Victoria Narvaez.
Photo credit: Shannon Ortega
CHICOPEE — Thirteen-year-old Victoria Narvaez of Florence, Massachusetts is hosting a release party for her debut single “I’m A Star,” on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m.
The party will be hosted at her family’s business, Goodworks Coffee House, located at 46 Center St. in Chicopee.
“I’m really excited,” Narvaez said when talking about the upcoming release party with Reminder Publishing, “I’m hoping that people enjoy my song and I’m really excited for them to hear what I’ve been working on.”
Three years ago, Narvaez joined her school choir. It was then that her choir teacher encouraged her to sing as a soloist. Narvaez began taking singing lessons, performing at a variety of venues such as the Majestic Theatre with the Dan Kane singers, the Springfield Thunderbirds and the Westfield Starfires.
Nate Costa, president of the Springfield Thunderbirds, said, “As many people in this region have learned, getting your break with the Springfield Thunderbirds can lead to big things. We are thrilled to learn that Victoria, who recently sang the national anthem at one of our games, will release her first single. Check her out, she’s incredible.”
Narvaez shares a love of music with her father, Victor, who also nurtured his vocal talent during childhood.
He has sung at New York Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater, as well as at various concerts and church performances. He is now managing his daughter’s career, which he says brings him immense joy and fulfillment.
Victor and his wife Katie are encouraging their daughter to pursue her dream of singing, illustrating how the magic and beauty of music can bridge generations.
“I love my family. They’re really supportive,” Narvaez said. “My dad was the main person who, he was a singer so he really helped me develop my voice before I had any vocal coaches or anything like that. My mom and my dad were just really supportive.”
Narvaez talked more about her passion for singing: “I really enjoy connecting with the audience. I really want my music to soothe them and I want them to be happy when they hear my voice. When I see their smiles on their faces it just makes me really happy.”
Narvaez’s single was recorded by multi-platinum engineer Angelo Quaglia at TRAQ House Recording Studio in Chicopee and produced by Ty Juan, an Atlanta-based singer, songwriter and producer who has worked with Dr. Michelle Brooks-Thompson.
Brooks-Thompson, who is Narvaez vocal coach, is a Grammy-nominated recording artist and a finalist on NBC’s “The Voice.”
Brooks-Thompson describes Narvaez as “having powerful vocals at such a young age, combined with her ability to sing various styles of music, sets her apart from her peers.”
Between practicing the song and recording it, Narvaez said the process took a few months, but still saw it as a fun experience. The song was written by her producer.
Admission to the release party is free and the event is open to the public.
For more information, readers can follow Narvaez on Instagram at @toriarlene_.
Narvaez’s single will be released on most streaming platforms on Nov. 7.
