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Self-described as quirky, the songs are irresistible. Setra proves her creativity and talent as a singer and lyricist over and over again. - Girlistic Magazine
She is not what you would think she would be.
At first glance most people would probably assume that Setra is yet another neo-soul/R&B artist but that assumption would be wrong. Setra (whose name means daughter of the sun) is a pop/folk artist.
She currently resides in New York City, but she is originally from Luxor, Egypt. When asked how old she was, ETN learned that Setra doesn?t know how old she is since she was born at home and her birth was not registered anywhere. She didn?t go to school; she was self-taught. She explains that most people can say, "in the 1st grade, I was this old and in second grade, I was this age" but, she doesn't have any of those references. With that said, even if she did know her age, Setra says as an artist she still wouldn't say.
She originally wanted to be an actress. She had a couple of good song ideas and met someone who played piano while performing in an off-off-Broadway play. She called him, he put a band together and recorded her four songs in the studio for her first demo. She then got an answering service and cards to hand out. Suddenly, she began getting calls to perform and sing background for people. Soon her material made its way to Sony publishing and they contacted her for a publishing deal but she rejected it. From that point over the next 4 years she was offered major label deals but has not signed on with anyone. Her closest one came with Columbia Records but she rejected them because they wanted to changed her image and give her a more "commercial" look with raps in the middle of her songs but that whole style is not her. She now produces her own songs in her home studio.
Her songs come from life experiences and from events happening around her. One of her aspirations is to write screenplays so she is always thinking about what people are feeling and thinking. Songs like "Hearts and Flowers" and "Cool Rain" go straight to the listener's heart making it hard NOT to listen to the lyrics. With introspective songs like this it is clear that even without a major label deal Setra will continue to make music that will touch and captivate the listener. - Entertainment Tonight: NBC Magazine
Discography
Songs About It CD Available at various Internet distribution sites (CDBaby, iTunes, Tower Online, etc.)
Daughter of the Sun album released August 2010, available on iTunes, CDBaby and other online retailers.
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Bio
Upon first listen, one might be tempted to compare Setra to Sade or India Arie because of her sultry vocals and folksy guitar strums or to Tracy Chapman or Alanis Morisette for her catchy melodies and clever, magical story telling skills. But then, as one continues to listen, it becomes crystal clear why Girlistic Magazine called Setra's first CD "must have music." Now, with the release of her follow-up CD, it becomes even more evident that, like a delightful fruit that ripens with time, this "daughter of the sun" has proven that her music has universal appeal that can stand the test of time. Debbie Micell, a writer for ReversedInk Magazine, put it best when she said, "I guarantee you'll be singing along and wondering why you don't hear [more of] Setra's music on the radio."
Like Songs About It, her first collection of songs, Setra also wrote and produced Daughter of the Sun, the second collection of songs herself, staying true to her independent spirit.
You may have seen Setra perform and share her views in the documentary entitled "Love Letter to New York" where she, Clive Davis, Chocolate Genius and a host of others talked about their love of music and making it happen in NYC. Setra can also be seen on episode 7 of the hit show, "LA Ink," getting her sun tattoo while discussing her commitment to music and what inspires her, sharing her music with her television audience.
Award winning producer, Michael King, utilized Setra's writing and production talents for the ground-breaking documentary "Rapping With Shakespeare" which follows the lives of five high school students in Los Angeles, California's turbulent Crenshaw district. You can also hear several of Setra's tracks in BET's "Keith Sweat's Platinum House."
With so many talents and accomplishments already under her belt, it's clear why Setra's been sought after by Sony for her songwriting skills as well as her artistry.
"Getting a deal is not important to me," Setra says. "Being creatively free and staying true to the song is what it's all about."
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