Newlite Muzik. Making the New Known... and the Known New...
A. SALIH
A.Salih (pronounced A - Sah-lee) is the true definition of a triple threat. Singer, songwriter and arranger, A. Salih forays on the music scene as an industry veteran, and this strikingly talented multi-tasker has already made his presence felt within entertainment.
Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in South Orange, New Jersey, he knew early on that performing would be in his future. A. Salih followed his passion for singing and writing to New York University's liberal arts program, and earned his Bachelor's degree in Music from the Manhattan School of Music. Having studied piano, music transcription, plus earning his certification in Jazz Voice, he was tuned into a broad swath of musical inspirations such as Stevie Wonder, Aerosmith, and his eventual mentor, Crystal Waters. "The first vinyl record I ever bought was 'Happy' and I damn near played it to death!", he says.
Little did he know at the time, he would eventually join her as a backup dancer, tour with her worldwide for 14 years, and appear alongside her in the classic "100% Pure Love" music video. While on tour, Crystal encouraged his songwriting skills. "She gave me my first taste of making music by teaching me how to craft a song and she gave me a Tascam 4-track home recorder," he recalls. "I wrote produced, arranged, and recorded my first song on that machine, called 'You Haunt Me'." A.Salih also received inspiration from another diva, named Chaka Khan. During a chance meeting backstage, he told her, "I wish I had just a piece of your voice! I'm in school, studying music and--". She immediately cut him off. "You don't need that school," exclaimed Chaka. "Just open your mouth and sing." From that point on, he knew what he was called to do.
A.Salih has also shared the stage with the likes of Martha Wash and Deborah Cooper, plus made appearances on the off-Broadway stage at the La Mama Experimental Theatre. However, writing may be one of his more prolific talents. His songwriting ability earned him a placement as the co-writer of the theme song for How Do I Look?, which airs on the Style Network. He also penned "Some Songs" and “City Lights” by Benji Candelario, which is and has written songs for producers Damion Daniel of Ton Def Music, Valentino La Rosa and Peter McClean from D1 Records.
Now as he emerges as an artist in his own right, A.Salih draws on his expanse of experiences, training, and of course, a desire to move people with his music. "I feel like I have multiple personalities, all bursting to express themselves," he says with an enthusiastic grin. "You never know what mood, or style of vocal, or lyric you'll get from me. Hopefully, you'll enjoy the things I create."
