There are a number of factors that make an artist appealing. The way they
carry themselves. Their ability to draw cross-cultural crowds. The respect they
have for their craft. And of course, the vocal skills they possess. Yet, sometimes
there are less overt ways an artist can make an impact. Sometimes a performer has
worth simply because they resonate. Singer/songwriter Kelli Sae has spanned
the world with acclaimed bands such as Incognito,
Count
Basic and most recently the Philippe Saisse Acoustic Trio, taking on the role of
lead singer for all three bands. Kelli has been honored by the industry, and is
admired by music critics. Yet the most meaningful indication of Kelli's worth is
how her music makes you feel. Her songs cut deep into your heart and soul and
give you a window not only into Kelli's world, but a new perspective into your
own. Kelli's become not merely just songs, but your songs.
On her self-titled debut album,
Kelli Sae, the vocal gymnast
created emotionally honest music that was deeply personal and universal in scope.
With a soaring combination of craft and compassion, Kelli's songs touch on a myriad
of subjects; heartache, romance, regret and redemption. It's no surprise, Kelli's
first solo project, released on her independent label, Kwurk Entertainment, initially
sold over 6,000 copies and is still going strong based on her live performances
and word of mouth. Kelli does it once again, and better than ever with her second
independent release, Heroine.
The new masterpiece is filled with diversified songs that take listeners
from up-tempo party bangers to intimate ballads that warm and weaken the heart.
Heroine is rich and full of great emotion. Just like the grasping, "Yesterday",
the songs on the album move slowly through each part of your body – from your heart
to your bones and back. Throughout the album, Kelli explores her Puerto Rican and
African American heritage. Don't be surprised if Heroine attracts a heavy Latin
market, which is already starting to take notice. Two of the songs on Heroine
are sung partially in Spanish, which opens Kelli up to the possibilities of her
becoming an international superstar.
From the Gospel-induced "Can't
Wait" to the drum-n-bass filled "Thank
You" and the soulful ballad, "Heaven",
Kelli fluently transforms into various eclectic styles with sheer ease. "My job
as an artist is to fill all of my creative gaps by expanding and making sure that
I cover every ground that I want to cover," says Kelli. "I don't want to
just stick with one genre or way of doing music. I want to listen to my energy and
go where it takes me."
Kelli's resume boast of accomplishments that any artist whether independent
or signed to a major can only wish for. She was worked with the best of the best.
As the lead singer of the internationally successful band, Incognito and the European
groove band Count Basic, Kelli's multi-octave voice has reached millions around
the world, from the USA to Africa.
The company Kelli has worked with is admirable. She's sang background
vocals for such respected artists as Me'Shell N'Degeocello, Peter Lord
& Jeff Smith of the Family Stand, PM Dawn, Neneh Cherry,
DJ Logic, Corey Glover and the Grammy Award-winning hip hop group
Arrested Development. Kelli has opened up for music legends such as the late
Curtis Mayfield, George Clinton and the P-Funk All-stars, David
Bowie, Bootsy Collins and countless others. Furthermore, Kelli has worked
and toured with Grammy Award-winner Ryuichi Sakamoto (score composer for
the "Last Emperor").
Kelli has already gained a mammoth following for an independent artist
after releasing only one album. Being herself, listening to her own voice and then
using that voice to express her love, pain, sunshine and rain to others is what
makes Kelli so unique. "At the end of the day, I'm just trying to make everybody
feel good" Kelli says. "I want to be that pain reliever."
Kelli Sae is a superwoman – a Heroine who is well on her way to
major success.
I met Kelli Sae at the
Blue Note in
Milano, on January 5th 2006, after
the first set. She had just presented the first part of her concert with Bahnamous
Bowie (piano/keyboards), Gintas Janusonis (drums), Trevor Allen
(bass), Biti Strauchn (backing vocals) and Arif St. Michael (backing
vocals). During the first set Kelli Sae and her band played "How
Many", "Life Goes On",
"Only", "Daydreamin'",
"Higher", "I'm
Lovin You", "Stayin'
Alive", "Latina",
"If", "Can't
Wait", "Burned"
and "Okay". Kelli's
energy and skills are awesome; she's a very generous singer and songwriter. During
the concert she calls out Biti Strauchn and Arif St. Michael (her
backing vocals) and we all have the opportunity to listen to their beautiful voices
while soloing. The artists in her band are very talented, but the music was a bit
too loud..... Kelli's voice is so expressive, that if the band would have played
a little softer, I'm sure I would have loved the concert even better that I already
did!
I contacted Kelli shortly after her return in the U.S., and this is her
interview:
E.S.:
Could you tell us something
about this experience you had in Milan at
