Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Jade.
Hi Sara Jade, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Music has always been a big part of my life. However, like many people do, I struggled with self-doubt and self-judgment when it came to my passions. I started writing and singing at age nine, joined my dad’s classic rock cover band in 2010, and my husband and I started playing open mics around San Diego in 2015. Although I loved performing, I convinced myself that I had to have a “real” career first. So, I pursued my interest in psychology, got my Masters in School Counseling, and became an advisor.
In 2018 it was clear that life had different plans for me. I developed chronic daily migraines that got so severe I had to go on medical leave and eventually resign my position in 2019. The gray blanket of clouds mirrored the heaviness in my heart as I was poised to press “send” on my resignation letter, I felt like a small death was occurring for the life I thought I was “supposed to” lead and the future looked uncertain. Yet with one click, my whole perspective changed. Suddenly, I had the time I needed to heal and the space to consider new possibilities for my future. There was no more room for self-doubt. It was time to get creative, quite literally, and I went all-in on music and pursuing a career as a singer-songwriter.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
At first, things were off to a smooth start, but life is full of twists. I was a finalist in the 2019 singer-songwriter competition at the San Diego County Fair and that summer I started playing breweries and wineries with my husband. In early 2020, I was offered my first “big gig” – two-weekend shows at the fair. I was in the process of putting together a band when the pandemic hit, everything shut down, and all shows were canceled. Like so many at the time, I felt I had only just begun and suddenly everything came to a screeching halt.
Fortunately, unexpected events have taught me to be adaptable. I took it as an opportunity to prepare and learn. I wrote new material, gave myself a crash course on audio engineering and I pivoted to live streaming music on Twitch until live music returned. I released my first self-produced single in April 2020, “Wait Destiny”. Written years earlier but eerily poignant for the time, the song is about putting your dreams on hold and asking Destiny to wait a little longer for you to catch up. It seems that destiny got my message because the last year has been an incredible start to my career as a musical artist.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
A singer, songwriter, and keytarist, I create dynamic Americana and Alt-pop Rock music. My songs feature powerful vocals, captivating stories, melodic leads, and driving rhythms. I write music that uplifts and empowers the listener, and my performance style is fun-loving. At my shows, I’m all about engaging the audience and having a great time together.
I am incredibly proud of what my music and my band, The Jade Theory, has accomplished only in the last year. I released my first studio single “Jacoma” in September 2021. The song was nominated for Best Pop Song at the 2022 San Diego Music Awards and a semifinalist in the International Songwriting Competition in 2021. I met a fantastic community of musicians in the San Diego open mic circuit last year and formed my full band, The Jade Theory, in December. This year we have been hired to play some amazing shows at venues all over San Diego.
Currently, I am recording new music, playing shows, and growing a fun community of fans. My story has only just begun, so I invite you to stay tuned. It’s guaranteed to be entertaining!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Something I have realized in my journey thus far is that turning passion into a career is no different than being an entrepreneur in any other field. A labor of love is still laborious at times and there is a learning curve to the business aspect. So be patient with yourself, be open-minded, and approach the analytical side of your passion with as much creativity and enthusiasm as you approach your artistry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarajademusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarajademusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarajademusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarajademusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SaraJadeMusic
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/sarajademusic/
- Other: https://songwhip.com/sarajade
Image Credits
Tristan Faulk-Webster
Matt Kreuder
Jeff Ousley
