New York’s Own, Kim Sozzi
November 15, 2011
New York’s Own, Kim Sozzi
Written By Alysia Stern
According to Frank Sinatra’s reference to New York, “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere,” Kim Sozzi has proven this statement to be true. Kim Sozzi is a pop and dance musician, song writer, actress and now author, reared on Long Island, New York.
Kim was born into a talented, harmonious family. Her grandfather was the great jazz percussionist, Little Ray Romero, a famous Latin musician who worked with such artists as Tito Fuentes. Her father is a musician, as well as the owner and founder of Creations Music (www.creationsmusic.com ) where Kim is very involved in singing at high class weddings all over the NY area. It was no surprise that the long line of talented family traits were going to blossom in Kim. “By the age of nine, my talent was beginning. I was starting to experience my ‘voice” by singing in my bedroom, along with Whitney Houston and Madonna sound tracks”.
Kim signed her first record deal, with Columbia Records, at the age of 20. Her debut song titled, “Letting Go” was featured on the television show Dawson’s Creek. This was a huge turning point in Kim’s Career. By 2000 Kim released her first album. These tracks exalted the dance and club scenes through out the Tri State area. Soon the European club scene caught on, and Kim had become known world wide. Kim was touring across Europe, in 2003, as Kim Styles, with Opera Star and one of The Three Tenors, Jose Carreras.” This was such a great experience”, Kim said. They recorded a duet titled “Show Me the Way” which was released throughout Europe and had major success. “I love my job. Not too many people can say they actually love going to work, but I enjoy every minute of it.”
When Kim signed with Ultra Records, a few years later, she returned to the top and seized the dance music world with the first single, “How Did You Know” which became a #1 hit on New York’s KTU 103.5 and Z-100. Kim has released several other respective hits, including “Alone”, a remake originally performed by the group Heart, which have fashioned the billboard charts across the world. Three of her recent singles, Feel Your Love, Kiss Me Back and Secret Love have all reached No. 1 on the Billboard and FMQB Dance Airplay Charts. With her new album out now, bpm Sirius Radio has gotten a great responses. Sozzi’s performances remain in high demand. Her new hit “Crystallized” is due to be officially released on November 15th, 2011. It was added to Electric FM.com and has been “stashed” by 90,000 people on DJFM Toronto Radio, even before it has been officially released!
Kim joined the cast of the off Broadway show “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” in March 2011. (http://biggayitalianwedding.com/index.html). When asked about her acting career, Kim responded, “I tried a few elementary school plays when I was young, but I was always sort of shy. At first, I was a bit nervous and hesitant to perform. I knew I was confident in my singing career, but acting was something I was not accustomed to”. Kim signed up for a four week tour as Aunt Toni Ann, and perfected her role, while captivating the hearts of all. When Kim was asked to remain with the cast until the show’s close in August 2011, she excitedly agreed. “The play was hilarious, we laughed every night. The cast and crew were wonderful. It was challenging in the beginning, but I caught on. One of the greatest things I learned was to stay in tune, along with timing and listening. These are really important when you are on stage. I loved dressing up and becoming some one else for an evening”.
Kim was seen on Fox Good day NY news performing the “Italian Booty Shake”. Kim stated “The song was hard to pickup, it was sort of a tongue twister, but it was so much fun.” http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/good_day_ny/cast-of-my-big-gay-italian-wedding-20110519. Kim adored performing on stage and would definitely love another opportunity to take on a dramatic role. In fact she confided, “My favorite off Broadway performance is the musical “Rent”. I would love to play a part in that musical”.
In early 2011, Sozzi decided she wanted to touch the lives of children, as much as she has touched the lives of teens and adults worldwide. She partnered up Terry Cressler, and together they have created ‘Kim and The Gang”, a 10 series APP available through I Tunes. By utilizing colors, shapes, and sounds, a child can explore language, intelligence and memory, while having fun. These are an interactive and an educational experience for children ages 1 through 5. (http://kimandthegang.com/) The songs are silly, and upbeat. Children will have a range of possibilities, like sing-a-longs, games, musical challenges, along with laughter, with Kim’s APPS at their finger tips. Every child will be able to inspire their creativity. “As an artist I think it is important to stay current, stay diverse, and be able to reinvent myself.” As of today, Kim is always looking for new avenues to explore. “The Adventures of Kim and The Gang” is being written and hopefully will be her next huge educational debut.
Kim, along with her thousands of fans, is anxiously awaiting the release of her hit song Crystallize. She is keeping extremely active and detailed with her career, as well as writing, singing and performing all over the country. She is happily married to Dereck Axelrod, owner of Tequa restaurant in NYC, and is hoping to continue to stay diversified and open to all new venues of creativity, while starting a family within the next five years. Kim’s official home page is www.kimsozzi.com.
