Sarah Troy is a 22-year-old powerful, pop vocalist originally from Bragg Creek, AB (a little town near Calgary in Canada). She studied music in college in Boston, Massachusetts and moved to Nashville in 2015 at the age of 20. Currently, she has released 6 EPs. Although Sarah considers herself to be a Pop artist, her music has some Folk roots as well. Her music explores relationships, the subject of Nature v. Nurture, and Sarah shares her own vulnerabilities through her lyrics.

A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to hear some of her original music at a songwriters round with previously spotlighted artist, Pat Kiloran, and I just knew that Sarah would be a great artist to spotlight on Shine On Music City. Not only is she an incredible vocalist, but she has a sweet spirit and innocence about her that I love. Her music allowed me to see a different, darker side to her artistry that I found fascinating. I recently reached out to Sarah and we sat down and discussed her hopes for her career in music.

What led you to pursue a career in music?

Music has always been an outlet for me; a kind of self help. So in the beginning, I don’t think I even considered what it would mean to be a “singer/songwriter”. I just new that It was something I wanted and needed to do all the time, almost as a means of survival. As I grew up and began to understand the way lots of people look at their careers – a means to make money – I think I got a little spooked. I didn’t want my job, the thing I wake up most days to do, to be anything other than something I absolutely loved. I understood the appeal to stability, and even in moments questioned if I was better off working a job that I cared about a bit less so that I could be sure to make a little more money, but I don’t think I ever really saw myself doing anything else; I never really had a plan B. Whatever money I might not make in my life because of the career I chose, I’ll make up for in joy; a joy I don’t think I personally could have found anywhere else. 

What is the most challenge part (to you) about being a musician?

I think the growing pains of a musician (or any creative person) can be painful. When we create we lace little pieces of ourselves and our identity into our work. So when it comes time to grow, we have to be willing to take criticism and improve on something that we identify with on a deeply personal level. For me, growing as a musician or songwriter, in many ways means being willing to be hyper-critical of myself and my little creative-offspring. That’s easier some days than others. On one hand, I just want people to tell me they love what I create, but I know that I there are lots of things I want to improve on and I will never improve if I only ever listen to people who praise me. On the flip side, I know I will never please everyone and can’t base my self worth in the respect or admiration of other people. So it’s a tough balance between loving yourself and also being willing to take criticism as an opportunity to grow. 

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?

Oh gosh… I’ve had my fair share of these moments. (Haha!) There are two that come to mind and they pretty much tie for “most embarrassing moment on stage”. The first one happened to me when I was in middle school performing in what we called “Calgary Idol”. A bunch of young singers in Calgary all auditioned to compete and perform on a big stage in the middle of one of the shopping malls in the city. I made it past the first round of auditions, and when it was my turn to perform on the big stage in the mall, I was super nervous… so nervous that I forgot all the lyrics and froze in front of hundreds of people. They had to stop the music and walk me off stage. MORTIFYING! 

The other time was when I was in High School. It was in my grade 12 Drama class and we were all performing our final scripts. I got through about 5 minutes of the 15 minute play (in front of a room of all of our family and friends) before I began forgetting all my lines. It got so bad that at one point I just kinda shrugged at my partner and we found a way to end the play. That one was especially hard because I was letting down my partner and our director. We had worked really hard to do well and take our play to competition …and I completely botched the entire thing. Yikes!

Where do you see your career in 10 years? What are your goals for your future in music?

In ten years, I hope to see myself super busy! Writing often, releasing records, touring a bit. Maybe living in L.A., but probably living in Nashville. I want my days to be filled with creativity and connection. My favorite part of my job is being part of the creation of something awesome with people that I admire… so I hope to be doing a lot of that. Maybe more than anything, I want my music to be heard and to impact people. My favorite artists have all had a profound effect on my life and have gotten me through some pretty difficult stuff. It would be such a gift to be able to do the same for others one day! I also want to be able to support myself with my music, but I don’t think I really dream of being rich and famous. I’m sure there are aspects of that I would enjoy if that somehow happened for me, but I could take or leave that part of this industry.

Oh…and I want to be happy… If that’s not too obvious to say. (Haha!) I don’t think my happiness will come from my career alone. Honestly, I think it will have a lot to do with the people in my life and how peaceful my relationship with myself is. In ten years,I want to be continuing to find new ways to love myself and accept myself, and I want my art to be helping others do the same.

