We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nancy Sanchez . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nancy below.
Nancy , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
One of the most important musical projects i’ve done in my career is my “Say Something” EP. I am not normally a protest songwriter but I felt the need to “say something” as the world was quarantined during 2020. A lot of things were happening that year, a world pandemic, the streets were full of protests due to the George Floyd murder, and migrant children were being separated at the border and detained in migrant camps. Songwriting is not easy, but for this EP the songs poured out of me easily in a few days because the topic was so important and powerful. I wrote songs about these important events, such as the title track “Say Something”, “The Kids Are Still in Cages” and a song in Spanish called “Hasta Que Todos Estemos A Salvo (Until We Are All Safe).
My song “The Kids Are Still in Cages” made it to NPR’s Alt-Latino, Democracy Now with Amy Goodman and I was also able to collaborate this release with two amazing non-profits, Al Otro Lado & Rise to Reunite, that were focused on reuniting families at the border and provide legal aid to migrants.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
When I was a young girl and I had to think about what I would be when I grew up, all I could think about was songwriting and music.
The first step was to learn to play an instrument. I was always very musical. Since my father is also a musician, I naturally picked up the guitar since there was always a guitar in the house. I began writing melodies and lyrics at a very young age, and decided to take my songwriting skills more seriously when I was in high school and into college.
Today I’ved honed my songwriting craft to the point where I have written title tracks to feature films like “In Other Words” on HBO, guest starred and performed my original songs in the STARZ original series VIDA and the NETFLIX original series The Lincoln Lawyer. My songs have also been placed in major national productions like FIFA21, Red Bull Racing & Target Campaigns.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The freedom to tell stories and inspire audiences is the most rewarding part of being a songwriter. My songs have traveled farther than I have physically traveled, which means that my words and ideas are relatable to people in different parts of the world. The idea of people connecting with me through my music excites me and motivates me to keep going.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
The audience can be better aware that there are independent artists unsigned by major labels and publishing companies that need your support. Independent artist are lesser known and it’s important to support them by attending concerts, buying merch and supporting their indie releases. Indie artists make huge sacrifices to bring music to you both at streaming platforms and at concerts and they do this because they love it not because it necessarily provides a steady income.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nancysanchezmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancysanchezmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancysanchezmusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/NancySanchez_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChvkyKbobFc4hGmG5oo-OTA
Image Credits
Farah Sosa