Sahffi Lynne

I have been known as someone with a “unique” style…

I’m happy now to be called “Chic!”

Check out my interview with Ms. Charm’s Chic:

Took this past weekend and enjoyed the calming effect the ocean has on my psyche. 

Learned I need to do that more often than once every three years!!!

What the Ravens Win Means to Me

This season I’ve really been identifying with the Ravens. Even though I don’t really follow any sport, I really do love sports. I used to play soccer and loved it! My problem is I’m not very competitive, so the “we’re better than you” thing (and people kicking me in the shins!!) turns me off.

However, this year my daughter, now 8, is totally into the Ravens. Her school participated in “Purple Fridays,” and she got all into the community spirit of the game. She even said, “Well, if they don’t win, they tried their best and had fun, and that’s what matters.” Little people are such great teachers!

So as the Ravens went through their season, we cheered them on. As they went through challenges, so did I… an emotional bankruptcy as a result of my divorce a few years ago, a disappointing end to a relationship I had much hope in, many rejections for gigs I was sure I was perfect for, a slow start to my next album and losing the original producer for the project.

But despite challenges and heartbreak, the Ravens kept winning. When they won the AFC championship, I just knew they had to win the Super Bowl!

They also had lots of people discounting them. It was unbelievable to me that they kept working hard, were such a strong team, full of love and heart, and people still discounted them.

I relate to that as well; many people have told me that since I’m a divorced mom now I should “grow up,” stop pursuing my dream, just get a job and live a “normal” life. However, I want to show my daughter that your dharma is more important than instant gratification, your purpose in life is in your heart and you need to listen to that. Eventually you will succeed, because it IS what you are supposed to do in life.

And the Ravens did just that this year!

Although they lost the AFC championship last year, were discounted by 4 out of the 5 football experts at the beginning of the big game (all called the 49ers!), their team spirit, drive and heart won the Super Bowl. Not to mention talent; Joe Flacco finally got the recognition he deserved, winning MVP of the game, and Ray Lewis played great, ending a 17-year career on a well-deserved high.

Needless to say we were very happy at my household; losing is OK, but winning sure does feel good! It was also a great inspiration for me; the team that keeps going, no matter who calls them an underdog and despite (or in spite) of challenges, can and WILL win with talent, dedication and heart.

I’m glad I have a little inspirational member on my team, and I’m going to win for her!!

Welcome to January!

We are firmly into 2013 and I feel GREAT! I feel the energy of hope and determination, it seems to be radiating from everyone on the planet. It’s an exciting time to be alive!!

It’s also an exciting month for shows… hope you can join me for one! (or both!)

Tuesday, January 15, 7:30 pm, $10

“The 9” Songwriter Series, Metro Gallery, Baltimore, MD

I’m excited to be performing for the first time for this popular songwriter series, “The 9.” Founded in 2008 by singer/songwriter Justin Trawick, “The 9 Songwriter Series” is a touring live music event created with the idea that nine artists get together, combine their talents and put on an amazing, rich and varied show. To date, over 100 different artists have participated in “The 9”, at shows in DC, Arlington, Bethesda, Baltimore, Annapolis, Philadelphia,  New York, Richmond, Charlottesville, Charlotte, Los Angeles, San Francisco and most recently The Kennedy Center.

Other artists on the 15^th include Don Kim, Brandon Walker, Isabel Kret, Matt Hutchison, Katie Fisher, Mark Hopkins, Justin Trawick and Karyn Oliver. (Karyn & I plan to work on a song together for the show!)

Where else can you hear almost 30 songs from nine different great artists for only $10?! See you there!!!

Learn more about “The 9” here: VIDEO

Saturday, January 19, 7:30 pm, $20

goatFISH opens for Preach Freedom & Connect

Ebenezers Coffeehouse, Washington, DC

Mosno & I met Preach when we opened up for his other band, Rusted Root, in Pennsylvania in May of 2012. We were immediately struck by his peaceful and kind nature (he asked if he was in our way in the dressing room!) and later impressed with his own music.

His style is best described as neo-soul-reggae, with an emphasis on classic R&B and unity. (My own description!) I am more than excited to  share the stage with such an eclectic and unique performer and his 7-piece band!

Tickets are just $20 here, hope to see there, DC!

Much love!

Sahffi

Year in Review - 2012

Every year about this time I like to take a look back at the year, be grateful for what has come my way, and look forward to the year ahead.

Here goes:

goatFISH: At the beginning of the year my duo goatFISH (with Mosno Al-Moseeki) was formed. We were backing each other up and performing together a lot anyway, so we decided to make the duo it’s own project. It’s paid off; we’ve had a video interview (Steel Stacks LIVE!), lots of gigs and even a few video performances (Balcony TV NYC, Voice of America), plenty of house concerts, and we got to open for Rusted Root in May. We also did a lot of traveling, to NYC, Philly, DC & Bethlehem, PA. (Many times & back!) We’re looking forward to more traveling and shows in 2013.

CenterStage: I was honored to be asked to perform at CenterStage’s “March Madness Cabaret” in 2012. (Video promo here) My band & I played a mix of 70’s hits and my own material. The cabaret was lots of fun, with dressing rooms, a lighting and stage crew, and appreciative (and dancing!) audiences. It was a great opportunity to play in such a wonderful theater. I hope to do more of that in 2013!

New album released: At the end of this year, I released a remix album called “Expectations Revisited.” This album features producers from around the world, remixing my tunes from my third album, “Expectations.” Producers from Italy, the UK, South Africa, Zimbabwe and the US come together to bring you some awesome groove-filled tunes. Best part? The album download is FREE!

