Fyza:Her Neo-Soul

She is soul music. Erykah Badu’s kiss on the neck, the reason Lauryn Hill needed only the sensation of a caress or even Jill Scott’s long walk; those songs were more than words to a melody. It was the feeling that followed what was heard. Simplicity could sum it up. Soul music shouldn’t be complicated, nor should it have to be deciphered. Fyza makes it real easy to appreciate her. Her petal like voice houses a bold sensuality. Unafraid to speak on what she wants and from whom she wants it. To experience her live is to experience the essence of a woman who is passionate about expressing her soul and reaching the people through song. Its soul music…more than an emotional journey, it’s become physical. Seclusion is where it began. 


“I discovered my voice at around 5yrs of age… I was an only child and was used to my own company. I’d sing at the drop of a hat and I would find myself harmonizing to songs on the radio… I never understood why it sounded and felt so good but, I never questioned it, I just went with it. Music and singing has definitely been my best friend over the years and a major release from the mundane things that life often brings on a daily basis.” Perhaps life is still mundane and the reason why Fyza creates feel good music is so you can enjoy stagnant moments. Taking a second of pleasure or even pain makes her reality your new melody. “Soul music is the truth!! It’s the kind of music that just reaches deep into the core of the soul and touches you. The texture and tones of a soulful voice doesn’t need the vocal acrobatics that are associated with most mainstream R&B vocalists, there’s something deeper and more expressive about soul music, and it’s captivating and refreshing. “

The ability to freeze such pleasures was nurtured by the rich culture she was born into. The daughter of a Sudanese Father and an Irish mother, Fyza was exposed to a great deal of cultural practices, norms, values and most importantly music. “Being from a mixed heritage meant that I was able to hear everything from Irish and African instrumentation with different rhythms, beats and melodies to all the classic stuff my mom was into at the time like, Motown, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, J5, Rare Groove, Funk, etc.. She would also listen to a lot of North African and Arabic singers as she learned how to speak my father’s tongue. I never really spoke the language but, I remember loving the strings and vocal melodies and arrangements that would catch my ear.” These influences have shaped her, defining more than just her music, but who she is as a woman, mother, lover, and singer.

So what’s next for Fyza? She’ll be busier than ever this year. A completed album, more guests appearances and songwriting for other artists are only a few things to look out for. “There are lots of collaborations and compilation albums too… I have two songs on the Plash and Friends album along with new stuff with Zed Bias. I’m going to continue writing and vocally producing for a variety of artists along the way. I have a feeling it’s gonna be a great year.”

She’s no novice to recording. She’s currently working on her 4th album. Previous album appearances include projects such as Experiments with Biasonics Vol: 1 that’s out now. “I’m currently unsigned but, there are a few labels interested in me at the moment so I have some deciding to do. As far as releasing my album, my interests are leaning more towards a Japanese label that I believe can really push this album for me.” Having been on a major record label, she’s turned off by mainstream contracts and vowed to never be a carbon copy of an unauthentic image that many seem to fall into. “The music should speak for itself but, I know how a lot of labels turn young artists into puppets, where there is no control over what you wear, how you sing etc… I’ve been there and I was extremely miserable as a result. Nothing represented me, not the music or the image… I couldn’t wait to get dropped!!”

Not many artists are excited about getting dropped. But the beauty about independent artists is that you can call them just that, artists and not singers. Their craft is far deeper than a paycheck. For Fyza, writing lyrics is what she enjoys the most. “I love both but, if I had to choose, it would be the actual writing and creating the songs in the studio. I’m like a kid with a fat piece of chocolate cake when I’m in the studio!! Building the song up and then at the end of the session hearing it all together blaring out of the speakers is a dope feeling!!”

That feeling has become universal. How her music relates to you and your life is her purpose. Not too many artists are concerned with how their music directly affects their listeners. “I take from all elements in life to create songs. Everything inspires me in one way or another. I’m a real romantic old soul I guess; far from boring though so don’t get it twisted!!!” To hear more of Fyza, check out www.myspace.com/flyza