We recently connected with Sierra Harvey and have shared our conversation below.
Sierra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
I have been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work. In 2018, I was working a full-time job in the finance industry, not knowing that 3 years later I would be working in a multi-million dollar studio in Indianapolis, Indiana. Working in the financial industry was not my passion, music was. I tried being an artist, but that involved a lot of time and money that I did not have. I heard about Full Sail University through a family member and learned he was taking the Audio Production program offered there. I decided to look into the program myself to see if it was something I was interested in. With a history of DJing and being a hip-hop artist, I felt that audio production was right up my alley providing a mix of technology and music skills. I applied for the associate’s degree program and got accepted. For a year and a half, I worked as a GM full-time, and as a student at Full Sail. During that time, I faced some of the most difficult challenges in my life, which I can proudly say, made me the determined individual I am today. I graduated valedictorian of my class in 2020. After looking for internships and opportunities to gain experience, I got word from a coworker that a new studio named RoundTable Recording Company in a city named Broad Ripple was opening up soon. It was only 20 minutes from where I lived so I figured why not. I showed up to the open house by myself to see if this was where I could grow and gain experience. I was immediately blown away by the atmosphere, the equipment, and the people. I knew this was the place for me. I was given a tour and the rest is history. The next day I immediately emailed the studio manager expressing my interest in becoming an intern. He responded and I had an interview the next month. The internship required me to be available during the times I was at work so I made an executive decision to quit my 9-5 job to become an unpaid intern at the studio. After a year of learning, answering phones, cleaning, and running, I finally got my first paid session. After that session, I was determined to grow my client book by providing exceptional service, visiting open mic events, and social media networking. Two and a half years later, I’ve been able to work with WuTang, Mark Battles, and a host of artists within the area. I was also able to book a session for Jack Harlow and grow my clientele to provide sustainable income while being an employee at RoundTable Recording Company. I decided to go back to school and get my bachelor’s degree while working at the studio to improve my skills. I’m thankful for where I am now as an audio engineer. If I knew then what I know now, I would have started this journey in my 20s instead of my 30s. Either way, I’m proud of where I am now because I am able to sustain myself doing what I love.
Sierra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Music has always been my passion since I was younger. My dad was a DJ and played drums for the church and my mom had every R&B CD you could think of. My whole family was involved in music in some way. I was always enthralled by musicians and wanted to be one myself. I quickly found out that playing an instrument was not my strong suit so I became a hip-hop artist instead. I did several shows and spent countless hours in the studio perfecting my craft. I’ve released multiple songs dating back to 2014. Being an artist helped me develop a special workflow as an audio engineer.
My titles include audio engineer, DJ, and music producer. As an audio engineer, I’m able to communicate with the artist in a way we both understand and respect while still accomplishing the vision of the artist. What I provide as an audio engineer is a mix that is tailored to the ideas of the artists while being pleasing to the ears of the consumer. I also provide mastering services which is one of the last steps of creating a record/song but the most important. I’ve worked with several first-time clients who have decided to keep me as their engineer. During our session, I make the artist feel comfortable, provide advice and tips on how to get the best performance, push them to think outside the box while creating, and also educate them on the process. With experienced artists, the process is the same but quicker and more efficient. As a DJ, I provide a fun experience that gets you up and dancing. I read the crowd and adjust the songs based on that. I’ve DJ’d weddings, private events, and parties. As a music producer, I provide pre-made and custom beats for artists. I also educate the client on leasing terms and rights they have available. I believe this is what sets me apart from the competition because I like to educate the client and provide feedback instead of just pressing record or just getting paid.
Along this journey, I am most proud of my Bachelor’s degree. One of my struggles in life was being able to finish something I started. I attended college twice before getting this degree and was unsuccessful. I finally told myself that if this was something I truly wanted, then I needed to finish. Not only did I finish, but I also finished top of my class for my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. I’m also proud of the progress I’ve made in the music industry. Doing a career switch at 30 is a difficult task but not impossible. Every day I get to earn money doing things I love. There is no better feeling.
The main thing I want people to know about Sierra SillyCe is that she is a fun, determined, educated, and motivated individual who gives 100% for any project, client, or session. Your project, event, song, etc. is as important to me as it is to you. It’s never too late to follow your dreams and make a living from them.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to unlearn being over-prepared. Several situations call for preparation, but not every situation. Many times in the music industry, you are put in situations where you have to think fast without preparation. For example, when I have a DJ gig, I usually ask the client what vibe are they expecting. I check my library to make sure I have plenty of songs that match the vibe, but I do not prepare a setlist. If I prepare a set for this gig, I am now trapped in that set of songs. Spontaneity makes for a great set because when you surprise yourself, you surprise the crowd as well. If you believe in yourself and your skill set, you will have no problem walking into a situation confidently unprepared. I spent countless hours getting prepared for an event, session, etc., just to find out that what I prepared was not in the itinerary or would not be included. Time is money in all industries, so make sure to spend your time wisely.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Society is the most important aspect to an artist/creative because who will receive your art, who will it resonate with, and who can you share your journey with? Spreading the word is a great way to support artists and creatives. Word of mouth has been a powerful tool for years and is still one of the best promotional tools to exist. Conversing with your peers about an artist is also helpful because you are introducing new people to this artist. Social media has made interacting with each other easier than ever. They’ve also made it easy to support with likes, reposts, shares etc. but a simple “like” would make a huge difference. Those “likes” add up, opening doors for other better opportunities and greater networking
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sillyce
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sieharve
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sierra-harvey-0498661aa/
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@SillyCeProductions
Image Credits
kmackfilms