Astra Angara is a vocalist and songwriter whose music bridges cinematic atmosphere, dark emotion, and rock edge. Drawing from symphonic metal, alternative rock, and classical influences, her voice moves seamlessly between haunting subtlety and commanding power—reflecting her passion for both intensity and nuance.
Astra began singing in her school choir, where her natural vibrato and range stood out early. She attended the Long Island School of the Arts and studied classically under the late opera singer Salvador Novoa, and by her teens was already writing and recording demos that reached Warner Brothers and Polygram Records (now part of Universal Music Group).
At twenty, performing as Crissi Rodgers, she co-wrote and recorded “Pleasure” with Carlos Rodgers and Tommy Spero. Released on Buzzsaw / Cutting Records, the track was described by DJ Times Magazine as “an interesting mixture of various musical styles… alternative dance with a Euro feel,” showcasing her expressive voice and early crossover appeal.
In her mid-twenties, Astra began writing with Iain Bryden, an accomplished score composer, on a project titled The Way. About a decade later, she worked with Kevin Maze Patrick, also a score composer and then keyboardist for Blondie, joined by Paul Carbonara and Leigh Foxx. She also recorded at the studio of Cristian Machado (now of Lions at the Gate, formerly of Ill Niño) and Laz Piña (Ill Niño), an experience that offered new perspective and expanded her creative reach.
Performing as Christine Greenwood, Astra fronted several live projects, including The Surge, Seven Urges, Trace of Emptiness, and Ashenveil. Ashenveil’s self-produced and independently released EP Black of Light featured Mike LePond (Symphony X) and was recorded at Trax East Studios, mixed by Jeremy Krull, and mastered by Mika Jussila of Finnvox Studios (Nightwish, Stratovarius). The band also released two music videos supporting the EP, which Blabbermouth noted for its ambitious approach to symphonic metal and strong collaboration with Mike LePond.
Her vocal development includes mentorship with respected coaches such as Arturo Spinetti, whose guidance has strengthened her soprano range and maintained her expansive vocal ability. Earlier in her career, she studied with Jesús García(Classical/Opera), Sophia Lazopoulo(Jazz, R&B, Blues), Katie Agresta, and Melissa Cross (The Zen of Screaming) et al.
Guided by a vision that unites sound and emotion, Astra Angara explores the interplay of life and death, light and dark, and transformation through her writing, voice, and performance. Her current work channels cinematic sensibility, classical discipline, and rock edge into an edgy, moody, and atmospheric sound that bridges symphonic metal, hard rock, and alternative—music that is both powerful and profoundly expressive.