Sumeet
By Nicole Whitsett

With the recent wildfire spread of South Asian influences in music, it may seem that Canadian-born singer Sumeet has developed out of this hot, new trend. But don't judge this book by its beautiful cover: To call this desi sensation trendy is to underestimate her talent. Following in the soulful footsteps of Alicia Keys and Erykah Badu, she charges up funky urban beats and smooth R&B with a fearless energy that sets her apart. Last year, she teamed up with producing/managing team Davae Williams, and the musical sparks began to fly. Recognizing Sumeet's unique versatility, Davae Williams consistently looked for innovative ways to showcase her smooth vocals. The result, an album with the working title "At the Speed of Light", is a testament to the adage "Variety is the spice of life" - a melodic assortment serving up something for every urban music fan, from the funk junky to the dancehall lover.

Like Badu, Sumeet stands out as a vocal stylist, strutting her sultry sound with the confidence of a natural-born diva. Davae Williams brings this out by pushing the envelope of soul music. "Rush", a fascinating love song produced in conjunction with 2004 Grammy-nominated engineer Dave O'Donnell, is a prime example. With its dark melody and hypnotic rhythm, "Rush" exudes a mysterious steaminess reminiscent of the late Aaliyah's style. Another soulful, mid-tempo ballad, "Can't Wait to See You (I Miss You)", is lighter, sweeter and more vulnerable (Like a child needs his father/I need you the same/ We'll make a great team/I'll box out and you take the lane) but no less sexy.

Davae Williams also worked with O'Donnell on one the album's irresistible dance tracks, "Come Back to the Real World." Sumeet describes it as a song about "… waking up one day, fed up, next to a man who's got his head in the clouds…" With supremely enjoyable vitriol, she brings him back to Earth with lines "Boy, you ain't Denzel/And this ain't Hollywood/Come back to the real world/You better start treating me good" over a retro/disco beat replete with funked-up guitars and Zapp-style backup vocals. Another dance joint, "Agony", is the result of a collaboration with D. Besson & R. Dawkins of Brukkout Entertainment, and features VP/Atlantic Records dancehall recording artist Elephant Man. A provocative fusion of hip-hop and dancehall reggae, "Agony" demonstrates the impressive range of Sumeet's vocal and songwriting abilities.

To expand their horizons even further, Davae Williams enlisted the brilliant skills of Architekt 9 to produce 2-step remixes of "Agony", "Rush" and "You Blew It (C'est La Vie)." All three songs translated perfectly to club-ready compositions, with strong, infectious beats no house-head could resist. An EP version of "Agony" will be released in Europe, as well as to a limited DJ audience in the U.S. However, "Light" isn't an album where the beats carry the songs. Whether it's "Agony's" recounting of a girl's night out at a reggae club or "Come Back to the Real World's" tragicomic breakdown of a relationship in shambles, every track shares a compelling story. "Pushing On", another collaboration with Brukkout Entertainment, reflects on Sumeet's struggles trying to break through in the music industry; while "Deeper", a slow ballad, describes an all-consuming love. "You Blew It (C'est La Vie)", in which Sumeet dismisses an unfaithful lover, contains such poignant exasperation and specificity (You can take back/ the 'I Love You' Bear and the bracelet/ See, there's no second chance/ Just face it) that it feels as voyeuristic as watching a couple fight in the street.

The beauty of "Light" is that every track has something to offer. Sumeet and Davae Williams are painstakingly building an album where every song is unique and yet, stands on its own merit. "I'm trying to make a record of about twelve quality songs - not just a couple of singles and some album fillers," explains Sumeet. "I don't want all of my songs to sound the same, otherwise the work will become predictably me." With new ideas continuously springing forth from the trio (for example, they are now scouting musicians for a live band to back Sumeet on tour), it would appear that the only predictable thing about this rising R&B/reggae/dance/funk star will be her success.

An introspective song about Sumeets struggles to make it in the music business, this song was originally done with Canadian producer Dubble J and released on Sumeets 2003 Promo CD. Now, with new music by Brukkout Entertainment (Agony, Secret), added bridge with new lyrics, and subtle guitar work by Brett Fuentes, the song has a complete make-over and is ready for a new life. Sumeet will be performing various dates over the next few months. Although she will be touring with a full live band later this year.

NEW SONG: PUSHIN ON
Web Release Date: May 1, 2004

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: http://www.sumeetmusic.com