EQUATE meets Sarah Silva
"My goal at the end of the day is for people to feel confident with themselves and it’s important to do this because only then will you live your best life."
Although Latin Pop artist Sarah Silva is still on the come-up, she is already a force to be reckoned with. Her journey in the music industry has started when she was only 11 years old and participated in Mexican’s version of American Idol – fast forward, and she toured South America as part of Dosogas Team, starred in musical theatres and is now preparing to release her album in September. Only recently she dropped a brand-new single ‘Somebody Like Me’, which showcases her refreshing take on Latin music. Equate caught up with her and talked all things music, Dosogas Team and her anti-bullying campaign.
EQ: Hi Sarah! How are you currently dealing with the current lockdown and self-isolation during this weird time? Did it impact your creativity at all?
SS: Hi! I’m doing great thank you for asking, I believe everything happens for a reason, including this. I think God wants us to learn something from everything going on, in my case I’ve been trying to develop more as a person and as an artist with the time we have been given. I’ve been learning how to produce music, guitar, piano. And not only this but I’ve also been able to reflect a lot on my career and really define and decide who I want to be as an artist.
EQ: As a recording artist and as a person, who is Sarah Silva?
SS: As a person and an artist I’d describe myself as some who has a big desire of working, getting things done, and achieving goals. I’m a perfectionist in music and I like things to be done right, I don’t like doing things halfway, if I do something I do it all the way or if not, I rather not do it at all.
EQ: You participated in Mexican’s version of American Idol, at only 11 years old which must have been a crazy experience given that you were so young. How did that event shape you and prepare you for your music journey?
SS: It was a very big challenge for me at the time, since I had to move to Mexico City for a couple of months and not really knowing that much Spanish was hard for me, but I never gave up and was able to achieve 2nd place. This was a learning experience for me, because every day I had lessons in singing, dancing and music with the best instructors in the industry, this experience also helped me to perfect my Spanish! After this, I got offered a lot of other musical opportunities which opened a new path in my career. And not only this but this also introduced me to the Latin American market that I wouldn’t know so well today if it weren’t for this experience.
EQ:…you also joined an incubator called Dosogas Team – what can you tell us about that?
SS: Yes, this was one of the opportunities I was offered after winning second place on the show. This was a really big opportunity for me to show my music to a new audience, and because of this I gained popularity in Latin America. I became known for the covers I would upload to my YouTube channel and for being the main singer of the group!
“…I’m a perfectionist in music and I like things to be done right, I don’t like doing things halfway, if I do something I do it all the way or if not, I rather not do it at all.”
- SARAH SILVA
EQ: You’ve even toured through all South America, what was that experience like?
SS: It was truthfully one of the best phases in my life so far, it was crazy going from city to city and performing for thousands of people every day. Every city was so supportive and received us with open arms. I think this is where I really discovered my passion for performing.It was very tiring, but it was like my battery would recharge when the show would come on!
EQ: Which country had the best audience so far?
SS: It’s very hard to choose because each country I’ve been to has amazing people and I’ve always been treated so sweetly, but I really enjoyed performing in Buenos Aires, Argentina! It’s a beautiful city with beautiful and supportive people! The people there are so sweet and care for you so much! I would love to return for another show in the future!
EQ: You’re blending Latin American sounds with pop and sing in both English and Spanish, which is a really cool fusion. How did you find your sound and who did you grow up listening to?
SS: Yes, I always like involving my cultural backgrounds in my music. I love both the English and the Spanish side of me, that I honestly can’t pick between the two, so I bring them together. I love this because it just makes the musical options for me so broad when it comes to creating.Growing up I listened to a variety of different musicians, Selena Quintanilla was always playing in my house, Carlos Santana, Luis Miguel and on the other side we also listened to artists like Metallica, Adele, and Cyndi Lauper.
EQ: You’re using your music as a platform for your anti-bullying campaign and acceptance of all genders, races, and more. Can you tell us more about the campaign? And Is bullying something you’ve experienced yourself?
SS: Yes, I take advantage of my platform and others like this, to talk about these topics, if by me doing this helps clear the world a bit from bullying, I’ll continue to do it. My goal at the end of the day is for people to feel confident with themselves and it’s important to do this because only then will you live your best life.
I feel like everyone has experienced some kind of bullying, that’s why it’s important for us to promote love and promote the acceptance of everyone, being able to communicate to others that is ok to be yourself and not care what others think of it. It Is important to promote standing up for others when there is wrongdoing happening towards them.
EQ: The release of your next single Somebody Like You is just around the corner! Is the song based on someone special in your life?
SS: Yes, I usually base my songs off of different experiences I’ve lived and different people who I come across and “Somebody like Me” is about knowing that you are exactly what a certain someone needs. Their past experiences didn’t work out, but now they don’t need to look anymore because you’re here for them. It’s also about feeling empowered with yourself, feeling so confident that you know you can do anything.
I really like this song, because it makes you feel really good about yourself and it has a nice soothing grove to it.
EQ: Also, you have an album on the way which is exciting! Can you unveil a little bit of what kind of songs and vibes we can expect from your album already?
SS: I’m very excited for this album, a lot of hard work has been put into it. What I can say is that it’s very unique and very different, which is what I’m hoping everyone will like. It’s very versatile, there is a great mixture of a lot of different genres, and not mattering what genre is your favorite you’ll most likely find a song on this album that sticks to you! Everyone who listens to the album has a different favorite song, so when it comes picking a single, it’s so difficult.
YouTube/Sarah Silva
Stream ‘Somebody Like Me’ HERE
Instagram: @SarahSilva
Twitter: @SarahSilva