Embracing what the new age R&B sound is moulding into today
Born and raised on the island of Kaua’i, singer-songwriter Sierra Blax is an artist that brings a fresh taste of soul, chill-pop & R&B to her music. Being raised on the islands, you’ll find from time to time, Sierra uses her landscape of palm trees and ocean breezes as inspiration for her lyrics and melodies that gives the ear this elated feeling.
It is no surprise that she grew up honing her craft through weekly singing lessons with local voice teacher, Debbi Scarpell. It was then when she was introduced to Motown artists and soul music that helped shape her sound she has today. After high school, she attended the music program at the University of Hawaii and studied vocal performance. She described her experience in music school as difficult and uneasy. “I had to learn how to sing a completely different way than how I was taught – there were moments I really wanted to give up.” Fortunately, for Blax she didn’t.
During these times, Sierra grew inspiration to write songs about the wild experiences she would encounter in her early 20’s. “I wanted to write songs that were unapologetic, fun and audacious; we are so used to female singers sugar coating things, and I wanted to represent that female empowerment in my songwriting.” Blax wants to show people that it’s ok to make mistakes, embrace it and turn it into a comedy and art.
Today she is still inspired by the classics that shaped her, but she is also embracing what the new age R&B sound is molding into today. “Although I am inspired by power-house singers like Jazmine Sullivan and Amy Winehouse, I am really loving how singers today are using the airy and subtle sides of their voices. This new style has definitely ignited a change for me and my sound. It forced me to use my soft/ falsetto voice more often and helped me discover new melodies that are digestible to the listener.” You can find artists such as Snoh Alegra, Jungle, H.e.r., Nao, and Tame Impala on her Spotify playlist.
Currently residing in Los Angeles, she is spending a lot of time in the studio writing and creating original music. Her last single, “INYIM” (It’s not you it’s me) is a playful yet sassy tune that tells a story of all the dysfunctions that Blax portrays. If you’re into astrology, it’s basically based on the life of a scorpio and all its glory. The production is hands down a vibe with a funky bassline and grove. Sierra’s upcoming single, “Box of Chocolates,” explores the human experience as it’s connected to nature, and ultimately finding peace and love within yourself. Featuring a mixture of fantasy and reality, the song is drenched in shimmery vocals, reverbs of the electric guitar, and elements of her signature soulful sound. “You can think of ‘Box of Chocolates’ as a love letter to one’s higher self. Through times of sorrow and pain you eventually have to come to a place of acceptance and love; this song represents the navigation through all those emotions,” confides Sierra.
Website: Sierra Blax
Instagram: SierraBlaxMusic
Youtube: SierraBlax
