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The hunt to find good, soulful music with a positive edge has become
quite exhilarating lately—especially when the search leads to new
artists like Avery Sunshine, who brings forth a fresh blend of soul,
hip-hop, jazz and R&B, all capped off by inspirational lyrics.
"Avery
Sunshine is not neo-soul and it's not gospel," explains the
singer/songwriter/pianist. She says while her music and lyrics have
both a neo-soul and gospel influence, classifying everything in one or
both of these categories would close her off to mass appeal. "I believe
God wants people everywhere to hear what He has given me to sing. If I
could describe us in any way it would have to be inspirational R&B.
But above all, it's music you can snap your fingers to with your
children and your parents."
With vocals that are thick and
strong yet jazzy-smooth, it's not hard to tell that Avery Sunshine has
been singing for a long time. What started in church at a young age has
been refined there throughout most of her life. She is currently choral
director at two churches in Atlanta, including the historic Ebenezer
Baptist Church on Auburn Avenue.
But Avery's talent couldn't
be contained within the four walls of the church for very long. She and
her sister teamed up to form a singing group called Daisy Rew; and
later, Avery lent her voice to the soundtrack for Paramount Pictures'
"The Fighting Temptations." In 2005, she was hired as lead keyboardist
for Tyler Perry's stage play "Meet the Browns," and last month she was
sought out by vocal great Jennifer Holiday as choral director for the
"Dreamgirls" production during the National Black Arts Festival in
Atlanta.
Backed by dynamic trackman/producer Dana Johnson—who
co-wrote and co-produced songs for Grammy award-winning recording
artist India.Arie's second, platinum-selling album "Voyage to
India"—Avery Sunshine is now working on her first CD project, which she
says will likely be a collage of many styles.
"It's kind of
hard to describe, because I'm doing so much stuff right now. I look at
this project as a story book; there are so many different chapters of
me," she explains. "I love how Stevie Wonder can have a different sound
on many of his songs, but it works. That's me."
To experience
Avery Sunshine, check out her house single "Stalk You" on The Ananda
Project compilation CD entitled "Fire Flower." Avery comments on the
title, "It's not as abrasive as it sounds." Success of this single has
carried her overseas to perform it at various venues.
Story by Vertical FixTM
Story by Vertical FixTM
is an online magazine and internet radio experience created to empower
readers while giving listeners a 24/7, constantly evolving stream of
soulful grooves anchored by lyrical content that is honest and
inspiring. www.verticalfix.com.
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