When Music Feels Personal: On ALEANA, Mars Parker, and the Magic of Controversy
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of seeing ALEANA perform live for the first time. It was a show at Johnny Brenda’s, and what struck me most—beyond the richness of her voice and the strength of her songwriting—was her presence. There was this humor she carried, a lightness between songs that made her feel approachable, grounded. It’s a rare thing: to be serenaded by someone who can hold pain and poise in one hand, and crack a joke with the other.
At some point, both ALEANA and Mars Parker spent time in my studio. I’ve heard their unreleased tracks, watched ideas form before they were ever fully songs. That closeness—the intimacy of witnessing the raw beginnings—is part of what makes Controversy, their new collaborative EP, so meaningful to me. I know what they’re capable of, and still, this project surprised me.
R&B with a Retro Pulse
Controversy is a genre-bending project rooted in R&B but shaped by exploration. It plays with eras and aesthetics—soul, funk, electro, and nostalgic textures—all while maintaining a distinct and cohesive identity.
The production—led by Mars Parker and his company Sad Boy Productions—leans heavily into an '80s-era sound palette. Reverb-heavy snares, soft synth layers, and warm low-end grooves give the project a textured, retro-futuristic feel that feels both familiar and new.
Mars doesn’t just stay behind the boards. He contributes vocals and raps across the EP, most notably on the track Closure, showcasing both range and emotional dexterity. ALEANA, as always, delivers with ease—her vocals gliding across each track with a quiet confidence and emotional clarity that grounds the entire project.
The Standout: “Dangerous”
If there’s one song to press play on immediately, it’s Dangerous. With its mid-tempo groove and dreamy production, it’s a quiet standout that demands attention without raising its voice. The 80s-style snares give it a soft bounce, but the track holds a restrained tension—something that makes you sway rather than dance. It's the kind of song that feels tailor-made for a late-night drive or a slow spin around your room with the lights low. Vocally, it leans into that SZA-like space—introspective, vulnerable, and full of texture.
A Philly Collaboration Worth the Noise
In a city like Philadelphia, where the talent runs deep, Controversy is a project that refuses to blend in. It’s not chasing trends; it’s building its own sonic lane—equal parts throwback and forward-thinking. For those of us who’ve followed ALEANA and Mars from their early demos to this polished collaboration, it’s more than just an impressive EP.
It’s a moment.
And if you’re not listening to it yet—you should be.
👉🏾 Stream Controversy now on Spotify, Apple Music,
ALEANA & Mars Parker Live at The Fallser Club
Want to hear the magic in person? Catch ALEANA and Mars Parker live on Friday, August 1st at The Fallser Club in Philadelphia. This is your chance to experience Controversy in its truest form—live, loud, and in full color.