Sarah Troy offers a valuable insight into the importance of loving yourself and creating something that can help others, which I believe any artist can benefit from. One of my favorite parts of being involved with artists and their careers is that I get to see each one grow individually, and Sarah is no exception. She has the ability to share her own life experiences through her songs that I believe many people can connect with. Her candid responses and willingness to share her personal feelings on her own growth is something that I find truly special about her as an artist. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this talented songstress!

Be sure to check out more of Sarah Troy‘s music through her Soundcloud and connect with her via her social media links above.

(Photo credits: Alex Humphreys)

Pat Kiloran, a transplant originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, grew up taking piano lessons, and eventually began songwriting. Whether he was playing drums, guitar, piano, singing, or writing, Pat knew that he wanted to write his own music and that he wanted to “make people feel something”. In 2014, Pat began his solo career in Alternative-Pop music. He ultimately made the move to Nashville, to pursue his passion for making music in “Music City”.

In a recent interview, we sat down with Pat to discuss his career, his new upcoming album and his personal life and how he manages to balance it all.

Was there one defining moment for you where you knew that you wanted to play music?

I’m not sure if there was one moment, but there definitely was a progression. I remember listening to my mom’s Newsboys and Steven Curtis Chapman CD’s when I was maybe 8 years old and just loving it. For some reason, I thought those records were like super rockin’ or something. Eventually, once I entered junior high and high school, I started listening to things my friends were into at the time. So, in a Christian private school, Switchfoot was big, Relient K was big. American Idol had just got going so I was into Kelly Clarkson. I look back, and it sounds dumb. But it was just what was there.

It was really when I started listening to the radio that I started to take a real interest in music as art. I was hearing bands and artists like Kanye West, Green Day, The Killers, etc. for the first time. And that just opened the door to discovering and taking in so many different kinds of music. And then at some point, as I listened to, watched, and tried to learn the songs of these different people, I realized that creating music was something I needed to do. So, I started writing my own songs, as bad as they were, and that was that.

What was your first gig?

The first show I ever played was with my second band, The Domino Effect! (Yes, there was an exclamation point at the end of our name; I’m not excited about it). The first band I ever started was with a good friend of mine, and we practiced a couple times and never played a show. Anyway, The Domino Effect! played our first show at a now defunct youth center in Roseville, Minnesota called “The R2 Center.”

It was a big room sectioned off into different areas of activity. Floor hockey, video games, computers, foosball, and a stage. I remember being so nervous and sweaty in my blue, checkered flannel shirt, my ripped-up jeans with bandana patches my grandma had sewn into the tears, and my green Converse high-tops. The crowd was made up of maybe 30 friends from school and, of course, family members. It went by in such a blur and we messed up a bunch, but I remember loving every minute of it. I also remember rolling my eyes at my mom when she told me to actually talk into the microphone. She was probably right.

What do you think makes you unique as an artist?

I honestly don’t know what being unique means anymore. There are so many artists doing so many different things that it is hard to create anything that doesn’t draw a correlation to someone else.

I will say that I think the most important aspect of finding your “thing” as an artist is to just make what you like and what comes naturally. Don’t make something that isn’t “you” just because you think someone else will like it. Many people are searching for real, “small-business” art. You can find a commercial song anywhere, and there is nothing wrong with a mainstream sound. But I tend to believe that the artists that last (if not in the industry, then in our memory) are the ones that make something that is strictly of themselves. They aren’t creating strictly to please anyone. They are creating because they are supposed to. And the results are often much more unique.

We previously had spoken about this album & I found your concept very unique and interesting. Can you elaborate on how the process of how this particular album was written?

Sure! So it’s a concept record about actions and behaviors in our society that are often looked upon as either normal or maybe just taboo, when in fact they are destructive to yourself and those around you.

“Saint Sierra” starts off with a song about a man’s constant losing battle with lust, pornography, and womanizing. And it eats away at the inside.

“I Don’t Really Care” turns to narcissism and arrogance. Our social media culture is rampant with people constantly looking in the mirror, disregarding those right next to them.

This leads us to “Softer Skin”, the tale of a man caught up in an affair, but completely unwillingly and unapologetically. Coming from a broken home, I’ve seen the effects affairs have on families directly.

We wrap up with “Gin On My Lips.” Hardly a bar song, it tells the story of someone caught in the grips of addiction. And finally asks the question: “If I’m barely here with me, how can I be there for you?”

There are several interlude tracks helping to carry the story, as well.

Is it challenging to have a real social life outside of performing? What do you do to keep the balance? What do you do in your personal downtime? How has being musician affected your family life?

