Words by LargeUp Crew—
Marley’s Mellow Mood has come up with a new way to “free the people with music,” launching a weekly free music download series, co-curated by LargeUp, and dubbed Tune in Tuesdays. Each Tuesday, this link features a download of a new single from a different artist.
This week’s featured track is “Say It Ain’t So” from Sezi. A new name to most, Sezi is an up-and-coming singing and songwriting talent from Jamaica by way of Trinidad. Currently based in Kingston, she is set to release her debut EP, Slow Burn, in March.
Sample/download “Say It Ain’t So” below, and read on for a quick interview with Sezi.
Describe your sound in 20 words or less…
World Sound with strong Caribbean roots. That’s what we are in the Caribbean… a mix and blend of everything.
What role does your heritage play in your music?
I was born in Jamaica, grew up in Trinidad and now live in my original hometown, Kingston. I’ve always been exposed to music through dance and, from little, I spent hours listening to favorite tunes by myself performing for my stuffed toys. My grandfather would play the piano on a Sunday morning and let me perform songs in the living room. I would dance around and sing and even have costumes for different parts of the show. I remember the joy it brought to me then…it is the same feeling I get now when I’m rehearsing, recording or performing…it’s a fire that warms me up! Growing up in Trinidad, I heard a lot of 80’s and 90’s music from America, and I’m a real sucker for a good love song… I also adore a reggae baseline and strong lyrical content. I love music with meaning, with emotion, with a message.
What can we expect to hear from you in the next year?
I’ve put a lot of energy recently into releasing Slow Burn, my EP which comes out in mid-March. I’m really looking forward to getting back to writing and recording, performing and creative direction, but as an independent artist you have to wear different hats to make it all happen. I’ll be working on my album which will be released by the end of 2013. All of my music has been made strictly in Jamaica so far and so I’m excited to work in Trinidad to get some Trini influenced sounds… pan, sitars, and so on. In addition, I’m really excited to get two videos done for my EP – it’s another opportunity to collaborate with Caribbean creatives… designers, directors and DPs for example. Another new challenge for me has been born out of my love for yoga and I’ve been recently chanting a lot. I’m looking forward to including chanting into my musical journey and I start this February at the Caribbean Yoga Conference.
Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write “Say It Ain’t So”?
Funny enough, I wrote this song while I was completely in love. It’s a song about walking away from a relationship that no longer serves you… I have no idea how these words came to me when things in my heart were feeling great but the subconscious is a powerful thing! It’s a feelgood heartbreak song… it makes you want to get yourself together, pick up the pieces and get ready for more love, because there is always more love. I think everyone can relate to this feeling.
What are your ultimate ambitions as an artist?
I want to carry on doing this, and by making my dreams come true help and inspire others to do the same.