Sara is a singer, she is 37 years old and is from Murcia, Spain. She has been dedicating herself to music for over 15 years, particularly to soul, jazz, funk, and pop. Her voice expresses power and passion and highlights her roots in her culture. She sings in Spanish and English and, thanks to her talent, she has a career worth to be shared. We interviewed her to learn more about her journey in the music industry.
When did you decide to become a singer?
When I was very young, around 5 or 6 years old, I used to sing secretly in my room or go down to my father's garage where I discovered the echo of my voice. Also, since I was little, I performed always as protagonist in theater and musical theatre shows.
Why did you choose to dedicate yourself to soul, blues, and jazz?
Family influence has been decisive. My father used to play records of Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Phil Collins, Billy Joel... while jazz came when I was around 20 and started going to pubs where jam sessions were held... I fell in love with the musicians' improvisations and how much fun they had on stage. That's where my training began.
When did you start to approach music?
My younger brother played with some bands and on some occasions they took me along to sing a song. From there I started to feel confident singing and exploring my voice and my registers. Over the years I was part of some bands until I decided to continue solo.
What was your first time in a studio like?
I was extremely nervous. I hardly knew anything about music or its "language". I had to do a lot of takes and overcome the fear. Now I'm used to singing in the studio but always with homework done and studied.
Did you study singing or music?
I never studied music, I only went to a singing school for a few months and took some sporadic lessons. I learned by listening to good advice and constructive criticism from my colleagues.
Do you have any anecdotes on stage that you want to share?
Once, in a musical, the backing track went off and I had to sing super precisely so that the dancers wouldn't miss the timing, it went great despite everything. In my last concert in Madrid two of my musicians didn't come out on stage and I had to go and look for them. We had a lot of fun since they all came out embarrassed!
Have you ever had difficulties or noticed any differences as a woman?
Not at all, I have always been treated with a lot of respect and affection.
Who are your favorite singers and the songs that have struck you the most?
Probably I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston, Georgia On My Mind by Ray Charles, Moon River by Audrey Hepburn, and I'm Telling You by Jennifer Hudson.
How would you describe the music industry of your genre in Spain?
We are fortunate to live in a country that is very rich in music and has so much variety of styles. I was lucky enough to meet great musicians and high-level professionals. The only thing I'm noticing is that too many concert halls have closed down which provided work for many musicians, waiters, technicians, photographers... and we need better working conditions.
Do you think being Spanish influences your career in terms of opportunities?
I think that the important thing is not where you come from but the quality of your product and how much you believe in it and fight for it.
What are your future projects?
Currently, I am focusing on the second part of my tour called Brave Tour, during which I am visiting many cities and festivals. Next year I will start working on the third album.
Do you have any advice for those who want to do the same job as you?
They should surround themselves with good musicians and producers and they shouldn't rush to achieve "success".
Can you recommend a Spanish song to our readers?
No puedo estar sin ti by Rosana.
Follow Sara Zamora here and listen to her music here below: