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Tracy Cruz: Electric Soul

 Tracy Cruz: Electric Soul

By Shelah Moody

San Jose’s dynamic singer/songwriter, who caught the world’s attention with her community service and multiple awards, speaks about her motivations, her musical influences and current projects.

Streetwise Radio: Where were you born and raised, and what is the earliest music you remember hearing as a child

Tracy Cruz: I was born in Quezon City on the island of Luzon in the Philippines and was raised in San Jose, CA. The earliest music I remember hearing as a child were songs from Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Earth, Wind and Fire, and more. My mom absolutely loved R&B/Soul so I grew up listening to her magnificent music collection.

Streetwise Radio: What led you to gravitate to R&B music?

TC: I gravitated towards R&B music because of the heartfelt lyrics, passionate singing and beautiful arrangements. R&B music really pulls at my heartstrings because I can feel the music in my soul and relate to the life and love messages.

Streetwise Radio: How would you describe your vocals and your style of music?

TC: My vocals have depth and rich tones. My style of music is expressive, eclectic Soul.

Streetwise Radio: Tell us about your latest projects.

TC: I’ll be releasing a new single “Find A Way” was produced by Rodney Jones. He has worked with Eric Roberson, Conya Doss, D Maurice, and more. I’m currently working on my new album “Sun After The Reign” which I’m hoping to release sometime in 2022.

Streetwise Radio: Tell us about some of your community outreach and mentorship projects.

TC: I have taught youth singing classes for 15 years through my school, Tracy Cruz Vocal Studio, as well as other private music schools and after-school music programs. I’m also a voting member of the Recording Academy, a member of Pinayista (Filipina entrepreneurs and creatives) and a board member of Oakland School for the Arts CTE Art Advisory Board.

Streetwise Radio: How do you feel about the rise of Filipino performers on the charts today, such as H.E.R. and Bruno Mars?

TC: I am very excited about the rise of Filipino performers today! H.E.R. and Bruno Mars are incredibly talented and I’m definitely inspired by their innovative music, drive, and consistency.

Streetwise Radio: What element of your Filipino culture do you bring to your music?

TC: I bring the songwriting elements of Original Pilipino Music into my own music. I absolutely love singing and writing ballads. Like R&B/Soul music, it also pulls at your heartstrings.

Streetwise Radio: What advice would you give to independent artists like yourself who are promoting their music in the Bay Area?

TC: My advice is to be kind and supportive towards others. Make sure your great talent matches your attitude and you’re out there supporting your fellow music creators and professionals. Eliminate jealousy and envy. Eliminate the “all about me” mentality. Have a collaboration over competition mentality. It’s important to build your music community as you build your own career. Build professional relationships, stay consistent, and stay true to yourself and your music!

Streetwise Radio: What artist would you most like to collaborate with and why?

TC: Diane Warren. She is my favorite songwriter and has written so many hits. I want to learn more about her songwriting process. When I was a little girl, I used to read liner notes because of her impeccable songwriting.

Streetwise Radio: Where can we hear your music and follow you?

TC: You can listen to my music www.tracycruzmusic.com, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Amazon, etc. Follow me on:

www.Facebook.com/tracycruzmusicpage

www.Twitter.com/tracycruzmusic

www.Instagram.com/tracycruzmusic.

You can also listen to the music of Tracy Cruz here on Streetwise Radio.

Natalie Cole Fans, Friends and Family Tribute to be Released During Black Music Month

 

                                                 

                                                       Shelah Moody and Natalie Cole

“I think the women who are successful (in music) are the ones who are very aggressive. They’re very distinctive. They’re writing their own material, which I need to be doing more of, thank you very much. But I must say that I’ve been one of the lucky ones in that I am able to interpret other people’s music very well, so, in other words, other writers. I think that it’s very jammed, jammed out there; there’s women coming out of the woodwork. You really have to have something very very special these days, because there are like, clones. And so, it’s nice to be able to be unique.”—Natalie Cole

San Francisco— Veteran music journalist Rani Shelah Moody, in collaboration with Island Stage Magazine, is proud to present an unforgettable Family, Friends and Fans tribute to seven-time Grammy winner Natalie Cole.

The mini-documentary, produced by Moody masterfully edited by Xavier LeBlanc, features rare photos, reflections, commentary and testimony from those who knew the iconic R&B/pop singer best.

Contributors include Benita Hill Johnson, (Cole’s longtime friend and personal assistant), R&B vocal duo Chrystal and Chyna Johnson (Cole’s goddaughters), Marcellina Hawthorne (Cole’s former backing vocalist), Sakai Smith (vocalist and member of the rock group Train) Mary Isaacs (Jamaican vocalist who covered Cole’s hit song “A Little Bit of Heaven”) and Ronald Edwards (fan and music historian).

The tribute also includes original audio from a 1988 interview that Moody conducted with Cole at the Sheraton Waikiki Resort in Honolulu, Hi.

“Natalie Cole was the most elegant performer I’ve ever met said, Moody. “In 1988, I was a journalism student at the University of Hawaii and I was reviewing her concert for our college newspaper. I ran into one of her former classmates from the University of Massachusetts. After the concert was over, he called Natalie’s room from the house phone and asked if we could come up and say hi. In her hotel room, Natalie was entertaining several people including her cousin, Eddie Cole. Natalie greeted us warmly, and gave me a 15-minute interview. The conversation went smoothly; it was like speaking to my sister or my best friend.”

Natalie Maria Cole (1950-2015), singer, actress and activist sold more than 30 million records worldwide; her hits include “This Will Be,” “I Got Love on My Mind,” “Inseparable,” “Our Love” and “Unforgettable” (a digital duet with her father, renowned vocalist Nat “King” Cole.”

To view the Family, Friends and Fans tribute to Natalie Cole, go to: https://youtu.be/Yf_hWey-YfA

and: www.island-stage.com

Xxxxxx