Suzann Christine

Philly-based R&B / soul / pop songstress Suzann Christine is officially on her way to Miami. Christine was hand selected by the judges as the Grand Prize Winner of the Citi Trends “The Big Break Talent Search” Competition with her song “Closed Casket“, which ranked third out of over 1400 entries! She’ll be joining the official One Fest lineup in Miami on July 7, 2012 alongside T.I., Wale, Fat Joe, Waka Flocka Flame and Kirko Bangz. Check back to the OurStage Magazine for our recap of Suzann Christine’s performance at One Fest. - OurStage

Philly-based singer/songwriter Suzann Christine has just released her new single “Just Wanna Live,” and it has all of Philly inspired and feeling good. So, we’re bringing it to you this week for the Philly 360°playlist.

The guitar-driven track is a little different than what we are used to from Christine, but it’s a great look for the songstress. The song’s message is simple — despite of any obstacles, live your dreams and be happy. Suzann’s vocal arrangements are out of the world, lending to the track’s clean sound and fresh approach. “Just Wanna Live” is a definitely a feel-good anthem and is the perfect balance of Christine’s R&B roots and pop music.

The release of the single was accompanied an Instagram campaign which allowed fans to upload their personal photos and videos showcasing what “living” means to them with the hashtag #justwannalive.

The talented vocalist made her decision to live her life after quitting her full-time job to pursue music and it seems that decision has been paying off. From opening for acts like Rick Ross, Musiq Soulchild and Kindred to collaborating with MCs Freeway and Chill Moody — it’s clear that Suzann Christine is on the right track.

In addition to a budding singing career, Christine also takes the time to help influence youth in the arts with her non-profit SCH Capa. Her organization encourages students to explore their creativity through dance, theater, photography and much more.

A dynamic performer and talented songwriter we’re glad to hear new music from Suzann Christine. You can catch her next live performance on June 22, for the Black Girls Rock Hard show presented by MoShay LaRen and Lyn Brown Music Group at the Hard Rock Café.

Take a listen below to the single “Just Wanna Live” and if you dig it, make sure to purchase the track on iTunes as well. #phillysupportphilly - Philly 360

Suzann Christine says she was always singing. Since the age of 5, she loaned her voice to church and talent shows, but she didn’t think about turning her passion into a career.

“I didn’t really come to the conclusion that it was something that I may want to pursue until probably, like, 2010,” says the 22-year old singer/songwriter who grew up in the city’s West Oak Lane section. “Not that long ago. And it was just something that I really wanted to do. I felt like I couldn’t run from it.”

Inspired by Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill, Beyoncé and Teena Marie, Christine says she really enjoys being able to express how she feels through music. She hasn’t released a full album yet but she’s managed to build a fan base by releasing singles, doing shows and contributing to various records with other local talents including Chill Moody and Lee Mazin.

“It’s just gonna be a matter of getting everything together,” she says, “deciding which songs I’m gonna put on the project and which songs I’m not.”

She’s a versatile artist who tackles various genres including hip-hop, R&B and pop.

She earned the chance to perform at this year’s Radio One Fest in Miami in July after entering her single, “Closed Casket” to a contest advertised on OurStage.com. She beat out more than 1,400 entries from across the country. At the fest, she performed before T.I., Wale, Melanie Fiona, Monica, Young Jeezy and others.

“I love her,” says Craig White, owner at Sound Doctor Productions. “She’s very beautiful, obviously talented, a fabulous writer, and she can really, really sing.”

The Girls High graduate aspires to be someone who young girls and people in general can look up to. She definitely wants to be a voice for women.

“I feel like we go through so much and we let men kind of get us in a place where we hate each other,” she says. “That’s not the way it should be.”

Christine finds herself to be relatable because a lot of her songs are about things that she’s actually lived through. Music is very powerful, she says. The messages that artists put out can really affect people, changing the way they feel and act. This is why she wants her music to be able to speak to people, to encourage them. It’s fulfilling to her when her music can be the reason why someone was able to get through a tough situation.

Through her non-profit organization, SCH Creative & Performing Arts Inc., she gives back to the community. Beginning in October, the organization will offer classes in photography, dance, vocal music and music production at the Philadelphia Center for Arts & Technology in West Oak Lane.

“At the end of the day you have to live out your destiny,” Christine says. “You have to live out your dreams.” - JUMP