The Clarus Group Presents Rising Star, Tracee Owo
Singer and songwriter Tracee Owo is positioned to make moves.
Having been heavily influenced by music since her childhood, singer, songwriter and guitarist Tracee Owo is ready to be unleashed. One of seven members of The Clarus Group, an up-and-coming promotion and event planning company, Ms. Owo is positioned to create a lasting impression on people from all walks of life with her insight and desire to be a true artist in every sense of the word.
AH: So can you give me some background on The Clarus Group?
TO: Ok, The Clarus Group consists of seven people who attend Parsons in New York City; Alex Levin, Delorian Cheeks, Tania Metti, Moira Foehr, Elise Flanagan, Jason Travez and myself. This all first started as a school project until we realized each member had a talent that we never knew before. Like myself, I’m a singer and songwriter and I play the guitar. And Ecks is a DJ. So we all had these talents and something that started as a project is now a reality. We’re based out of New York City.
AH: Can you give me some background on your musical journey?
TO: I started singing when I was seven years old. I was in singing groups and dance groups. I did step competitions … music has been a big influence in my family and home, especially because of my dad. I would listen to his vintage records and he explained the songs to me. Then, I started out writing poetry in high school. It was very organic and natural to me to write poetry and then the poems would turn into songs. I believe music is one of the forces that connects everyone and I want to make music that will relate to everyone’s emotions. If you’re feeling happy then I want to have a song that you will want to listen to in that mood.
AH: Who are your biggest influences?
TO: I’m a big fan of Ryan Leslie, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu. Beyonce is an amazing performer. I love male singers, so I’m into Musiq Soulchild, Jamie Foxx … basically people who love what they’re doing, true artists. And I have my older influences like Donny Hathaway, Chaka Khan and The Rolling Stones.
TO: I love when people take their music and their artistry seriously and they are just true artists. Like Ryan Leslie, he went to Harvard and he’s amazing at what he does. Creativity has no boundaries.
AH: What style do you consider your music to be?
TO: It’s some r&b, some soul, some pop with a rock influence. There’s not really a name I can give it right now. It’s basically … I want to write music that relates to everyone. I don’t want my music in a box.
AH: What are your future plans for your music?
TO: I do have a goal to sign with a label but, I want to keep the authenticity in my music.
AH: What else do you want people to know about you as a person?
TO: I’m grounded and I am surrounded with a great support system from my sister who is also a wonderful singer to my entire family. I’m grounded spiritually and in my music and that’s a very important thing.
AH: Your premiere show is this coming Wednesday, December 9th.
TO: Yes, It’s at the Sutra Lounge, downtown. 21+ and it starts at 10 pm.
Tracee Owo’s passion for music and all things creative is definitely evident in the way she speaks about it. Having been brought up with such multi-cultural musical influences as Fela Kuti, Bob Marley and James Brown it’s no wonder that she is inspired to create a new sound that will touch the masses.
Check out Tracee Owo’s Myspace page and The Clarus Group’s website!
