SJae, also known as Sammy Jay or Samantha Powell, is a UK-born, Los Angeles-based music producer, songwriter, and composer whose career has spanned over two decades. Her journey through the music industry is nothing short of remarkable, filled with diverse collaborations and groundbreaking achievements. From her early beginnings at The Brit School of Performing Arts, where she honed her craft alongside future stars like Adele and Amy Winehouse, to her current status as one of the most sought-after female producers and composers in the business, SJae’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond.
Her body of work includes writing and producing for a wide range of artists, from R&B and hip-hop icons to K-pop sensations, and she has been behind some of the most memorable songs in multiple genres. Over the years, she has worked with artists such as Raphael Saadiq, EXO, Mis-teeq, and Mark Morrison, helping to craft hit records that have resonated across different cultures and audiences. In addition to her success in the studio, SJae has made a name for herself as a composer for film and television, contributing music to popular films like Netflix’s “After Party” and “Bad Trip” and providing the soundtrack for shows like “Empire” and “Lethal Weapon.”
Now, after decades of creating for others, SJae is stepping into the spotlight with her own music. Her upcoming EP, “Paper Hearts,” set for release later this year, offers a deeply personal reflection on the fragility of the human condition. The title track, released on October 2, 2024, blends folk, blues, country, and soul to create a sound that’s both raw and emotional. The EP was written during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of global uncertainty and personal hardship for SJae. She had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of thyroid cancer and underwent two surgeries just as the world was locking down. The personal challenges she faced during this period are woven into the fabric of “Paper Hearts,” with themes of vulnerability, strength, and resilience taking center stage.
The making of “Paper Hearts” was a collaborative effort involving some of SJae’s closest musician friends. Award-winning artists like bassist Hutch Hutchinson, drummer MB Gordy, and guitarist Diego Garcia all contributed their talents remotely, recording their parts in isolation and sending the files to SJae to assemble. Her piano, strings, and intimate vocals brought the project together, resulting in a record that feels both deeply collaborative and profoundly personal. The song, and the EP as a whole, serves as a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, there is hope and beauty in our shared humanity.
SJae’s versatility as an artist is evident not just in her music but in the wide range of projects she has been involved in. From crafting the music for popular TV shows like MTV’s “Ridiculousness” and Hulu’s “The Kardashians” to scoring major films and trailers, her fingerprints can be found across all platforms. Despite the diverse nature of her work, there’s a throughline of emotional depth and connection that runs through everything she creates. Her ability to fuse different styles, sounds, and influences into something uniquely her own has made her a standout figure in an industry that still struggles with gender diversity, particularly in the field of music production.
Throughout her career, SJae has garnered numerous accolades, including a Mercury Music Prize nomination and MOBO recognition for her production on Terri Walker’s “Untitled” album. She has also earned multiple awards in Asia for her work with K-pop stars like EXO and achieved platinum success with UK garage and dance artists such as Mis-teeq and Booty Luv. Her work has been celebrated not only for its technical proficiency but also for its emotional resonance and the way it touches listeners on a personal level.
As SJae continues to evolve as an artist, producer, and composer, her music remains a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration. “Paper Hearts” is just the latest chapter in a career defined by innovation and emotional honesty, and it’s clear that SJae’s journey is far from over. Whether she’s behind the scenes creating for others or stepping into the spotlight with her own music, SJae’s artistry continues to inspire and connect people across the world.
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