We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Strubbe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
In terms of my career or what I was going to continue doing the rest of my life….the most difficult decision I made was switching from opera to pop music. At the time I was so far engrossed in pursuing classical music (I had been training for it since age 8-so pretty much my ENTIRE life) that I was ignorant to wether or not it truly was what I wanted to do. I believed it was the only route that I was able to take as I could go to college for it…it was such a prestigious and “high class” art form and I was sucked in to thinking it was my only chance at being successful. All my teachers encouraged me and told me this was what I should do, and so I did it…all I wanted was to sing! Of course I am forever greatfull to those who encouraged me along the way!! As I trudged through the vocal program at my college my vocal professor, Dr. Hunt of the University of a central Florida, sat me down and told me the one thing that I was ignoring and avoiding the past two years…and that was the question- “is this what you truly want to do?” From there stemmed a breakthrough; all the fear and stress I’d slowly built up poured out all at once. Because the answer to that question had been sitting buried for years…it was “no.” And here I am, pursuing singing-songwriting. I even turn back to opera every now and again to reminisce, but I would not change my decision if I were back in that moment. Not after experiencing the freedom of discovering myself as an artist!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It has been such a long and arduous journey transitioning genres so vastly different from one another. That was and is a challenge all in its self. I am so excited to continue exploring who I am as an artist and work on my own song demos this year! I feel this will really open the doors to what my music could be. I am so so proud of what I’ve accomplished alongside some of the most talented producers I have ever met. And this is huge for me to say at all. I tend to look past the little things and tell myself I can do better. But it’s so important to appreciate those little accomplishments, they are all a piece of the bigger picture!! I’ve learned there is always time to grow and change, and be better, but the only way to do that is live your best in the moment, do your best and be proud of it. Next time maybe you’ll turn more heads and receive more praise but there is no point in looking past the present and missing out on a little self love and pride vs outside validation! Now, if I were to add to the story I’d mention mental health, identity, My relationship with God, imposter syndrome, etc. and I hope in my music you find these topics and if you relate, you can heal with me. Through the lyrics. I’ll continue to talk about these things and open the conversation. I’ll continue to educate myself on YOU! A lot of what I want in my career is a connection to people who feel abandoned or misunderstood by society. Everyone deserves a spotlight, love, grace, opportunity!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh yes!!! I would bring them to Runyon Canyon for the long hike (hehe-if you know you know). After we’d go for coffee at Alfred Studio City and grab a bagel from the Truck outside! If it were Sunday they would have the sprawling marketplace full of the freshest produce and laughing children-I’d point out the constant figure at that market-Mr. Paparazzi man. We would walk down Ventura looking through cute shop windows and I’d drag them through Urban Outfitters. I’d take them all the way out to Gracias Madres for dinner and , again, if it were Sunday, a service at Hillsong downtown!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes!! Dr. Jeremy Hunt from the University of Central Florida! I will FOREVER be grateful for your kindness and encouragement. Thank you for asking the hard questions and always doing was is best for the success of your students-including me. I had one of the best times of my life in your studio, and wouldn’t change it for anything. Having met you at the FMEA exhibition hall was truly fate. Thank you for taking a chance on me and seeing something others did not.

Website: https://linktr.ee/Sarahtay

Instagram: Instagram.com/sarahtaymusic

Facebook: Facebook.com/sarahtaymusic

Youtube: YouTube.com/spontaneouslysarah

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Vujt3lyatpewMPdZoydSW?si=MerYO27uSJSXL-28cduIag

Image Credits
@shauntephotography_

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