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Walking on Sunshine

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Abu Dhabi-based singer Jae Franklin’s new album  is shaped by positive vibes and life lessons

American soul singer Jae Franklin has lived in Abu Dhabi for almost two years, and in that time has performed at Beats on the Beach, the Formula 1 main stage and The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.

STARTING YOUNG

Jae’s love for music began when she discovered the piano at an early age.

“I quickly learned that those black and white keys would teach me so much more about music than I ever expected. The piano also has a beautiful tone that I don’t hear from other instruments,” says Jae.

She recalls feeling captivated by Simply Red’s hit ‘Holding Back the Years’ while growing up in Texas. Jae credits the song for introducing her to contemporary pop music.

But her hero is the late singer Whitney Houston.

“I saw a reflection of myself in her music videos and interviews. Her vocal control and vibrato were beautiful.”

MUSIC CAREER

Jae became a member of the pop group Girl’s Tyme when she was 11. The all-girl group included a young singer named Beyoncé Knowles.

Girl’s Tyme would be the foundation of Destiny’s Child – the hit-making group that would launch the careers of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.

Jae was no longer with the group when it evolved, but she has fond memories of her time with the band, particularly of its leader.

She describes Beyoncé as a “hard worker” and innately talented when it comes to music.

“We shared classes at Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Beyoncé left to pursue success with Destiny’s Child but even when their group was rising to the top, she would always greet me when we’d see each other around Houston.”

While living in Atlanta, Georgia, US, Jae worked for a marketing and property management firm before moving to a promotions agency.

While the job allowed her to travel, she eventually grew tired of the lifestyle and her lingering desire to return to music was overwhelming.

“I felt the urge to start singing again and would moonlight as a corporate band singer on weekends. I began working full-time in music in 2008.”

She cites her upcoming album Cheers to Life as her most cohesive recording project yet because of the original compositions.

The album is also a reflection of her present mindset.

“I noticed that all the songs I wrote were related to the process of evolving and appreciating the simple things in life,” she says.

“The album is essentially a project that explores the way we should live life: make room for the unexpected while simultaneously embracing circumstances.”

Cheers to Life is scheduled for release later this year.

Visit: www.jaefranklin.com and www.soundcloud.com/jaefranklin 

Ferdinand Godinez

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