Suai
Suai
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Ken Stacey
About Suai
Universal Motown newcomer Suai has made a soaring, cross-genre debut album that more than lives up to its promise. Raised in the legendary R&B confines of Detroit, the plucky singer combines her sassy swagger with a veteran’s poise to deliver the kind of riveting, multi-themed musical journey that music fans won’t soon forget. Stacking hit songs and a diverse runway of superstar producers and writers, including the likes of Akon, Linda Perry, Dallas Austin and hot new knob-turner Neff-U, among others, the young singer lights up infectious tracks such as the crackling “Forever” and “Stronger (When A Woman Loves Her Man)” (both produced by Akon), “Switch,” produced by Neff-U, and a riveting ballad, “I Never Knew,” co-written and helmed by acclaimed songwriter/producer Linda Perry. Not a bad dance-card for a Detroit girl on her first go-round. A determined ‘unknown’ and do-it-yourselfer if there ever was one, the independent Suai was reared in a supportive family (her mom is a music teacher), becoming an accomplished piano and guitar player by her early teens, as well as possessing a unique talent for more exotic instruments such as the flute and cello. Used to hours of diligent solo practice, she was eager to embrace the collaborative regimen of making a contemporary debut album, which is first and foremost about mining the creativity of every relationship. Long hailed as one of the Motor City’s burgeoning talents, Suai attended the prestigious college prepatory high school, Cranbrook Kingswood, which boasts a century-long history of supporting diversity in intellectual and creative achievement. But the young singer has also been embraced by Detroit’s street-seekers and tastemakers, crafting her own independent album release while still a teenager, which spawned a powerful local hit single to boot. In the summer of 2004, her song “Forever and A Day,” became a staple of influential Detroit radio station WJLB, and led to a host of record companies arriving at her door, including Universal Motown. Personally signed by legendary executive Sylvia Rhone, President of Universal Motown, Ms. Rhone has helped Suai navigate the labyrinth of creative decisions during the making of her debut CD. “She’s been hands-on and all ears,” says Suai. “She is so supportive and there is so much she has to offer in inspiration and just the nuts-and-bolts of making a record like this. She’s changed my life.” Recognized as an unabashed live performer, (where Suai often displays not only her infectious vocal style but her piano/guitar chops, as well), Suai was schooled early on how to woo a live audience. She pulls them into her live performances with the savvy and experience of a seasoned performer. She put her own band together long before being signed by a major label, and has warmed the stage for R&B stalwarts such as John Legend, Ne-Yo and Brian McKnight. Suai counts Lauryn Hill, Prince, John Mayer and rapper Kanye West among the current artists she greatly admires, (as well as trailblazers like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Nina Simone from the not-too-distant past). She envisions herself sharing her multi-genre music with audiences around the world.
Taken from Last.fm
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