Jason Soudah

Jason Soudah is a piano-driven singer/songwriter whose powerful yet compassionate delivery has been most memorably described as "Shaquille O'Neal meets Mother Teresa." Born in Japan (where he spent the first decade of his life) but now based in Cardiff, Wales, Jason is gathering critical acclaim for his unforgettable songs, emotive stage presence and distinctive vocal stylings, the latter of which caused London's Rise Magazine to rave, "Soudah's distinctive and passionate vocals are irresistible.

Jason's various touring activities have helped trigger radio airplay in the UK, the US and Germany in addition to live performance segments on the air and television appearances in Britain.

The name Jason is derived from the word 'healer' in ancient Greek, so it follows that Jason has always been enthusiastic about the healing power of music. Most recently, Jason composed incidental piano music for a series of Japanese "Reminiscence Therapy" films designed to help people suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.

A precocious youth, Jason started playing piano at age four and within three years had written his first song. By the time he was 12 his singing and playing skills were rewarded with a music scholarship to a prestigious boarding school, where he further expanded his musical horizons by taking up the guitar. While earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at university in Cardiff, Jason formed a five-piece alternative band and gained a large university following. He pursued a doctorate in Psychology for one semester before deciding to try for a music career, this time as a solo artist. Quickly deemed "one of Cardiff's best-kept secrets," Jason set up a small UK tour. Jason also held down a variety of day jobs?the highlight of which was teaching music to three-year-olds.

Jason soon relocated to London, where he played both piano and acoustic guitar with his band (guitar, bass, drums and occasional cello). He also endeavored to pay the rent by performing at an underground piano bar in Kensington, where what started out as low-key affairs before the bar staff and a few friends were quickly sold-out, packed to the brim galas. Next, an appearance on national UK TV via ITV One's "This Morning" helped to further spread the word, as did a spot on BBC Radio 2, where Jason did an interview and performed three songs, gathering this reaction from the host: "[Jason is a] gifted singer, musician and songwriter who delivers on CD and live."

Now returned to Cardiff, Jason recorded EP, Six Hours, with producer Romesh Dodangoda (Kids in Glasshouses, The Blackout, Dopamine) which is out now.