Summarae: “The Best Me I Can Be”

Let’s hop right into this brand new single and upcoming video of yours, ”Love Hurts” — Tell me about this track in particular…How did it actually come to fruition?

Interestingly enough, “Love Hurts” was influenced by an intense argument I had with my husband a few years ago. It’s funny, because during our argument I was thinking, “Damn, he’s sexy (as) hell when he’s mad!” *Laughs* But because I was angry, I refused to tell him what I was thinking. After a few days of not speaking, we made up and let me say this; he made me forget why we were arguing in the first place. Thus the words in the chorus, “Love Hurts so bad, but feels so good,” were created.

For it, of course you teamed up with veteran R& B songstress Shanice Wilson, as well as multi-platinum producer Bud’da—What particular string of events led up to this union?

For starters, Shanice and I are first cousins and she also co-wrote “Love Hurts” with me. Her mom, Crystal Wilson Blackmon, of OWN’s hit television reality show, Flex & Shanice, and my dad, Ronald Wilson, a.k.a. Uncle Spirit, are siblings. Originally, my Aunt Crystal heard a few of my originals and arranged for me to work with a producer she knew in Los Angeles. She and I had been in constant communication with this producer for 2 months. Each discussion I had with him resulted in a different excuse as to why the track wasn’t complete. Even after all the excuses, he assured me the track would be complete upon my arrival in Los Angeles. I arrived in Los Angeles on a Thursday, we called the producer on the phone and the track still wasn’t done. Friday morning, we called him back and guess what…No track! Friday afternoon, Shanice said, “You know what Summarae, I’m going to call my friend and ask him to produce your song.” Ironically, her friend just so happened to be multi-platinum super producer, Bud’da. She proceeded in saying, “My cousin is here from Pittsburgh, PA, and she needs to record a song.” He asked, “How soon do y’all need it?” She replied, “By tomorrow.” All I remember is Bud’da saying, “Y’all are gangsta!” He advised us to call him back and leave the song on his voice-mail. As instructed, we called him right back and hummed the melody on his voice-mail, while alternating the bass-line and keyboard ideas by mouth. When we arrived at the studio, the musical framework for “Love Hurts” was complete. Bud’da is a beast!! The track was crazy dope and I began recording immediately.

…This song is also extra special to me, not only because it was inspired by a personal event that occurred in my life, but it includes three of my favorite vocalists; my super talented cousin, Shanice Wilson, my incredible aunts, Crystal Wilson Blackmon and Penni Wilson, on background vocals and a host of amazing accomplished instrumentalists. In retrospect, it wasn’t meant for me to record with the first producer. I honestly believe God was instrumental in uniting the three of us. It has been an amazing ride that I plan on continuing. I love them both very much.

With that being said, how then would you describe and/or define the style of music that you create and perform?

I describe my style as sexy, soulful and edgy. When you listen to my music, you are going to get that R&B flair infusion, with a Hip-Hop vibe. My sound can also be described as a musical vehicle that touches the soul through lyrics and sound without conformity.

Reflecting, how did you first discover your musical talent?

Wow, I discovered I had musical talent in middle school. My classmates would always tell me I sound great singing. You couldn’t shut me up! I would sing on the bus, in the hallways, grocery stores, on the phone talking to boys and anywhere I could. I was an active member in the church choir and a member in Pittsburgh’s All-City High School Choir. I remember my mom sending me to take piano lessons at a jazz workshop at our local library. I would skip piano lessons and take voice lessons instead. To this day, I don’t think she knows.

Who have been your greatest inspirations musically and why?

My greatest musical inspiration would have to be my mom, Belva Odom Salik. My mom is a very good poet and singer. Back in the day, my mom and my aunts, Crystal Wilson Blackmon and Penni Wilson, had a group called Universal Freedom. Their group was a 9 piece R&B band that toured regionally and packed venues in Pittsburgh, PA. When I was a little girl, I would watch them in amazement and say, “That is going to be me one day.” They just had so much fun performing and entertaining, while giving the audiences great soulful music. They were considered celebrities, to me.

What do you feel you offer the music industry that we don’t already have in other performers?

There are so many great artists out there today. I just focus on being the best me. I’m a Pisces, which allows me to tune into spiritual, intuitive, vibrant and compassionate energies. This enables me to write my music in a way that is impactful and passionate. I typically write my songs in a story format. I strive to provide my listeners with life situations and resolution to problems. Like I said, I just focus on being the best me I can be.

Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?

Wow, where do I start?! I’m an indie artist! As an indie artist, you are constantly working and grindin’ to finance, market and promote your music. Trying to balance everything life throws at you, while swimming straight ahead toward your dream is tough but achievable. It is very difficult not having a record label engine behind you. However, the freedom to create music the way you want and when you want, is priceless. I have very competent teams that are all ‘outside the box’ thinkers and “go-getters.” I have to continue to chart new territories and explore all options to perform and promote my music. You have to stay prayed up!

Initially, however, you were a part of not one but two different musical collectives; The Top Flight Band and House of Soul — How did the whole transition over to soloist even come about?

The transition to soloist came about because I was creatively frustrated. I had a vision and passion that no one else could see or understand. I had been creating melodies and writing lyrics for years, but lacked the opportunity to express myself. I always had a lot to say and I wanted my ideas, words and emotions conveyed my way, without any creative constraints.

What do you want people to get from your music?

I would like my music to travel into the hearts and souls of the listeners. My hope is that everyone will feel my passion through song and story, as well as be inspired by my authenticity. I don’t want my music to only take listeners on my journey; I want my music to be a part of their journey.

When can we, the masses, expect some new music from you?

Very soon! I am currently in the studio and I expect to release more music in early 2015.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

My greatest accomplishment was having an opportunity to work with my phenomenal Grammy nominated cousin, Shanice and multi-platinum producer extraordinaire Bud’da. The synergy emitted between the three of us was so magical. They are both AMAZING individuals! They were able to interpret my vision with their vocal and musical talents, and I will never forget it. Keep in mind, this is just the beginning!

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I would have loved to have had an opportunity to collaborate with the phenomenal, ‘High Priestess of Soul,’ Nina Simone. I love everything about her music; from her enthralling performances and deep thought provoking lyrics. She sung and wrote with purpose, passion, conviction and consciousness. I get overwhelmed with so much emotion when I listen to her sing. She was a musical genius.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

It would have to be Radio City Music Hall; the “Great Stage.” That venue has so much history and nostalgia. The various artists that performed there dates back to (the) 1930’s. I would be so honored to have that opportunity.

One track of yours that you think defines you and why?

This is a difficult question for me. Unfortunately, there is not one track in particular that defines me. In addition to “Love Hurts,” I put my heart, soul and emotion into every song I write. When you listen to my music, you are getting my all.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

I would like to add that my video for “Love Hurts” is in production and will be released soon. I want to thank my adoring fans for supporting me; I appreciate all of you!

…Thank you to my family and all of the fingerprints that touched the “Love Hurts” movement; from the musicians to my amazing team!

…Lastly, thank you HYPE Magazine for providing me with this media platform to be heard and seen. I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart!

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

Don’t stop pursuing your dreams. Keep believing in yourself and continue to strive for greatness!!

@Summarae
By: Todd Davis

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