Here at the UnregisteredStyle, we love showcasing other creative influencers outside the realm of fashion and personal style. Furthermore, we have no problem featuring an up and coming or well established model, photographer, designer, or musician on our blog.With that being said, we would like to get to our featured post.
Recently, we were introduced to Sara Leone, and singer/songwriter based out of New York City. With a recently released single on iTunes and 325k followers under her belt, Sara is a star in her own right. The word “upcoming” is an understatement.
Haven’t heard of her? Well, check out her full interview below!
Why did you want to become an artist? What inspired you the most?
One of my earliest memories is being in Best Buy with my family and stopping in front of a TV, mesmerized by Britney Spears’ , “…Baby One More Time” music video. I just remember thinking, “I want to do that…I’m going to do that.” I must have been about five years old at the time, which is also when I started taking voice lessons. Over the years after that as I listened to more and more artists, there have been plenty that reinforced my desire to create music and inspire people as they have and continue to inspire me. My Dad had the biggest impact on my taste in music, so most of my musical inspirations are The Beatles; Bob Dylan; Linda Ronstadt; Crosby, Stills & Nash; Etta James; Fleetwood Mac; specifically Stevie Nicks.
Now, I know this was a not a cake walk for you in the slightest. So, have you experienced any obstacles in your music career so far?
Of course, the obstacles have been countless. It’s hard and confusing to live in a society that heavily instills a way of life where to be successful you graduate high school, get a degree, and any artistic practices are best treated as hobbies. So even though I’ve been singing and writing music my entire life, somewhere in my high school years I got caught up in that belief and applied to school for psychology. Then in college, I happened upon a beautiful neglected Steinway piano and wound up in that room for hours instead of finishing assignments, studying for exams, etc. Finally, in the midst of what became the deepest depression I’ve ever known, I realized, “Oh! Psychology might be interesting to me, but only as a hobby compared to my true passion and destiny of making music.” So that was the first major detour, but I dropped out
and am now back on my true path!
Being in this industry definitely teaches you how to be strong in the face of rejection, and have unwavering belief in yourself and your talent. Last fall, when I made it all the way to the blind auditions of The Voice, season 10. There were ninety five of us and only forty eight spots available, and when I auditioned for the coaches there were only 2 spots left, one on Christina Aguilera’s team and one on Pharrell’s. Christina has always been one of my biggest idols, so for her not to want me on her team was a pretty big let down. Luckily, however, my faith in the universe once again reinforced that everything happens the way it is supposed to. When I came home and started posting covers on YouTube instead of continuing on in the show, I created a lot of traction and now have over 300k views on my page and incredibly supportive fans and I’m infinitely grateful for them.
Can you tell us a time when you had to make a big sacrifice for your music career?
Don’t get me wrong, I know relationships and boys aren’t the most important reasons for living. However, being the hopelessly romantic & tragic songstress that I am, I’ve had to let go the few people I’ve ever been truly in love with for my music career first.
How are you able to distinguish yourself from others?
While writing and singing have always been my core focus, producing my own music has recently evolved into a passion as well. I’ve worked with a handful of producers and more often than not found it difficult to get across exactly what I wanted, so I set my sights on learning how to do it myself. Once I read the statistic that a shocking less than 5% of producers and engineers in the music industry are women, I became even more steadfast. I now either produce or coproduce all of my music.
If you could pick one producer and artist to collaborate with, who would select and why?
The Chainsmokers! Every time I hear a new song by them I’m blown away. It’s not even just that their music is pleasing to the ear and catchy enough to top charts; they consistently induce really strong feelings which is what makes good music so powerful. I would absolutely love the opportunity to work with them.
What are your long term goals for yourself as an artist?
I really want to become a positive role model, especially for younger generations. I think it’s harder than ever to grow up in this day and age where turmoil and strife are so prominent… Music is such an important & powerful medium, and since I was blessed with the ability to express myself lyrically I intend to use it to bring positivity and love and change for the better into the world. I just want to inspire people with my music like I’ve been inspired by so many musicians before me.
Where do you see yourself next five years?
Somewhere across the Atlantic on world tour or in the studio creating beautiful galactic music. I can even see myself somewhere volunteering. Like I said, I’ve always had big dreams.
Thanks Sara for the amazing interview! Be sure to follow Sara Leone’s journey on her social media platforms:
Instagram: @saraleoneofficial
Soundcloud: sara-lorraine
Twitter: _shayron
Youtube: Saramarathas
See you later!
