With only two releases across streaming platforms, you'd think that SAUNDIA is a newcomer still figuring herself out musically, but that's not quite right, not at all once you take a listen and you realize that you're dealing with a stunningly polished pro who knows what she's doing, where she's going and how she's gonna get there.

To give a bit of context about SAUNDIA. She is the Child of immigrant refugees who naturally had a very "nomadic" lifestyle as she and her family tried to find a place that they could call home. She spent many years singing in several contemporary choirs, performing in musical theatre, and singing with jazz bands and even Disco/funk outfits. An education at Berklee College of Music and extensive live show experience in the indie circuit of L.A's music scene tempered her many talents into something that already feels very comfortable and accomplished.

The journey hasn't been without its darker moments of course. In 2016, following a serious vocal injury, SAUNDIA would have to give up singing altogether for an entire year, this led her to a reexamination of her relationship with this talent that she's cultivated her entire life, resulting in a transformation in her songwriting manifested as an interest in themes of loss, rebirth, freedom, empowerment, and embodiment.

The first of SAUNDIA's many talents will immediately jump out to most listeners as being her luscious and overwhelming vocal qualities. SAUNDIA is a talented singer and also extremely refined as well, so the short catalog is misleading because this is someone who already seems to be at the top of their game -at least when it comes to performance and interpretation.

The second biggest quality is her ability as a producer and songwriter. This covers almost every base when it comes to music, making her very well-rounded and creatively imposing. Now I cannot stress this enough: SAUNDIA *will* blow your mind.

Blending catchy upbeat pop elements with R&B vocals and Gospel backing, "Not The Same" is probably, the best vocal performance I've heard out of a rising/independent artist all year, and I'm not just saying that, nor am I taking it lightly, because I've heard some truly amazing singers and I've talked about them right here as well. "Not The Same" has been described by SAUNDIA herself as " an empowering break-up anthem", and while I was personally able to take it differently, I can't think of a better word other than "Empowering" to fully describe the tone and vibe of the song, it really does feel that way big time.

The song is of course rather emotional and personal, and SAUNDIA says it's "about the realization that you and the other person are fundamentally different in ways you now know are too important. And staying in the relationship means not being true to yourself". I think the element that stands out the most is the inclusion of a Gospel-influenced backing choir that shines through particularly strong during the chorus and hook of the song, it's a rather "simple trick" in music to add intensity and emotion, I suppose, but it works wonderfully well because it sounds amazing and there's a real talent and feeling behind it. I sure hope it's not the last we see of this particular element in her music, because she does such a great job at it, it deserves to be explored further in the future in my opinion.

Ultimately, a song about giving up something for the sake of Authenticity will resonate with many people, and even if you can't relate at all, I promise you that both composition and vocal performance alike will not leave anyone indifferent or unsatisfied. "Not The Same" is one for the top of the charts.

SAUNDIA SAYS SHE'S "NOT THE SAME"

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