Saudy Familia is a Dominican-born composer, songwriter and drummer based in New York City. His passion for music emerged at the young age of four-years-old through singing in the Dominican Republic. After his family immigrated to New York City in 2003, he was able to elevate himself as a musician by being self-taught how to play the piano and by attending Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School (WHEELS), where he was able to become a Jazz and Latin Jazz drummer. His music is influenced by Brian McKnight and Marc Anthony, who later stood out to Familia as he would go study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music as a Composer and Arranger.
Where are you based?
New York City
How long have you been making music?
I would have to say about 20 years. I started singing at the age of 4 in my home country of the Dominican Republic. I would later immigrate to New York at the age of 7 where I would still sing but also self teach myself the piano. In 6th grade I became a Jazz/Latin Jazz Drummer which I still am today. I would also write poems and songs on the side at a young age, but it wasn’t until I attended Berklee College of Music when my love for Songwriting and Composing emerged.
What genre would you consider your music to be?
Salsa or Salsa Pop.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
My family is very musical and creative, so it was a no brainer that I would become a musician of some sort; either as a Drummer or Composer. I can say this though, if I had to choose a time period were I chose to put my effort and time into music, it will have to be in 11th grade. In 11th grade, I stopped all of my extra activities such as cross country and varsity baseball to focus solely on becoming the best Jazz and Latin Jazz Drummer I can be. And I can happily say it was the best decision I’ve made because it led to being accepted to the Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra in New York, as well as being accepted and attending my dream school; Berklee College of Music. If it wasn’t that, I wouldn’t be the Songwriter and Composer I am today. I really credit all this to my music teachers when I was younger, Graham Johnson and Dr. Gian Tornatore.
What are your biggest musical influences?
Growing up, I listened to a variety of genres. From Spanish Ballads, Jazz Standards, Bossa Nova R&B and Salsa; I was able to gravitate towards many artists in those genres. My music is highly influenced by Brian McKnight, Luis Miguel, Wason Brazoban, Bruno Mars and Marc Anthony.
Are you signed to a label or are you an independent artist?
Independent Artist
What have been the biggest challenges in your music career?
My biggest challenge has been breaking through my musical insecurities.
How many songs or albums have you released to date?
1 Album, 1 Single
Can you tell us a few things about your latest release?
Sure! My latest English Salsa Composition “Only You and Me” feat. Rose Stoller, 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.
Any plans for new music or upcoming projects we should know about?
Yes. In the coming months I will be releasing another English Salsa composition. Release date is not yet confirmed, but I’m very excited to be releasing a fresh taste in the Salsa genre.
