Culture

4/5

Dutch/West Indian neo-soul artist Sacha Vee is a distinctive vocalist who is making waves in the New Zealand music scene. Alongside soulful collaborations with Pacific Heights, Oval Office, and P-Bass Expressway, she has been focusing on her own original sound. 2009 saw the release of her debut single 'Patience' and now I have in my hot little hands her new, self-titled EP Sacha Vee.
 
On first listen, the gutsy sound that emerges from this 24-year-old blonde bombshell is that of the classic black soul divas of the day. I would liken her sound to Billie Holiday, with a more modern comparison being Jill Scott or Alice Russell from seminal label Tru Thoughts.
 
The EP is co-produced by Sacha herself and Oakley Grenell (O.G.); the album is deep, soulful, and full of catchy choruses that are just asking for hip hop styled remixes. While the essence of her neo-soul style stays the same, the tracks range from the deep sassy ‘Trouble’ through to the (very) mellow grooves of ‘Honey Bee’ and some upfront feminist attitude in ‘Wanna Rely’.
 
Sacha Vee’s recent show in Dunedin really showcased what a seasoned performer she is, and I, for one was mightily impressed.