Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson, Bill Withers, Peabo Bryson, Angela Bofill, Will Downing... I also enjoy India.Arie, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Prince, Aya, Vinx, Anthony David, Lewis Taylor, Omar, Joss Stone, Kameron Corvet, Anthony Hamilton, Robin Thicke, Gwen Stefani, John Legend, Lalah Hathaway, Anna Nalick, Corinne Bailey Rae... Those who sing with raw emotion and truth touch my soul.
Kai Martin has loved and appreciated music since she was a young child. Encouraged by her parents who were singers as well, Kai listened to artists such as Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway and Bill Withers over and over and over again, inspired to develop her own unique vocal tone and style.
Kai has sung in various choirs, groups and cover bands over the years. She also enjoyed singing live and studio background vocals for various artists including Kashif, Leela James and Nick Rolfe. The "surprise" success of a house track in Denmark introduced her to the house music scene... 'Fallin' by FILUR went to number 3 on the dance chart in 2002. It was the 2nd single from Filur's award-winning 'Best Dance' album called Deeply Superficial. That single sparked beautiful remixes from genius Larry Heard, Banzai Republic and True To Nature. From there she connected with SOLU MUSIC in NYC, and the beautiful Affirmation CD was released in June of 2005. Singles from that album included 'Can't Help Myself,' 'This Time,' 'It Ain't Love,' and 'I Feel.' Compilations include Southport Weekender, Vol. 3, Midnight Soul, Vol. 2, Private Party: The Naked Touch and Bargrooves: Influences by Jay Hannah/Ben Sowton. Tunes from Affirmation have been remixed by some of the very best names in house music, including Jask, Quentin Harris, Joey Youngman and Chris Brann. The CD is a combo of house/dance, soul, jazz and latin influences, and is available on iTunes, traxsource, amazon, etc. More recent Solu releases include 'Let It Flow,' 'Make It Right,' and Soulsugar.'
Kai moved to Atlanta in 2005 and was introduced to Chris Brann by a local DJ in early 2006. They were familiar with one another, especially in light of Chris's smooth remixes of Solu's 'I Feel.' They started working together immediately and ANANDA PROJECT'S FIRE FLOWER album was released in July. Kai is featured on 'Stay As You Are' and 'Universal Love'- remixed by the talented Jay- J. Check out the remix album entitled Night Blossom too... Kai is also one of the vocalists on the hot CHOCOLATE SOUL III Compilation album IN STORES NOW, in the company of such artists as Anthony David, Jurassic 5, Kindred the Family Soul and Rebirth. Her solo album is in the works and she is exploring other genres, including R&B, neo-soul and jazz...
Kai's other interests include traveling, reading, meeting new people, watching movies and supporting women prenatally and during labor and childbirth as a doula. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Spelman College with a BA in Psychology, and of UCLA with a Master's degree in Social Work, Kai is truly a people-person and enjoys helping others, particularly children and families. However, her first love and true passion is and will always be music!!! She loves people and lives life to the fullest. Thanks for stopping by. Visit again soon! Stay tuned...
Great news Kai!! Congrats with a baby, and best wishes!!
What excites me most in people like you and Tracy Thorn (EBTG) for example, is that you manage to be talented creative persons and happy mothers at the same time, without typical controversies. Much respect and waiting for a new music inspired by the child!!
KAI.... buddy i am counting on it. I finally got my music computer built, but I haven't loaded any software yet. Just gotta get a little time for that. It would be wonderful to see you/work with you. let's write something!:)
Hey Kai,thanx 4 the add..i met u awhile back at an Hnl event with Brooks and remembered he told me u're an artist..just wanted to stay posted wheneva u do anything around our great city..have a good day madam
WHAT'S UP KAI? I'M DOING GOOD THANKS FOR ASKING! I LIKE THE MUSIC THAT I HEARD ON YOUR PAGE IT'S HOT, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK... WHEN ARE YOU DOING ANOTHER SHOW IN CALI? LOL.