Ironically, I’m trying to stop my son from crawling into the kitchen while my wife cooks dinner before I go to see some friends as I’m answering this. So, these are appropriate questions.

I wouldn’t say it is challenging, per se. It can definitely be hard to find a work-life balance at times, but often they go together. Many of the people I write with or play with are my good friends. So, I’m able to work while I hang. And often times I am right at home with my family while I work on booking or marketing or whatever.

I don’t find myself having as much downtime as I used to. Between taking care of a one-year old, writing with people a few times a week, managing emails and social media, prepping for a record release, and my touring “day-job,” it really doesn’t leave too many hours in a day left over.

However, when I can, my wife and I watch a lot of movies. I love film. When I’m actually home, we spend time with our church and our friends. I play tennis and golf as often as I can. And, like everyone else, I love hitting as many restaurants, new and old, as my bank account will allow.

Who inspires you musically?

A little bit of everything. Everyone says that. But I rather learn from several different styles and people than pigeon-hole myself. Lately, I’ve been all over the map. Last year it was Ryan Adams. A couple months ago, it was the new The 1975 record. Then after that, the new Kanye and Drake records. And right now, I’ve been working my way through the new Saosin album. Sometimes I’ll draw inspiration from my friends’ records. Or other times I’ll take a feeling away from a visual piece of art. That doesn’t mean what I write will even sound like what I’m listening to necessarily. But there’s always something to glean from every piece of art, good or bad.

Knowing everything that you know now, what would you do differently in your career?

 I wish I had stayed committed to my projects longer. I always seemed to bounce around from this band to the next, from this genre to another. It didn’t create a lot of longevity in any project, and therefore, it didn’t create the followings I hoped for. That’s why I decided a year and a half ago to just go solo and go by my actual name, so that I don’t have as many excuses to make random, impulsive changes.

I also wish I had realized how much of music is business. I’ve had to learn all of that over the last year or so, and it takes so much work to do anything right. I just wish I had realized that a long time ago.

 What projects are you currently working on?

On July 12th, I will be releasing my sophomore EP, “I Know Everything That You’ve Done.” It kind of functions more like a “mixtape” as it has several interlude tracks to carry on the story of the record. I’m really looking forward to getting this music out. It’s been finished for awhile now, but I promised my wife I’d release this one right. So, I tried my best to be patient. But I’ve put everything I’ve got into this record, as have many of my friends who worked on it with me, and I really hope that is reflected in the writing, performance, and overall sound of the record. Buy it. Stream it. Just do it.

Do you have any big shows or projects coming up?

Speaking of which, on July 12th, we are having a record release show in Nashville. Details are still coming together, and they will be finalized soon. It’s going to be incredibly fun. You can check for updated details over at www.patkiloran.com/shows.

What are your hopes for your future in the music industry?

Man, all I hope to do is make something good and provide for my family. That’s all I can ask for.

With his unique, complex thought process, and friendly personality; Pat Kiloran provides something truly essential in the music industry.

Be sure to check out Pat’s latest single, “I Don’t Really Care” and look out for his sophomore album, “I Know Everything You’ve Done”, which *shines* a light on significant, real-life topics through his multifaceted songwriting.

“I Know Everything You’ve Done” is slated to be released on July 12, 2016. Also, stay up-to-date as Pat continues to release more music by visiting his website http://www.patkiloran.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

(Photo credit: Alicia St. Gelais)

Kamber, age 25, moved to Nashville from Lakeland, FL three years ago. Currently, she is working on a new project for her band, Raviner (set to release their debut EP later this Spring). I personally love her solo artist music so much, I convinced her to let me to do an artist spotlight on her solo music as well. Kamber is considered an alternative artist, but I truly believe that she has a sound and musical style that anyone could enjoy. Her cover of “Can’t Feel My Face” by “The Weeknd” recently won 3rd place for Cd Baby’s Pop Unplugged contest.

As a music promoter, I frequently get the opportunity to meet and speak with a lot of extremely talented, local artists. Every now and then, I come in contact with an artist that sincerely reminds me of why I started Shine On Music City. Kamber is one of those artists. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with her, and she offers some incredible insight to anyone considering pursuing their passion for music. With her ability to release music that reflects her authentic style, I am genuinely excited about her upcoming music with her solo career, as well as with her band, Raviner. Kamber’s hauntingly beautiful songs, phenomenal vocals, and the way she connects on a very real level truly impressed and inspired me.

