While musical trends are ever-changing, it is undeniable that music of the past is almost always influencing the present. I find it astonishing how a song has the ability to freeze a particular time or mood in your life, a romantic moment, the lack of one, or simply a joyful time you will always cherish. However, as you get older, songs of that nature are hard to come by. It doesn’t mean that our lives are less eventful, or that music nowadays is highly disposable; perhaps we just find it harder to let go of the songs we listened to when we first discovered music. Back then, we weren’t reading tedious reviews by flatulent online columnists, or being tainted by everyone else’s opinions and tastes. It almost feels like we are refusing to grow old.

Meet Kazz Kumar, First Lady of Sona Family, who has branched out on an ambitious solo career to make her personal mark on the music scene. I am consciously not mentioning Desi music here as her solo material has a far wider appeal. It is almost as though the early essence of Madonna, the bluntness of Cyndi Lauper, and the carefree charm of Gwen Stefani have been re-invented in the 24-year-old girl from South London.

“My solo stuff is quite different in comparison to what you will find on the Sona Family album. It has pop, electro, dance, rock, and edgy R&B elements to it. It’s definitely ‘me’ though,” she admits. This is something many artists struggle to find in their careers; a style that is truly representative of their character. Perhaps this is why she is receiving the respect and admiration from old and new fans, as well as her peers.

The Sona Family are still a solid unit as they continue to tour and perform together. They even presented the ‘Best International Act’ award to Miss Pooja at this year’s Asian Music Awards.

“We haven’t split up or anything. The boys are working on their own solo projects. Riz is working on his own tracks, Harry is producing on my album and working on a film project for India, and JC is doing a DJ tour around the world. Everyone is happy and busy!”

So, what elements of her music made me reminisce about growing up in the 80’s and 90’s; decades of pop and dance, soft rock and chart toppers that provided samples for many of the songs we reluctantly have to listen to on the radio these days? (If I hear one more Flo Rida song this month, I will puke).

The answer is simple: her music is indubitable. It is candidly ingenious and fun. She combines her maturity with her playfulness extremely well. While she has all those musical influences of the 90’s, she does not compromise her own crux. She is extremely honest in what she sings about and how she does it. ‘The Love Song’ almost reminds me of Ce Ce Peniston’s ‘Finally’ with a bit of a Hed Kandi vibe. That and ‘Dirty Word’ are both tracks from her upcoming album.

“I am working on my solo album at the moment. I’ve been doing shows here and there performing my solo tracks, which has been really fun, but weird, because this time it’s just me on that stage!”

I hope she gets used to it - once that album drops, she will be busier than ever. With artists like Kazz, we won’t have to grow old anytime soon, or at the very least - we won’t have to feel bad about it!

For more music and information on Kazz Kumar, you can visit her MySpace: www.myspace.com/kazzkumar

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