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JAmusic: Music lovers globally will always be looking for that new, impeccable sound that can be looked upon as leaders of the new wave of vocalists. How would you define a musical genius that can eventually become a vocal leader?
S: Someone who never stops trying to develop their craft, learn from others and isn’t lead only by the applause but has a real connection to the creative process and enjoys all stages of it.

JAmusic: Some of the most genius artistes have thrived when taking chances and innovating. How important/present is that on the Reggae soundscape today; from what you've seen and that might have help in composing your singles?

S: We all want to do something brand new but truly all music we hear now has been influenced by sound we’ve been hearing from the generations before us, we just get to put a slightly different spin on it. For me, my singles are truly stories I feel connected to and I think that passion comes out in performance, this is what I believe got me on the Reggae landscape in the first place.

JAmusic: How do you think a single such as Say It Ain’t So will impact your growing fan base as well as attract new listeners?

S: ‘Say It Aint So’ is a love story we can all relate to. Sometimes love tears people apart, and when it’s over you wonder how it all ended. You can’t sit around for too long wondering though…too many dreams to make come true…and really the love just evolves into something new….it doesn’t disappear, it just looks different.

JAmusic: Your style seems to be a blend between vocalists like Sade, India Irie and Diana King.  Is this intentional and are these artistes persons you try to emulate?

S: I love all these artists. They all have great passion in their deliveries. Sade is a major influence to me. Her song writing is really incredible, she says so much with few words and her choice of words are so on point. She’s also such a lady and has a great relationship with the musicians she works with.

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JAmusic: What's the biggest risk you've taken artistically; one that went over surprisingly well and one that might've gone over people's heads?

S: I think putting yourself out there as an artist is in and of itself a huge risk. You put your all into it and you enjoy the journey but there’s no confirmation that you’re going to have a pension plan, a house that you own, it’s all possible but the industry is so unpredictable that you have to be really smart and industrious and hustle. The art world is a big risk, but one thing is for sure, where there is a will there is a way.

JAmusic: Who's the artiste that keeps you on your toes? Pushes you to go harder?

S: I have to say right now Tessanne is such great example of tenacity. I remember when she was first going to try out for The Voice and so many people had negative things to say. I remember the conversations being something like; “she too big for dat.” Well, thankfully she hasn’t ever cared for mass opinion and didn’t at this point either. She proves to me that you aint to big for nothing, if you have a talent, a voice use it whenever you get the opportunity to and always do your best.

JAmusic: When you got into the music business where did you think you'd be today or where did you see yourself fitting in at the moment?

S: I still don’t know where I fit in, but I’m making my own space and being supported by my fellow musicians and the industry…there’s room for all the singers and players of instruments! When I started this musical journey it was because I couldn’t let one more year go by wishing I was expressing my self through music.

JAmusic: What's the purpose on your musical journey? What's the message you're trying to give?

S: My purpose is to inspire. To be able to connect with people and lift their vibration, get them moving their dancing feet and make them feel good about themselves and encouraging that it’s ok to be exactly who you are, the best version of exactly who you are. 

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JAmusic: What's one song that you hold close to you because of a particular line or better yet what's the most philosophical quote you've heard in a song that you hold close to your heart?

S: I cant answer this. There are simply too many. I can’t pick one.

JAmusic: We live in an era where the average person's attention span is limited to what they want to see or hear. What are you doing differently that will hold their attention?

S: I’m just trying to be myself, and make sure that I’m doing the work on the inside that it takes to inspire myself and others. It’s not that complicated. Oh, and I listen keenly to the advice of people I admire and respect in the industry.

JAmusic: With success comes a lot of negative feedback, how do you react or deal with negativity?

S: I smile with it, well I try to mostly. I know that I can’t please everyone. Once I’m going to bed at night with a light heart I’m ok. I know I’m being guided and protected by something not of our world. I really hold onto that very closely.

JAmusic: What kind of future plans have you set for yourself as an artiste (to accomplish and maintain)?

S: I can’t wait to have an album. I am so longing to tour. I also cant wait to see how “bag n pagne” a recent clothing capsule collection inspired by a trip to West Africa develops. And, I really look forward to practicing yoga at big festivals as well as perform my songs. Yoga and music are just so cathartic to me. The more of it I do the more I want to do. 

JAmusic: What insight can you give on the power of music and its ability to communicate certain messages verbally and non-verbally? And what do you think your music represents?

S: There’s an entire association based on Musical therapy. The therapists address the physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of the individual and provide treatment including creating, singing, moving to and/ or listening to music. There’s hard and fast evidence that music heals. I know it because I experience it, we all do. I hope my music can bring some healing and inspires growth, that’s what I hope my music represents.

??TO KEEP UP WITH SEZI CHECK OUT HER OFFICIAL WEBSITE - www.seziyesi.com

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