Sy Smith
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Sy Smith | |
|---|---|
| Origin | New York, NY |
| Genre(s) | R&B, neo-soul, go-go |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | voice |
| Voice type(s) | soprano |
| Years active | 2000-present |
| Label(s) | Hollywood Records |
| Associated acts | Brand New Heavies |
| Website | SySmith.com |
Sy Smith is an African-American R&B/neo-soul singer/songwriter.
Contents |
[edit] Biography
Sy Smith began her career fronting an all-female Washington, DC go go band.[1] After graduating from Howard University with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a minor in music therapy, she moved to Los Angeles, CA. She soon charted territory singing backup for Usher, Eric Benet, Me'Shell NdegeOcello, Ginuwine, Brandy, and spending more than a year on the road with Whitney Houston.[1] Among it all, Smith made appearances in GAP advertisements, as well as being a regular fixture behind Vonda Shepard on the FOX television show Ally McBeal.
Smith later signed a solo recording contract with Hollywood Records and lead off with the single[2] and music video[3] "Gladly" in late 1999. Another single "Good N'Strong" followed in 2000. Her debut album Psykosoul garnered early critical acclaim,[4] but never saw an official release and was ultimately shelved. Only her cover of Edie Brickell's "What I Am" received an official release with its inclusion on the television soundtrack album of the animated series The PJs.[5] The album was eventually re-issued independently with bonus tracks and remixes in 2005 as Psykosoul Plus.[6]
Between releases, Sy served as sometime lead singer for British funk outfit Brand New Heavies on their album We Won't Stop.[7] She continued to write, produce, arrange, and sing background for other artists. Smith duetted with soul legend Al Green on the theme song to the Showtime series Soul Food.[8] She also made an appearance on the solo debut of Ali Shaheed Muhammad's Shaheedullah and Stereotypes album in 2004.
Smith emerged with her independent debut The Syberspace Social in 2005, which featured contributions from gravelly-voiced vocalist Anthony Hamilton[9] and famed neo-soul stalwart producers such as James Poyser (of Jill Scott fame) and Victor Duplaix. The album has since been reissued as an expanded special edition.
Most recently, Sy Smith, along with Sharlotte Gibson and Kenya Hathaway, daughter of Donny Hathaway, have been highly visible as featured background singers on American Idol. Smith also appeared on The Article 3, a 2006 EP release from bass guitar impresario Me'Shell NdegeOcello in addition to opening for the artist. Sy Smith released her first live DVD Sy Smith Live: Worship At The Temple, recorded live at Temple Bar in Santa Monica, CA.
Sy Smith also serves as the voice actor of Aisha in the video game Saints Row. As Aisha, she recorded three tracks for the game's soundtrack.
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
- Psykosoul (Hollywood, 2000)
- The Syberspace Social (Psyko/Kajmere Sound, 2005)
- Conflict (Psyko/MDI, 2008)
[edit] EPs
- One Like Me (Sy Smith, 2002) (EP)
[edit] Singles
- "Gladly" (Hollywood, 1999)
- "Good N'Strong" (Hollywood, 2000)
[edit] DVD Releases
- Sy Smith Live: Worship At The Temple (2007)
[edit] References
- ^ a b Sy Smith. The Soul of Amsterdam.
- ^ "Gladly" single release on Amazon.com
- ^ "Gladly" music video on Yahoo! Music
- ^ Psykosoul at Allmusic
- ^ The PJ's Soundtrack at Allmusic
- ^ Psykosoul Plus on CD Baby
- ^ The Syberspace Social on Amazon.com
- ^ The Syberspace Social (#2) on Amazon.com
- ^ The Syberspace Social on CD Baby
[edit] External links
- Sy Smith at Allmusic
- SySmith.com - Official site
