JUDEYA: A Rising Force in Melodic Rock
JUDEYA is a melodic rock project built around the creative partnership of singer-songwriter Judy "JUDEYA" Petrongolo, producer and multi-instrumentalist Mark "MarkyZ" Sgambato, and keyboardist/composer John Durkin. The project began when South Philadelphia native Judy shared her original lyrics and melodies with MarkyZ, a respected musician and producer known throughout the Philadelphia, Delaware County, and Tri-State music scene.
What started as a simple songwriting collaboration quickly evolved into a dynamic creative partnership, with the pair developing a collection of original songs that blended heartfelt storytelling, powerful vocals, and memorable melodies. As the music continued to take shape, MarkyZ became instrumental in crafting the project's sound through composition, production, mixing, and mastering, helping transform JUDEYA into a fully realized musical vision.
As the project grew, talented musicians including Nygil Hoch and Christopher Graziola contributed performances that added greater depth and energy to the recordings. JUDEYA also gained recognition through connections within the independent music community, including support from The Zugu Project and other respected industry figures.
A major milestone came when acclaimed producer and industry veteran Mark S. Berry became involved with the project. With a career spanning more than five decades and credits alongside legendary artists such as Paul McCartney, Carly Simon, Duran Duran, Billy Idol, Joan Jett, Culture Club, and Yes, Berry recognized the potential of the music and began supporting the team as a mentor and advisor, offering valuable industry insight and guidance.
Determined to bring their music to audiences beyond the studio, JUDEYA expanded into a full live act with the addition of accomplished keyboardist and composer John Durkin, a longtime collaborator of MarkyZ. Durkin's experience and creative contributions have become an essential part of the band's identity, helping strengthen the arrangements and overall musical direction.
Today, JUDEYA continues to grow as a collaborative rock project built on strong songwriting, dynamic musicianship, and genuine artistic chemistry. With new music in development, an expanding live presence, and growing momentum within the independent rock scene, JUDEYA is steadily establishing itself as an exciting and promising force in modern melodic rock.