What’s your favorite part about being a musician?

I love having the gift of music as a language. Whether I’m alone or with other performers and artists, it’s something we can interact with and express in a way to tell a story, to engage with others and ourselves.

What do you think makes you unique as an artist?

A lot of my music is piano-based. In my opinion, far too much music right now uses the piano as a “gimmicky” instrument. I like it to be the main focus, however. But, many of my songs are not necessarily piano-based, and something that I think sets my artistry apart is that it definitely has “pop” sensibility. Not necessarily in “style” or “genre” always, but in the raw material. How the verses flow. How the pre-chorus builds, and how the chorus hits. I’m so thankful for my education and training to understanding songwriting conventions and structures, especially from my songwriting teacher, Rick Elias, from my time at The Contemporary Music Center in Nashville. He always emphasizes the importance of understanding song structures, narratives, etc. These are the tools that help artists effectively express their songs. I think a “pop sensibility” that’s juxtaposed with a raw, “alt”, ambient, sound is kind of my thing.

What’s the most challenging part (to you) about being a musician?

The most challenging part is not the music. I think it’s the hard lessons we learn as independent artists that all serve as a “vehicle” or sorts to transport our music. Maybe it’s the empty rooms we have to sometimes play. It’s the loud drunken audience member that’s a huge distraction during your show. It’s all the blood, sweat, and tears, sleepless nights, rigorous schedules to get the record done. But, my goodness it is absolutely worth it. A couple of my dear friends, Thomas Daniel + Geena wrote a song together called “Dance Til We Die”. The first line of the chorus exclaims, “this is the life we choose, with nothing left to lose”. That’s kind of become my mantra. Every day I wake up and live and breathe this life, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to do so.

Is it challenging to have a real social life outside of performing? What do you do to keep the balance? What do you do in your personal downtime?

Absolutely. To be honest, a lot of the “hang time” I have with friends are with friends who are also musicians, artists, videographers, etc. Usually during those times we are working and collaborating. It’s fun for us! However, there are times when it’s absolutely exhausting! And that’s when I love to watch some comedy to lighten the mood. I love Portlandia. Anything to lighten the load.

Who inspires you musically?/ What’s the one album you can’t live without?

Some of my earliest influences are Lacey Sturm (previously from the band Flyleaf) and Underoath. Later in college I fell in love with beautiful electronic-based and piano based singer-songwriters like Imogen Heap, Plumb, Kate Bush, and Tori Amos. I now consider Tori one of my hugest inspirations. At the same time I was delving into the world of 90s alt. rock with bands like Nirvana, Hole, Soundgarden, Weezer, Foo Fighters, Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Local H, and the list goes on. It was always this “flip-flop” between raw, heavy, rock and ambient, ethereal pop. I used to feel like I needed to choose. Now I embrace both and I think both worlds are absolutely integral to my sound and don’t need to be separated from what I do.

One album I can’t live without. Hmmmm. Probably Speak For Yourself by Imogen Heap. That record changed my life. It kind of “gave me permission” to take risks with my piano playing and my melodies.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?

I’ve had several!! I’ve had moments where I’ve started singing the wrong verses or totally forgetting the words. It just happens. You have to just keep going!! 🙂

What is one piece of advice you’d like to give other artists that are out there trying to make it?

Figure out why you want to do this. If it’s because you think it’s “cool”, that’s not a good enough reason. You’ve got to love it. Because this life is hard!

What venue do you like to perform at the most?

There’s a small coffeehouse called Inman Street in this college-town near Chattanooga – Cleveland, TN. I absolutely love performing there. Always a fantastic audience who really listen, and the staff always makes me feel welcomed. (Thank you Joel!) I also love this dive bar in Nashville called Springwater. Those folks love to rock. I’ve played there several times when I’ve performed with my band (not solo!) By far my most favorite venue to perform has been Exit/In with Raviner. We played our debut show there earlier this year with Reform the Resistance. It was an incredible honor to play a stage that so many legendary artists have played. It was kind of magical.

What projects are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a new solo project, but that’s very much in the “embryonic phase”! The main project I’m focusing my attention on right now is a new band that I front called Raviner. We have a debut EP coming out this summer, and lot of exciting things coming up later this year. Needless to say, it’s been busy! 🙂 I’ve finally found a balance to have certain goals and musical styles for “Kamber” as a solo project (or collaboration) and with my new band, Raviner. Both projects have very specific goals, and I’m excited to see where they lead!

