Calvin Arsenia has crafted a unique album with his national debut CANTALOUPE (Center Cut Records) that captures both the immersive wonder of his live shows and unique inner compass that has put him on a path of his own making. The passionate multi-instrumentalist/singer-songwriter has chosen the harp as his primary form of musical expression, building a kaleidoscopic assemblage of lights and darks on the album’s 10 songs, mixing classical, rock, jazz, folk, R&B, and rap into a cathartic roller-coaster of sound and texture that envelops the listener from start to finish. Standout songs include the aching “Headlights,” the intimate tapestry of “Tip Toe,” the Latin-tinged scorcher “Equally,” and the illuminating “Poseidon,” among others. Calvin’s bold remake of Britney Spears “Toxic” showcases his chops and ability to put his own signature on the song with the accompanying video exploring the combustible relationship the artist has with his muses, adding to his gritty fusion of styles that has netted him raves here in the U.S. and across Europe. There’s a sexy haunt about “Toxic” that was also intentional. “I’ve built up a repertoire of songs I share with the harp, but on this one I wanted to do something that was sexy and more fun.” Says Calvin. “The harp has such a ‘royal court’ connotation and this is anything but that.”