Sakai

Sakai released her album Dream Big, and a few years before that she was doing backing vocals for many established and/or independent artists.

Sakai says, "As a session vocalist I have had the priviladge of working on quite a few projects. Most recently I sang background vocals on Carlos Sanatana's new CD"

So, there you have it, Sakai is being called upon by the biggest names, yet her career is very independent. She has formed her own production company, Family Tree Productions, and does everything else independently. She speaks about how growing up in San Francisco insfluenced her.

Sakai says, "Most definitely, growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area has influenced me in many ways. The Bay Area is so diverse in many ways, filled with culture, great music and rainbow of talent and great people. When I write songs a lot of them are written from my personal experiences growing up in the Bay Area"

"I really enjoyed the process of making Dream Big", says Sakai.

"It truly was a pleasure to write, co-write, and be involved in such a wonderful project. Dream Big takes you on a journey of the ups and downs of life, love letting go of fears, empowerment, the inspiration of Dreaming Big and the power you have to make things happen" Guitarist for Tony! Toni! Tone! D'Wayne Wiggins, added his gutiar skills for her growing radio friendly single, I Like"

She says, "Yes, D'Wayne added his special touch on I Like, which I love. I Like, the single has been getting very good reviews, and is being played on radio stations across the country"

Rave reviews have been from Billboard Magazine to XM Radio.

Sakai reflects, "I feel blessed that I am able to share my music and people appreciate my work :). It brings me so much joy to touch the hearts and lives of others with my gift of song. Never do I take that for granted"

Sakai had been working in the studio a long time before her Dream Big album. She says, "Before the release of Dream Big, I was working really hard in the studio to complete it. I was in the studio for hours on a daily basis for a long time. We recorded over 30 songs and we chose 17 with a bonus track. Then of course the preparation to actually release the CD is pretty intense and involves a lot of time as well"

And, "My music is real, its soulful/R&B, it's moody, and inspirational". On her description of her own music.

She explains her Family Tree Productions.

"Family Tree Productions is my musical home. It's where I began to blossom and let go as a vocalist and as a songwriter. The record label (Family Tree Records) and production company are owned by Kevin 'Darkside' Smith. He believe in my talent as an artist and songwriter and I am forever grateful"

Sakai also has an eight piece band. "The live show is so much fun! High energy from beginning to end. I work with such talented people (they are my extended family). The stage is one of the places I am most comfortable and free. I get the opportunity to connect with other people on another level. It's very rewarding and there's nothing like it"

Sakai informs Soulisms, "I'm already working on the next project :) Writing and back in the studio"

Thank-you Sakai for the interview.

"Thank you Matthew!"

Email Interview by Matthew Daniel

Soulisms 2008