, fellow artist Kaitlyn Croker who opened the show. She praises her best friend Kylind Jimenez, who provides backup vocals, and co-writers Michael Cef and Mason Douglas. Intent on giving credit where it’s due, she’s humble while she reflects on everything and everyone that brought her here.
Everything that brought her here - hard work, commitment, a willingness to keep learning and growing, and just plain, raw talent could take her all the way to a successful lifetime career in the music industry. The talent and gumption are there.
Buy a tee shirt and get an autograph next time you see her play. In a few years it may just become a valuable collector’s item for those who will be able to say “I saw her way back when...”
