Neo-Soul Singer Sierra Sellers Talks About the Quarantine, Self-Confidence, and Future of Live Music

In the midst of social distancing and overall chaos, Sierra Sellers’ new EP “Ophelia” is the escape we all need. “Remember them nights down on Ophelia,” Sellers reminisces about the South Oakland street on the title track. “Them fights down on Ophelia…lost my shit down on Ophelia.” Her effortlessly smooth voice transports us to a more carefree time. Meanwhile, a tasteful backdrop of jazz rap beats and soft-focus instrumentation create the perfect late night aesthetic.

Recently lauded by NPR as a “2020 Slingshot Artist to Watch”, Sellers is quickly gaining momentum. We talked with Sellers about the challenges of keeping up momentum during the pandemic and what changes might be in store for performers going forward.

Your new EP is fabulous! Tell us a little about its creation and what influenced you in the process.

Thank you! I have a difficult time releasing music. I am very sensitive to the opinions of others. It is something I have been working on since I was a kid. I have wanted to be a singer for so long, and if I want to follow my dreams clearly a singer has to release music. So, in probably October, I thought of the concept and starting working to finish this EP up. I wrote this about Ophelia St. in Oakland. It was a great place and time for me and I wanted my EP to reflect my experience. So each song is a phase in an evening on Ophelia. 

I can definitely hear that sense of place and time evoked in every song. Do you have a favorite from the EP?

It is hard to pick a favorite. The songs on the EP were picked for it because they were my favorites for this concept. My favorite song to create was “Good Time.” That song was a good vibe from the jump. It flowed when I was writing. I loved everything during the post production and then going to the studio to record horns was a blast. We had everyone in there at once and it was all good vibes. 

Have you been pleased with the response to the EP so far?

I really am enjoying the positive feedback. I was definitely nervous that absolutely no one would listen. I struggle to this day with my confidence as far as releasing new music. I tend to doubt my abilities and am my own worst critic. 

This is an unprecedented time for artists and performers. Most folks I know are having to completely rework their plans for 2020 to stay afloat. How has this affected you?

It has affected me, fortunately, not as much as others. I do fear how this will shape the future for artists and musicians. We were all collectively struggling to an extent. I wonder how it will all play out in the long run as far as booking and pay is concerned. As well as local studios. I wonder how they are holding up during this time. 

I’ve wondered that too. So many artists are learning how to collaborate online and broadcast from their homes. Do you worry that live music in venues might suffer going forward?

I do worry that live music is going to suffer. I feel that artists were already struggling to not only be booked but to bring people out, and earn decent compensation for their performance. Businesses might not be able to pay musicians for their performances like they once were and venues the same. As frustrated as we all are with not being able to leave the house, is our frustration really with not leaving the house or being told we don’t have the option? That being said, I question whether behaviors will change in the favor of performance attendance or do it a disservice with the fear of large crowds being so prevalent. Artists will have to do what we do best and get creative. I personally feel that if I don’t try new things or make lemonade out of lemons I might not get booked again for a while or lose some momentum that we were gaining.

I see people turning to music like never before to find meaning and connection during these times. What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

We all do things to bring joy to others in some way. There are people who are hilarious who aren’t comedians. People who can cook but aren’t chefs. We all have gifts we can share with others to bring light and goodness to this world. I don’t make music for others, but I share it for them. There are songs that people will never hear because I wrote them to specifically heal me. I would say thank you for listening and that I am happy my music has reached you.

What have you been doing during the quarantine to keep yourself healthy and occupied?

I walk and listen to music everyday. I love to cook, so I have been doing a lot of that. I am still working from home, but am enjoying a little break from it all. I have a full time job, a part time job, and do music. I never really get or give myself a break. If there is a blessing, which I feel there is, in all this is that I have been able to rest and give myself some time to recover from my hectic life. 

Any upcoming projects that you’re working on?

I am currently working on another project that I hope to release in late May or early June. 

What are some ways people can help support your music?

Listen and share. Also, when this is all over, come out and support artists when they perform. 

For more on Sierra Sellers, check out her Facebook, Bandcamp, or SoundCloud.