Her music is a bittersweet and meaningful journey; an honest yet pleasurable exploration to the
strength of the
soul as well as the beauty of Asian culture. In a homogeneous music society, a beacon of hope has been discovered and brought to light in the form of
Renee Sebastian. A refreshingly brazen vixen, with an immaculate and compelling voice unlike any other on the musical
landscape. Sebastian is determined to revitalize the music industry with distinctive elements of fluidity including
Pop,
R&B and
Soul harmonies in addition to dazzling the globe with mesmerizing song-writing skills that exude sheer ingenuity. Once listeners have experienced the diverse and harmonious vibe that Sebastian effortlessly transports with her honey-tongued vocals and melodic beats, one will quickly discern what all of the frenzy is about.
Sebastian’s music is not lost among the pantheon of new crooners, but instead invokes the spirits of legendary composers-singers such as Roberta Flack, Carole King and Berkeley’s own Meshell Ndegeocello. The 30-something virtuoso respects unadulterated artistry as recognized in her choice of preferred musical tastes including James Taylor, Michael McDonald, Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Michael Jackson, Sade and Erykah Badu, who provide inspiration to the young ingénue. She’s notable and distinguished for composing her own material as well as making her mark as a naturally
gifted pianist without any formal training. From heavy, soulful, quintessential ballads to explosive pop tracks, it's this exhilarating mix that transcends generations and makes Sebastian’s body of work so relevant.
Sebastian is a self-described "progressive artist" and creator of the popular NYC soul movement “Blowout Lounge,” while her high-octane shows and musical perfection come natural to this west coast resident. Additionally she is a professionally trained modern contemporary dancer, and by the age of 13 was used to wowing audiences of over thousands in her native island of the Philippines. Blessed with a combination of exotic good looks and the gift of artistic expression she was encouraged by her teachers to embrace Performing Arts in high school, becoming a member of the Cultural Centers’ Girl Choir in Manila and soon walking out of local talent competitions with an arsenal of accolades. Years later she would move to the Bay Area and train under top vocal coach, Seth Riggs who had orchestrated vocal arrangements for musical legends Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Barbara Streisand, Enrique Iglesias, Natalie Cole and Quincy Jones. Sebastian studied at the illustrious Jazz School at Berkeley, California and has gone on to share the stage with notable artists Eric Roberson, Heavy, and PJ Morton. Renee Sebastian emerges as a prolific, consistently engaging vocalist on the
R&B and
Soul scene, an elastic talent who moves effortlessly from glossy ballads to
hip-hop inspired pop. Her ingenious penmanship won her a Billboard songwriting award for her 2004 hit single "Deliciously Dangerous,” while garnering radio adds nationwide and receiving acclaimed reviews from national trade publications, including an "R&B pick of the week" from Billboard magazine. Now back with her sophomore set Mrs. Sebastian, much like her first effort, this album does not disappoint. Blending diverse stylistic influences, the charismatic Cali girl is adorning Soul music with new textures and flavors that reflect an artist who is comfortable with who she is and how far she has come. The appellation of her current release is parallel to that of her inimitable personality- bold, urban and passionate.
Soul,
Funk,
R&B and Rock & Roll are all whipped into this revolutionary series of hit song after hit song. A true rebirth of
soul-tingling and quality music is what the songstress has poetically done with Mrs. Sebastian. It’s a humble throw forward to the yesteryear musical legends that are ingrained in the fiber of American Music today.
