UTICA — Rising star Mariana Velletto, also known as Mari Vee, a Utica native and graduate of Thomas R. Proctor High School, has signed a contract with the music distribution company Foundation Media in Los Angeles, California.

Mari Vee channels an R&B classic “flip” from Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name,” on her new single “Don’t Say My Name,” according to an announcement, which adds, “The Upstate New York talent wastes no time showing off her skillset, which boasts the stunning production from Skirmisher Beats. Backed by his layers of acoustic strums, Mariana flexes her gifts as both a lyrist and a vocalist in just two and a half minutes of running time, making it the perfect recipe for immediate replay.”

The single “Don’t Say My Name” debuted on Thursday, Feb. 23, and is available on digital music stores and streaming services.