Vents MagaZine Music and Entertainment Magazine
Related Articles
We’re very excited to be speaking today with acclaimed and multifaceted singing artist and songwriter Sej; greetings and salutations Sej and welcome to Vents Magazine! Before we dive into the Q&A musical rabbit hole, how would you describe your indelible and absolutely unique musical stylings to a fan who is just now discovering you and your music?
How I would describe my songs is like a fusion of genres. I would say it’s a mix of Pop, R&B, Premium Rhythms, Dance, Soul, and then some songs also have a bit of Afrobeats influence, too.
Major kudos and accolades on your freshly-minted debut single 2 Shots which is lighting up record charts the world-over! Starting at the tip-top, can you talk about what inspired you to record one of the very best new singles of 2024?
“2 Shots” to me was about making a song that describes the emotions of going through a heartbreak, but also the power of girlhood. Going out with your friends, having a good time and taking your mind off stuff just encompasses girlhood and how the girls can really solve all your problems.
Who did the producing honors on 2 Shots and what did the in-studio collaboration between artist and producer look like while working hand-in-hand to achieve the best possible sound?
The producer’s name is Blession. When we first started writing this song it was actually on FaceTime. I had met him at a London camp and he had called me and had his beats playing for me. I was like “we need to write to this,” so we started writing it on FaceTime. Then, he came to Atlanta and we finished writing the rest of it. Just immediately as soon as I heard the beats I was like “yeah, we need to write to this immediately.”
In your humble opinion, what differentiates 2 Shots from the Distinguished Competition on the ‘24 music scene?
I feel like I’m creating a song that isn’t really being done right now. No one’s really blending all these genres together- so the fusion itself, my Caribbean roots and my accent is what I would say makes me different. I’m really just bringing that Caribbean energy back into Pop and the mainstream.
You originally hail from Port of Spain, Trinidad and now hang your hat in the beautiful state of Florida. How do those seemingly disparate roots inform you as both an artist and as a person?
America is definitely a culture shock, the people are very different here. I’m accustomed to premium hospitality. In the Carribbean everyone is super friendly, it’s a very welcoming environment – on top of having the best food ever. Then coming here, everyone is to themselves and very standoffish. It doesn’t really feel like a community, everyone’s doing their own thing so it’s a bit harder to connect with people. Also, my family is still in Trinidad so I miss home in that sense too. I feel like people’s intentions might not be as genuine as back home, but I really appreciate the opportunities that I’m able to have from being here in the States.
In the wake of the release of your debut singe 2 Shots, can fabs look forward to even more music from you in 2025, perhaps in the form of an EP or LP release?
Yes- all the music, all the singles! I think I got at least two more singles coming out next, hopefully. There’s a lot of music coming for sure.
What does your touring/performing dance card look like in the coming weeks and months?
Yes, definitely and hopefully soon. I’m working on finishing my project, but I definitely want to get out there performing, interacting with people and getting my voice out there more too. My friend invited me to perform at Wireless in London, so hopefully we can make that happen. That would be a lot of fun.
You originally entered the entertainment industry as a model, popping up in fashion shows and music videos. Looking back on that time, what were your biggest challenges and triumphs as an artist?
I modeled when I was a baby. My mom was a pageant queen, so since I was a baby, I was modeling. I started on some baby brochure pamphlet, I was in a whole bunch of little magazines. I did also do Trinidad Top Models and I won the print top model, when I was 14 I think. More recently, I did a music video during Covid which is where I met Machel Montano, and that was helpful because that connection really did help in my career.
As a singer and songwriter, which generally comes first for you during the creative process: The lyrics or the music?
Usually, it’s always the beat and the melodies first, and then we write lyrics. Sometimes I can do only beats and singing melodies, then lyrics come after. My concept is anytime I hear a beat I can already visualize what I want to talk about, so I have that in mind when I’m coming up with melodies.
Any final thoughts you might like to share with our ever-inquisitive readers regarding your absolutely beautiful single debut of 2 Shots?
I have a few dream collabs including Swae Lee, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Post Malone, Drake – people like that.
LISTEN https://sej.lnk.to/2Shots
