Me (Sami Akbari . . . in case you didn't notice/in case you're an idiot): vocals and I will begin to play the micro korg live as well . . . yippee!
On EP:
Uri Djemal: Guitar.
Shane Koss: Keyboards,
Lorne Entress: Drums.
Ben Zwerin: Bass.
Live:
Jay Barclay: Guitar.
Ezra Oklan: Drums.
Mathias Schuber: Keys.
Jeremy Kay: Bass.
Influences
Albums and artists that have been influences for my upcoming EP: We've been listening to a lot of Beck's "Sea Change", All of Fiona Apple (especially "Extraordinary Machine"), Death Cab for Cutie (esp. "Transatlanticism" and "Plans"), Frou Frou/Imogen Heap, and everything that is The Beatles. Go on and marinate on that for a minute. In general, I love all music except for modern country (classic rock country is awesome though). BUT I would say my influences that you may hear in my music are: Ani Difranco, Fiona Apple, Feist, Paul Simon, Josh Rouse, Cat Power, Van Morrison, throw a lil' dash of the blues in there, singer/songwriters in the New York City music scene . . . and then of course sadness, love, losing love, hope, losing hope, dreams, losing dreams etc. Really uplifting material ;) It really does change everyday though.
"I'm always pleasantly surprised when a room full of people goes quiet
when they hear me sing for the first time," mentions singer/songwriter
Sami Akbari. After having seen her perform a few times, one quickly
realizes that this is not an uncommon event. It is truly amazing to
hear this big, incredible voice come from this little girl, no more
than 5 feet tall. When one sees Sami Akbari perform for the first
time, they will notice that not only are her songs beautifully
heartbreaking with an almost magical essence to them, but she is also
incredibly entertaining in between songs in ways that have had people
describe her as a mix between a serious musican and Sarah Silverman.
Sami is currently promoting her new 4 song EP, "Somebody Else's
Stranger" which was selected as a Best Buy's Indie Pick of the Week,
and has been described as, "moody pop songs that vibe Dido, Tori Amos
and Fiona Apple," by the highly regarded Village Voice as well as "a
shimmering alt-pop coup. A complex palette of sounds [that create] the
perfect backdrop to showcase her smooth, sultry vocals. These
well-crafted, lovingly produced songs successfully bridge several
genres," by Jessi Robertson of New York City's Local Correspondents
and the blog, "Are You Drawing Pretty Things".
Sami has been performing around New York City for the past 2 years at
places such as Rockwood Music Hall, Pianos and Crash Mansion amongst
others. She has also performed in her home town of Philadelphia where
the roots of her musical beginnings are. She is honored to have been
asked to perform at the Sam Waxman Cancer Research Foundation
fundraising event in July that will give her an audience of about 500
people. She is currently booking more shows in other cities as well as
more venues in NYC to continue her promotion of "Somebody Else's
Stranger".
Sami recieves many emails from men and women alike telling her how
much her music has effected them. After hearing this "ethereally
lovely" (New York Cool Magazine) artist, you will most likely become
one of these people. "Somebody Else's Stranger" can currently be
purchased on DigStation and CdBaby.com as well as iTunes and other
digital services.
SOMEBODY ELSE'S STRANGER CREDITS:
Produced by Uri Djemal and Sami Akbari
Co-Produced by Shane Koss
Mixed and Engineered by Uri Djemal for Madpan Productions
Arranger and Additional Engineering, Shane Koss
Additional Engineering, Lorne Entress
Mastering by Fred Kevorkian, Kevorkian Mastering @ Avatar Studios in NYC
Wishing you all good things and a happy, relaxing Thanksgiving. Your music is as strong as ever... hoping to catch you live one of these days, if I can shake loose from work.
Hello Sami, sorry I haven't been by in awhile but my health is not so good and I have had other problems also. I do enjoy stopping by and having a listen, seeing whats new and getting your comments. I wish you a great week, take care and God Bless you.
