Artist description ...with her powerful, bitter-sweet vocal melodies and strong guitar rhythms Sonya Varoujian weaves together a collection of heartfelt pop/rock songs and ballads. Sonya was born in England and moved with her family to New York at an early age. Sonya began teaching herself guitar at the age of 15 and was writing music just 3 years later. She became involved with high school musicals, cultural choirs, state competitions, and talent shows. She performed solo with her guitar at coffeehouses, for community benefits, and amongst friends. Her first ever recording was a compilation of songs called "All in All" which was recorded on an 8 track at her cousin Paul's attic in Surrey, England. The song "Remember" on the Seven CD was reincarnated from that compilation. Having returned to London to attend art school Sonya made an attempt at her first band "Raindance". "Straight to Somewhere", "Knowing in the End", and "Strange" were products of that experience. Though the desire was evident, "Raindance" never left the walls of rehearsal studios and Sonya returned to NY frustrated and not sure whether she was going to pursue her dream. Through a random sales job in the fashion district of NYC, she met the brother of Oshin Baroyan (producer), who encouraged their meeting. Oshin's keyboard playing, arranging and production helped make the dream a reality. The Seven CD is a collaboration of Sonya Varoujian and Oshin Baroyan's efforts. All the recording was done at Oshin's studio, Vapor Studios, NYC. They then brought in a couple of friends to play guitar parts on several of the songs. After getting some opinions on the CD they were encouraged to bring it to live audiences and proceeded to pull together some friends with musical backgrounds to play along. The song material on Seven motivated the group to play to live audiences throughout New York City. Since that time Sonya has gone solo and put together the new Demo (Confession).

Music Style Pop/Rock

Musical Influences Madonna, Depeche Mode, Sara MacLaughlin, Peter Gabriel, Sheryl Crow , Dido

Similar Artists Tori Amos, Sheryl Crow, Madonna/Gabriel

Artist History ...The first show drew 110 people to the Spiral in the East Village on a rainy Wednesday night. With a blown "DI" and no keyboards in the mix, Seven made a brave first attempt and still managed to win the crowd. From the Spiral, Seven went to Kenny's Castaways on Bleecker Street, to the Baggot Inn, to The Elbow Room which was packed to maximum with over 250 people and fans waiting on lines outside who were not allowed in to see the show because of capacity limitations, to CB's Gallery, to the Mercury Lounge, the Living Room, and on to the famous Bottom Line on West 4th Street. Within one year and without management, Seven was selling out her consigned CD's at vendors such as Tower Records, getting fan mail, and drawing more and more numbers and attention to the shows. Seven managed to get played on the college circuit and interviewed at Hofstra University. Seven was also interviewed and played unplugged on the famous WFUV at Fordham University, and was even broadcast on the new music show on 92.7 WLIR, a widely listened to NY radio station. By word of mouth the fan base began to grow and the venues were selling out. With time, experience, and rehearsal, the live shows became tighter, refined, and more energetic. Seven also played open air for a crowd of 2,000 at Eisenhower Park in Westbury Long Island.

Group Members ...While playing live in New York City, the gig consisted of 6 pieces: Sonya Varoujian on lead vocals and rhythm guitar. Oshin Baroyan (producer) on keyboards. Carlos Savetman 6 months into the project got married and moved to Dallas and was later replaced by Hallgrim Bratberg, a genius talent from Norway on lead guitar. Vincent Naman played drums and after much deliberation and plenty of auditions was replaced by the talented Steve Brien. Jessica Hope who by chance heard the CD at Vincent Naman's house asked if she could sing backing vocals and her voice is a fantastic complement to Sonya's lead vocals. Rob Zion played the bass guitar and also contributed much of his talent to the live sound. Initially Andrea Marreck, a friend of Sonya's for 10 years, also sang backup with Jessica all the way into 3 months of pregnancy. She now has a beautiful 18 month old boy and has a second on the way. After much success, and a new demo which captures the live sound that was refined over the year, Sonya moved her project to the UK where she continues to compose music and continue her project solo once more.

Instruments Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar and Keyboards: Sonya Varoujian / Keyboards and Programming: Oshin Baroyan / Electric Guitar: Carlos Savetman, Eric Presti, Hallgrim Bratberg / Bass Guitar: Rob Zion / Drums: Steve Brien / Backing Vocals: Jessica Hope / Dumbek: Nishan Akgulian / Oud: Haig Buchakjian / Kanun: Mike Gostanian.

Press Reviews .......Sonya Varoujian has been featured on the nationwide PBS cultural documentary "Armenians in America" along with Andre Agassi, Eric Bogosian, Mike Connors, and Andrea Martin.......Good Times, CD Review November 17-November 30, 1998 - Good Times, Live show Review (Elbow Room, NYC) March 19-March 22, 1999 : "At times purely pop rock, at other times the forces of Sinead O'Connor and Sarah McLachlan emerge in Varoujian's performance. "Remember", a slightly Enya-like tune, offered more of Varoujian's empowering voice, filling some people with fire and others with tears! ....... "Music Morsels, March 1999 : "With Sonya's excellent voice conveying thought stimulating lyrics, the songs have a graceful intensity! ....... "Newsday, Thursday March 25, 1999 : "Sometimes the letter grades above these reviews are not enough. For Seven, there should be a fourth category: atmosphere. It would get an A+. Blending Sarah McLachlan style reverberated piano with Natalie Merchant like balladry, Seven creates a lush sound over which Sonya Varoujian's voice soars. It's like aural aromatherapy."! ....... Armenian Reporter, April 17, 1999 - Instant Magazine, April /May 1999 : "Seven is Sonya Varoujian and her evident talents are a promising treat for this constantly changing music business. This girl is strong and independent and there is always room for someone who clearly sings from the heart. Her finale song "Home" is a stunningly beautiful and powerful song! ....... "The Spill Magazine, May Issue, 1999 : "Reality is waaay Tori Amos, and it's a stand-out". "Remember", a slower ballad is another one. She's certainly a promising and talented artist, and it wouldn't surprise me in the least to find her making a fine career out of doing what she loves! ....... "Stubble Magazine, Issue 25 : "Alanis/Tori style piano powered pop. Lots of cascading chords and a distinctive sultry vocal delivery by Sonya Varoujian."

Additional Info Copyright © 1998, 2001 Sonya Varoujian, All Rights Reserved.

Location Wimbledon, London - United Kingdom

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