An Exclusive Interview with Multi-talented Saudy Familia

We are sharing our recent interview with Saudy Familia, a Dominican-born composer, songwriter and drummer based in New York City.

Twist Online : First of all tell us about the start of your music career.

Saudy Familia:​ I started singing at a very young age in the Dominican Republic because my father was a singer. He would write my sister and I songs, and he would take us to the studio to record them. I still have the tapes of those songs. It wasn’t until I attended Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School (WHEELS) in New York City, where I would elevate my musical education under the instruction of Dr. Gian Tornatore.

Twist Online : Who or what inspired you to get into the music industry?

Saudy Familia:​ When I attended Berklee College of Music, I wanted to take it upon myself to really get my name out there around the campus, but I was just a tiny fish in an ocean. It was difficult at first and very discouraging when the friends I would meet always had jam sessions to go to,or gigs at small venues around Boston (At that time I was just a Drummer). I did not want to wait around for people to call me for me to be active, so I decided to be proactive and control my“destiny”. In 2015, I studied abroad at the Berklee Valencia, Spain campus where I composed many songs and recorded my first demo. I received many positive feedback, as well as constructive criticism. From that point on, I decided that I would focus more on Songwriting and Composing to release more music, especially my own music.

Twist Online : What kind of effect music education has put on your music?

Saudy Familia:​ If it wasn’t for my loving & caring music teachers at WHEELS, Graham Johnson and Dr. Gian Tornatore, I wouldn’t be the musician I am today. They really cared about their students and wanted the best for them. And they really wanted the best for me. I’m very fortunate and so very thankful for them. From them, I learned discipline. If you put in the time and work, you will succeed.I was also a very curious kid. When I was at WHEELS, I was a Drummer, and was always very curious about drumming related material: Jazz drum solos or drum patterns from my favorited rummers. But when I was at Berklee College of Music, I was very interested in theory:Harmony and Ear Training courses. That’s not something you hear a lot from a drummer, haha.

Twist Online : You have recently released your second track “Only You and Me”. Tell us more about the track?

Saudy Familia:​​ The upbeat, English Salsa composition tells a story in which one meets the love of their life and takes the listener on a journey to asking the person they are destined to be with,out and start a romance.This composition is the perfect example and the foundation of what I will be releasing in the coming future.

Twist Online : What kind of response have you received from the release?

Saudy Familia:​ I’ve received so many great responses from DJs around the world saying that they love what I’m doing, writing English Salsa. They don’t get much of those. Many peers have messaged me saying my song has been on repeat on their phone. Rose Stoller, the featured singer on this track, has an amazing voice, and I’ve received many comments about how they love her voice and how she performed the track. And just overall, very positive thoughts.I have also received a lot of constructive feedback and suggestions from others, and I welcome it as there is always so much to learn.

Twist Online : What attracts you more, Working in studios or performing on stage?

Saudy Familia:​ This is a tough one! I have more experience on stage, as a drummer in the back noton the spotlight, haha so I love the stage!

Twist Online : What’s the best part of being a musician and songwriter?

Saudy Familia:​ At the end of the day, if you are a musician, you should do it because you love it. If you’re not satisfied, get a job. But I truly love being a songwriter and composer at most. Just the process of creating and finishing a composition is a great feeling. I’m focused on my musical goals.

Twist Online : Have you set any goals to achieve?

Saudy Familia: ​​The next Latino generation is here, and the majority that are born in America, speak more English than Spanish.​​I hope to attract young American and Latino audiences to the rhythms and sounds of the Caribbean that are found in my music.

Twist Online : Are you working on any new project?

Saudy Familia:​ Yes, I am currently in the recording phase of my next English Salsa composition.Release date set for this Fall.

Twist Online : What’s the best way to follow you online?

Saudy Familia:​ Instagram is my social media of choice. Please follow me @IamSaudyFamilia and follow my Spotify: Saudy Familia