Do you have any other big shows or projects coming up? If so, what are they?

Raviner has a couple of really exciting shows – we are playing The Crying Wolf on Thursday, April 21st, and we are honored to open up for Behold The Brave. Very excited about that. We’ve also got a couple of other big shows coming up, but I can’t share those quite yet!

What’s your favorite way to connect with fans? Pictures, Social Media, Interaction at shows?

I absolutely love social media. I’m a heavy Facebook user along with Instagram. Still trying to get the hang of Twitter. lol. And of course I love interacting with people at shows. If you like what you hear, I want to hear what you have to say and get to know you better!

What was your first gig?

My first “real” gig was my freshman year in college playing at a local record store in Lakeland called Evolution Records. I remember being so nervous and excited all at the same time. I remember talking way too much from stage. Just sing your songs. One more thought on that – an incredibly wise vocal instructor at Belmont always talked about “presentational” versus “representational” performances. Are you going to get up on stage and tell us how you’re ‘now going to play a sad song’, or, are you going to “BE” the art? That changed my life. I was working as a piano accompanist at the time, and I was so grateful to absorb some of her wisdom on that. I think it’s a matter of taking yourself seriously as an artist. If you don’t care enough about your music to act insecure or embarrassed about your “sad”, “angsty”, or “moody” songs, then why will the audience? You might as well do a Bieber cover and get it over with if that’s the kind of show it is. I’ve come to the realization that there will always be two kinds of people in my audience on any given night – those that “get it” and those that “don’t”. And that’s okay! It’s not for everybody.

How long have you been performing/playing music?

I was classically trained in piano from the age of six all the way through college. (I attended Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL, and graduated with a Music Business Degree in December 2012.) I started writing at the age of 13 or 14, some on piano, but mostly on acoustic guitar. I started teaching myself how to play around the same time. I slowly started singing in church, school, and in town, and started heavily performing once I was in college.

Who are your biggest supporters?

My mom absolutely. She has always encouraged my music. I grew up listening to her sing all sorts of songs – lots of Amy Grant. 🙂 My wonderful boyfriend of four years, Austin Huelsbeck. He produces and engineers all of my stuff. We’ve always had such a strong musical understanding. It’s just easy with him. Lastly, Tom Bracciale – Austin, Tom, and I all met each other back in 2012 at The Contemporary Music Center where we studied songwriting, performing, recording, etc. Tom has been my best friend and supporter since day one. He is an incredible singer/songwriter. We often play/sing together – we just get each other.

If you could perform with one artist or band, who would it be?

I would love to write with Tori Amos. And sing a nasty, groovy rock tune with Chris Cornell.

Was there one defining moment for you where you knew that you wanted to play music?

I grew up around music. I was studying classical piano and church music since I was a child, but it wasn’t until I was about 14 years old that I started writing and singing in front of an audience! I started writing to express my own stories and emotions after I had major brain surgery to replace my shunt which I’ve had since birth. It was a scary time where I fully realized my vulnerability, and even immortality. I realized I was absolutely dependent on it. And that was scary! I started writing songs about it and sharing them with my family and friends, and slowly started singing in church, school, and then in my community.  I was so incredibly nervous for my first solo. It was at my school in from of the entire 8th grade. Whew. It was traumatic for a middle-schooler. I sang a song called “Eagles’ Wings”, and then I just never stopped. Haha!

Have you ever had an experience that turned into a song?

Absolutely. Almost everything I write comes from an experience that I’m in the middle of, or something I’m reflecting on from my past. Or, I will be inspired by a friend’s story or a current event of some kind, and I’ll kind of start embellishing and carving out a narrative from that thought or idea. My writing almost always starts with one central image, thought, or specific phrase, and I just keep carving away to see what it wants or needs to be. Tori Amos always talks about “The Muses” and how they “tap her on the shoulder” when she’s inspired to write. I absolutely love that. I’ve started learning to listen to those urges right away and write. You don’t want to stifle those moments, or, I believe you may lose the song, and it will find someone else.

Between all of the hard work on Kamber’s solo career and her upcoming projects with Raviner, she is definitely someone you will want to continue following. I absolutely believe that this girl will have a long, successful career in music.

Kamber’s music is available for download on iTunes or Noisetrade. You can hear more of her original music on her website http://kambermusic.com. You can also follow her updates and connect with her via the Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Be on the look out for more music by Kamber, as well as her band, Raviner in the coming weeks.

(Photo credits: Kaitlin Andrews Photography)