We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful SIA AMUN. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with SIA below.

SIA , 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?

We have all heard the horror stories of bad contracts and artists being taken advantage of in the entertainment business, so I took the unsigned route working side jobs and hustling my way through as I learned the ins and outs of the industry. I had my first official job at the age of 13 and have done everything from wait tables at Disneyland, to retail, and hospitality to owning a Daycare business and even running my very own recording/production studio, all while chasing my dreams.

Music is an industry that takes money to make money. There’s no such thing as making money from day one. You have to grind, hustle, sweat, lose sleep and constantly put yourself out there to be seen and heard by anyone who will watch or listen.
When I was 16 my dad found out I had a boyfriend and decided he was no longer going to help develop me as an artist so I was left to fend for myself.

As time went on I learned everything about being an artist and having a music career from recording myself to booking my own shows. I would go on to produce a multitude of showcases, panels and networking events, creating my own opportunities and relationships. Four days out of the week my studio was the place to be whether it was a writing session going on or a live band performing. There was no one job or particular gig that led me to earning a full-time living, rather it was a combination of everything I had my hands in, my unbreakable faith and unforgivable work or die mentality, that led me from one opportunity to the next. I’ve had to wear so many different hats, play different roles and positions to get where I am today. Now, I sing, write songs and perform them for a living. It took me 13 years to get here but I’m just getting started. Being able to make money for creating and doing what I love most is a dream come true.

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

My love and passion for music began at a very early age. I started singing and dancing at the age of 4 and recorded my first song at just 10. I watched my dad make a living by writing and producing songs from scratch my entire upbringing so it came as no surprise to my parents when I decided to pursue a career in music rather than finish college. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but I was determined to make a name for myself and there was no turning back.

My professional journey began at the age of 16 and over the course of my career I went on to work with and write songs for artists like Trey Songz, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige and Ziggy Marley. As an artist I’ve been blessed to release several independent projects and share the stage with artists such as YG, Eric Bellinger, and Keyshia Cole, to name a few. You may have even seen me on the #1 Urban TV show Love & Hip Hop Hollywood S6, as well as the independent film series Day Ones streaming on Amazon Prime and Tubi.

My dream has always been to take care of my family and become one of biggest International, Award Winning, Super Stars in the world! Yes, I know it sounds cliche but it’s true. I want to sell out arenas, touring different countries and inspiring as many people as I possibly can. I realize that the dream is bigger than me, it’s bigger than just music. It’s about service and being able to touch someones heart and connect with them through a divine gift that was given to me to share.

I am currently working on new music! I’m starring in season 2 of “Day Ones” as a main character and I have just launched my very own lip gloss x merch line called FVRT GRL.I have come a very long way. Everything I have going on is a manifestation of good faith and pure belief in myself. The future looks bright and I’m pushing through full speed ahead.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative for me outside of watching my ideas manifest from thin air into something tangible, is being able to connect with complete strangers from all over the world through my creative expression. Writing songs that people play when they’re happy, or lyrics that make them cry. Knowing that somewhere out there someone relates to my feelings reassures me that I’m not alone. I’ve had people reach out to let me know my music got them through hard times, that is the most rewarding.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

My heart is as pure as they come and I had to learn a lot of things the hard way. Being too trusting, or feeling like I needed to be attached to others for validation were things and habits I had to unlearn along the way. Not everyone wants to see you win, not everyone wants to see you happy, prospering. I had to learn how to love and honor myself through my journey so that I don’t get taken advantage of.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.siaamun.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/SIAAMUN
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/SIAAMUN
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/SIAAMUN
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/SIAMUN
• Other: www.soundcloud.com/SIAAMUN

Image Credits
Nikki Boutte @creativenlb5