|
|
| Amerie |
Blessed
with keen intelligence and stunning good looks, Amerie could have
chosen any number of career paths. Yet from an early age, the
22-year-old R&B chanteuse knew what her future held. " It
sounds like a cliché but I always knew I was going to sing."
Her brand of soul is both infectious and intoxicating and projects
a voice that's sweet, sassy, and sultry, with a hint of bad girl
edge.
Leaked to radio in the spring of 2002, "Why Don't We Fall in
Love" exploded, creating a strong buzz and heavy anticipation
for the full length album. It's no wonder why the public, radio
programmers and DJ's responded so enthusiastically. "Why
Don't We Fall In Love" is the opening salvo from a singer who
has raised the stakes for hip-hop soul to follow.
What's remarkable about Amerie's rise is how fast it's occurred.
After spawning several hit records she is showing the world just
how much she has got to give. "It's been pretty
amazing," she admits. "We really worked hard on those
songs and just let our creativity go. I guess this is what happens
when you're focused, have good people around you, and trust your
heart and your instincts."
Through a friend, Amerie was introduced to her producing partner
Rich and they met for the first time in a McDonald's parking lot.
"Not too glamorous, huh?" she laughs. After Amerie heard
Rich's tracks, and Rich heard her sing, the work began. They
quickly realized that they not only had common goals, but great
creative chemistry as well. "We would just sit and brainstorm
and it just flowed from there," she remembers.
One
song became two, two became three, and three grew to five,
becoming a demo. Within months, that demo made its way to Columbia
Records, where she was immediately offered a deal.
From
the moment she entered the studio to record All I Have,
she knew that she wanted to unleash a sound that was gritty, yet
melodic. Something different,
yet something familiar enough to entice listeners. Together, they
married Rich's
hard-edged
beats and well-crafted melodies to Amerie's soaring vocals.
Through
all of this, Amerie makes sure to thank the One who made this all
possible: "I wrote the outro, 'I'm Reminded,' as a thank-you
to God for leading me to all of this. Through all the
ups and downs and uncertainties, He was always in control. I was
very passionate about my dreams, but I believe my parents' prayers
really contributed to everything."
It's
clear that passion is something that Amerie knows well. You can
hear the passion and commitment to singing that has lead her to
this point in her life and the making of this album. Now, she's
getting the chance to live her dreams and bring her talent to the
world. Ask Amerie what she wants fans to hear when they check out All
I Have and her response is considered and thoughtful:
"I'd like them to hear that this is real music. You can feel
it. This music has substance, and in All I Have, you
get a glimpse into Rich's life and mine as well."
|