New album in the works: Next year I’ll be looking forward to starting work on my next album with producer Chris Mandra (of Telesma) and orchestral arranger Jason Love (conductor of the Columbia Symphony). The next album is going to merge my initial love of classical music with my current “neo-folk” status. It’s going to be awesome, I’m really looking forward to working on it!

Full-time MUSICIAN: This year I am so excited to finally just be performing, teaching and writing. No more part-time jobs needed! It is truly a blessing, something I’ve always dreamed of doing. My own teaching studio is thriving, I’m meeting wonderful people of all ages who want to claim music as their own, and I love helping them connect with their music. I’ve written music with people from around the world, including a new tune off of my recent remix album called “Could You” co-written with Mike Grove of the UK, and a new tune due out in January  from DM Records called “I Want You” with Salvatore Agrosi of Italy. Performing has kept me busy as always, and there’s nothing better than connecting with an audience and spreading the joy and light of music. Gratitude galore!!

Thank you all for supporting my journey and my music, as any artist knows, we rely on the support of our community to continue to survive and thrive. I look forward to what 2013 brings and plan to keep bringing music to you through performance, writing, workshops, teaching, and more!

Much love & light and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

- Sahffi

“Expectations Revisited” to be released in two weeks!

I am sitting here on my couch listening to all of the new remixes from producers around the world and I’m like… WOW!!! WOOOOO-HOOOOO!!!

“Expectations Revisited” is a remix album of my third album, “Expectations.” (http://sahffi.bandcamp.com)

“Expectations” was a grand experiment, giving 10 different songs to 10 different US producers with no expectations on how they were to be produced. The result was a colorful ‘Sahffi Mix Tape’.

It was so much fun I decided to do it again… but this time featuring producers from around the world: Italy, South Africa, Zimbabwe, & the UK & USA.

All of my original songs from “Expectations” have been remixed, with an added bonus, a NEW TRACK from Sahffi & Mike Grove, “Could You.”

How does the world hear Sahffi? I had no expectations… but I am SOOOOOOO excited to share these amazing tracks with you! I am humbled and honored to have worked with such global talent.

Best of all… it will be offered as a FREE DOWNLOAD in just a couple of weeks! Just in time for the holidays, as a big THANK YOU ALL for supporting me and my journey.

EEEEEEEEKKKKK!!!!! :D

First 20 Recycled Tips

I’ve gotten lots of great advice from other musicians over the years, so I started sharing them as “Recycled Tips” on my Facebook page.

Here’s the first 20 compiled so far, enjoy!

Recycled Tip #1: If you give someone your CD or demo, be sure to take off the plastic! More likely someone will listen if they don’t have to bother unwrapping it.

Recycled Tip #2: Always at least “try” when you’re on the road. You don’t know when that next bathroom will appear.

Recycled Tip #3: There will always be people who don’t like your sound. Play for the people who like you.

Recycled Tip #4: Remember to breathe with the music, even if you’re not singing.

Recycled tip #5: Walk the line between confidence & conceit. Fall off either way and you’re no longer good for your art.

Recycled tip #6: Emulate your favorite artists, but don’t try to BE your favorite artists. Be yourself and someday you’ll be someone’s favorite artist.

Recycled Tip #7: For every “yes” there are 20 “no”s. Don’t stop to judge any of them, just keep going.

Recycled tip #8: Learn everything you can from others. Then throw it all away and do your own thing.

Recycled tip #9: Gigs will come, gigs will go. Stay flexible and amicable; somehow it all works out by the time rent is due.

Recycled Tip #10: Enjoy the ride. And music is quite a ride.

Recycled Tip #11: Don’t give up, just go on. (That one was from Blue’s Big Musical Adventure!)

Recycled Tip #12: Competition in music does not need to exist. There is always room for music & jello.

Recycled Tip # 13: Music is the universal language. Therefore, there are no boundaries or competitions, only unifying sounds. Musicians who don’t know this are not truly musicians.

Recycled Tip #14: Mistakes are just wonderful creations not yet developed.

Recycled Tip #15: Grab that gig when it’s offered. Wait too long and it goes to someone else!

Recycled Tip #16: Do not hog the stage, no matter how awesome you think you are. Keep it short and make them want more.

Recycled Tip #17: You don’t have to say “yes” to every offer or gig that comes your way. Do what feels right and works for you!

Recycled Tip #18: Breathe with the music. And with life.

Recycled Tip #19: Work hard to get where you want to be. Work hard to stay there.

Recycled Tip #20: Creativity does not judge. Therefore, do not judge your creativity.

Only two songs left!

I am so amazed and humbled by the response to my call for producers for my idea to remix my last album, “Expectations.” The remix album will be called “Expectations Revisited,” and feature producers from the UK, Italy, South Africa, the US, and more!

There are only two songs left up for grabs, “Curtain” and “Keep Your Head.”

Listen to the original mixes here: http://sahffi.bandcamp.com

You can hear the first completed remix here: http://bit.ly/QanVFF

Look for the whole remix album to come out this winter as a holiday gift to you ALL!

Thank you!!!

New Remix Album!

I am working on collecting producers world wide to put out another version of my last album, “Expectations.”

“Expectations” was a grand experiment, where I gave 10 different producers 10 different songs with no expectations on how they were to be produced. The result is kind of like a “Sahffi Mix Tape,” and I love it! (Hear the original album here: http://sahffi.bandcamp.com/)

In fact, I love it SO much, I want to do it again!

Now I am looking for 10 more producers worldwide for the remix version of the album, which will be called “Expectations Revisited.”