Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Bernal.
Hi Sierra, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I was 10, there was an article written about my twin and me, and a local vocal coach saw in the article that I said I liked to sing. He offered to give my twin and me free vocal and piano lessons. We started with him right away and met weekly. We worked with him for several years.
I began writing my own songs at age 12. I had just seen an award show, and Taylor Swift was accepting an award. I told my parents, as I pointed to the TV, that’s what I’m going to do. My parents then bought me a pink Daisy Rock guitar. I started taking guitar lessons and would write and play as much as possible. I even entered a local Chick-Fil-A’s singing contest and won 2nd place. We won a 6-month supply of Chick-Fil-A. It was awesome!
My first paying gig was when I was 13. It was at a local wine bar called The Empty Glass. Now, I’ve been performing and writing for over ten years. I’ve gotten to play at some very cool venues and open up for well-known artists, as well.
I have had the opportunity to sing at Nashville’s famous Bluebird Cafe. That was a memorable experience, for sure. The cafe is all about music, so guests must be very quiet. It’s an intimidating stage, but I would hop back up there again in a heartbeat!
I’ve performed all over the US, as a solo act and with my full band.
I even chose to be homeschooled in high school to better balance my late-night gigs with my education.
I released my first songs in 2017 and just released more new songs this year. They’re available pretty much everywhere music is available.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’d say it hasn’t been the smoothest road. Pursuing a career in music is filled with many challenges. Growing up while pursuing music, especially when I was an older teen, many adults would actually give me a hard time because I was choosing to pursue music rather than immediately go to college. On the flip side, I had also been told repeatedly that females in Country music could “age out.” So, I had to give it my all as soon as possible. If I were to go to college, if not to further my music theory knowledge, I would love to study neuroscience or psychology.
It takes a lot of time and a lot of money to make it in this business. Just releasing one song costs $1500 minimum, and more often, it’s usually several thousand dollars. I did find it challenging to land bookings as a female; my team would sometimes even get hung up on once they heard I was a woman. Many venues say their customers don’t want to hear female artists, but I’m very grateful for the many venues that did book me. And thankfully, those venues always had great things to say about my shows. The shows are what it’s all about; it’s the way people can escape their reality or connect to something they once felt–several people who all have different lives choosing to spend a moment together.
Things are changing now for women in Country music, and we’re definitely seeing more opportunities.
Covid, obviously, put a giant damper on things for all musicians, so we had to shift. I wrote as much as I could and began recording during the pandemic, which was challenging. Each of us working on the project got Covid at different times, so we had to shift the schedule. It was definitely a learning experience, to say the least. Though there are challenges, the great moments are always worth it and are always memorable.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m described as a Country music artist/entertainer. I write the lyrics and melodies to songs and perform both originals and cover songs during my shows. I focus on engaging and connecting with the audience when I’m on stage. My main job is to make sure they have a good time.
I have my own experience with sound engineering, which can be very helpful. I play several instruments, including the resonator guitar and mandolin.
I’m very proud of the people I’ve gotten to play with, write with, and be open for. I think my sister’s gotten used to the VIP section at festivals I’m playing. She can’t come to every show, but she just so happens to go to the shows that involve her getting VIP access.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
There’s a significant shift for females in Country music right now. We’re seeing more opportunities and are finding ways to make ourselves stand out. There are certain musical changes I see happening as well, in others and in myself. I’m very intrigued to see what everything will look like in 5-10 years. I’m especially interested to see how social media’s play on the industry evolves in 5-10 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://sierrabernal.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sierra_bernal
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SierraBernalSings
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sierra_Bernal
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SierraBernal
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Po5bIdWsl5kHWlUgj6lSi?si=LRTPeqrdTTy5hOpPmzJu5g
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sierra_bernal
Image Credits
Charles Jesse Miller, Jr.
Michael Shea
