Imagine being 14 years old and writing a letter to your future husband years before you ever met him. Now imagine not only finding that person but reading that very letter to him for your wedding. Sierra Black was able to do just that, and it was just as perfect as you would think. She incorporated her wedding into the music video for her current single and love song to her husband “Make It Easy” as well as a behind-the-scenes wedding video that has over 4.2 million views on Facebook.
We caught up with Sierra to talk about her musical journey and, of course, that love story for the ages.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
SB: I am 24 years old and from Las Vegas, NV. I grew up listening to country and fell in love with it at a very young age. I love writing about things I know – love, loss, joy and sadness. But mostly I love singing, writing and relating to my listeners.
CN: When did you realize you wanted to be involved in music?
SB: When I was about six years old I found my love for singing, and when I was 15 I knew I wanted to do it professionally.
CN: You grew up in Las Vegas, surrounded by so many branches of the entertainment world. How did that atmosphere inspire you to become an artist?
SB: My entire family is musical; it’s just been a part of us since I can remember. Once I started finding my voice, I knew it’s exactly what I wanted to do. Being in Vegas it was easy to see concerts and shows at different venues to get inspired.
CN: Which musicians, country or not, have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
SB: Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Pink, Reba and Brooks & Dunn. The list could go on, but those are my top!
CN: You’ve had the opportunity to share the stage with several of country’s biggest names including Keith Urban and performed an impromptu duet with Garth Brooks. What were those experiences like?
SB: Surreal. I can still remember both of them like it happened yesterday. I felt at home being on stage with both of them singing songs. It was truly an honor and I’ll remember it forever.
CN: It’s been said that you have an incredibly positive and spunky attitude, and that you take pride in being a role model for young women and girls. Can you talk a bit about how important that role is not only to you personally, but for younger generations at this time?
SB: Since I was a young girl, my parents always did a great job of making all of us kids feel confident. I think that’s the most important thing anyone can do for younger generations. Believing in yourself and trying your absolute best will get you far.
CN: You’ve been working with Mark Bright (Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts). What is it like to work with such a well-known producer? What have you been able to learn from this experience that you might not have known prior?
SB: Without Mark, I’m not sure I would’ve had the guts to try things out of my comfort zone vocally. He’s given me the confidence to really sing from my soul. Mark is an incredible producer. I’m just lucky enough to know and work with him.
CN: “Make It Easy” has taken off like wildfire. The official music video is exquisite and the behind the scenes wedding video posted on Facebook has 4+ Million views! Congratulations by the way! Written with Mark Bright and Chris Stevens, can you talk about the songwriting process behind this personal song about your now-husband Ryan Growney?
SB: It was such an easy write! Sometimes you don’t know what to expect. Especially when you’ve never written with the other two writers. We started to write and then came this love song that talked about how easy things are with the right one.
CN: In addition to the beautiful ballad, the fact that you wrote a letter at 14 years old to your future husband, and then read it to Ryan, has plucked at everyone’s heartstrings. Looking back it’s such a wonderful thing to have done and to be able to share with Ryan, but do you remember what inspired you to write such a letter at that age?
SB: I have always been a hopeless romantic, so I’m not shocked that I sat in my room and wrote that. I have journaled my whole life and often wrote about love. The letter was proof to Ryan that I had been waiting and loved him my entire life.
CN: You had a residency at The Santa Fe Station & Casino in Las Vegas. How does having a residency help you grow as an artist? Please take us through one of your shows.
SB: The most important thing as an artist is to keep performing. You always have room for growth. I was challenged every night to be better than the last. I’m high energy, spontaneous and totally invested in each show.
CN: Do you have a dream collaboration in mind?
SB: I would love to do something with Brooks & Dunn or Pink!
CN: If you could describe yourself with one word, what would it be and why?
SB: Compassionate. I really try to understand feelings of where someone else is coming from. Sometimes it’s a positive thing and other times it’s not, but I try to be empathetic.
CN: What’s ahead for you in 2018?
SB: Lots of songwriting!
For more information Sierra Black, visit her website at https://sierrablack.com/ and follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.