Sapphire Faded Genes Band

All Heart & Soul

What first got you into music?

I have always been attracted to music ever since I was a little girl. My mother says I have been singing since I was 3 but I can only remember the age eight. I was a very shy little girl and would sing when no one was around. I would imitate other singers and I’d try to sound like them which have taught me much of what I can do vocally now. December of 2019 I decided to sing over some Christmas tracks and record them. I had gotten some great responses from people but my friend Jeffery Lites inspired me to write my very own music. I was a bit hesitant because I was at the time trying to put my own band together which was a challenge. January 2020 I began writing and preparing to release my very first album June 2020.

Who inspired you to make music?

I have always had people in my ear telling me I should write my own music. I personally believe it is my time now. Over the years, I have gained much knowledge, confidence and worked on myself and my craft. I have always said that if I decided to take my work to the next level I wanted people to believe in me. It’s what inspired me and that is my own growth, life and those talented mentors along the way.

How did you come up with the name Sapphire Faded Genes Band?

Believe it or not, Corrine Bailey Rae is one of my favorite entertainers. She wrote a song titled “Put Your Records On” and in the song she says it. I always loved that song and it stuck with me. My birthstone is Sapphire and I absolutely love faded jeans. In fact, the older the jeans the better they are rips and all. I used it as a metaphor for my band. The older I get the more seasoned and better I sound “Good Genes”.

Can you name the members of your band and the instrument they play?

John Tiberi (Bandleader/Keyboardist, vocals) Greg Lefevre (Bass) Felix Perez (Guitar)Bill Vespe (Drummer/vocals) Hector Rios (Percussions/vocals) Ryan Warfel (Saxophone/vocals) Blondy (Trumpet/Flugelhorn) Bill Murray( Saxophone, Alto, Ewi, Electric Horn) regardless of age, gender, nationality or style. It’s never a dull moment because I am always creating. I enjoy music from all genres and since I market myself as such this allow me endless opportunities. I am a multi-versatile artist who enjoys singing RnB, Jazz, Rap, Pop, Blues, Gospel, Reggae and Big Bad Music. I have been told my voice has a combination of both a sultry jazz and soulful RnB sound.

What is your creative process like?

For me, it varies. It depends on a factor of things. I may hear a melody at a very weird time and I will immediately record it or write it down. This will allow me to create around it. Or I may be inspired by something I have seen during my nature walk, reflection walk, my run or simply being still. All of these important things help me create. Also, I will have a track and I will close my eyes while listening to it. This allows me to focus on the title of the song. The title plays a huge role for me. It sets the tone. I have even heard things while taking a shower. So it depends on the situation at the time.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

I would love to collaborate with H.E.R, Jill Scott, J Cole, Jay Z, Kanye West, Norah Jones and more. It’s endless with me since I enjoy all genres of music.

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

Jazmine Sullivan, Mary J, Maroon Five, Stevie Wonder who is my all-time favorite entertainers and H.E.R.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

Always be true to yourself. You are your biggest cheerleader and if you believe in yourself you will always be on top of your game.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I would say singing Opera. I would love to learn how to sing Ave Maria. I was taking lessons just before we had the shutdown. I wanted to incorporate that song with my show. I will eventually learn to do that song.

Do you sing in the shower? What songs?

I do sing in the shower. In fact, I sing My funny Valentine, At last and I do throat warm-ups and exercises in the shower.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

I am an educator and have been working with children for a very long time. I am presently a Principle of a private school in Philadelphia. I have many other talents too. I eventually want to have my very own skin care line. Something I have been planning for a couple years now. I want to write a children’s book and do an animated cartoon using musicians as the characters for voiceover.

Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

I have performed at a lot of beautiful venues with other bands locally. Now it’s time for the world to experience Sapphire Faded Genes and we plan to tour the world. I am excited to announce that my Music Release is set to take place Sep tember 26, 2021 held at Roxy Hall & Bistro located in Philadelphia. This will be our very first show and the wonderful opportunities for everyone to see me perform my original music live. My favorite places to perform were at theatres, Kimmel Center, Cathedrals. I would love to perform at Carnegie Hall. My worse places to perform were at sports bars and clubs.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

It has its pros and cons. I appreciate the fact that I can be seen and heard all over the world. I dislike the fact that I have to depend on someone to view my material in order for it to go viral. I love that I can create and control my business with

What is your favorite song to perform?

I am excited to perform my opening song, “All Woman” and “Grandma’s Porch”. Both songs are very personal and meaningful and everyone can definitely relate to “Grandmas Porch”. It brings back special memories that everyone can identify with as a child.

Which famous musicians do you admire?

I admire Stevie Wonder. He is such a breath of fresh air. I never tire listening to his music and his messages help me cope with life. His style is like no other and I appreciate him for his amazing artistry. It has helped me in every way imaginable. I also admire Corrine Bailey Rae for creating the most beautiful music. I enjoy listening to her messages. Her style of writing has helped me in many ways. She is a poet and she tells these amazing stories that allow me to reflect. I actually ran a half marathon while listening to her 2006 Corrine Bailey Rae album. I love Diana Ross for her poise and professionalism while on the stage. I have watched her mannerisms for years and always said that I would work on my craft so that I could one day demand the same attention.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

I had a house party as a teenager my mother caught my friends and I drinking beer in my room. Other than that I was a pretty cool kid. I stayed away from trouble.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

My mother always told me to keep God close and trust him. Keep my mind on everything I do and keep it moving. Everything is not going to be easy but if I follow those steps it will help me get through. Everybody is not my friend.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

I would definitely change the way artist get exposure. I don’t think that creative artist should have to beg people to view their works. If you are talented then you show be able to be seen. You are judged on your views and not your talent.

What’s next for you?

Only God knows. I put my trust in him. He knows what I am doing and he sees the hard work I am putting in.