Sarah Potenza – Road to Rome

By starrymag | March 8, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound? 

A) I would describe it as truth telling swag, fun, indie R&B and the hotness. But I will say, I kind of hate doing that. There’s so much great music out there and I will never understand why people always want it to sound like something they have heard before.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Lizzo, Adele, Lady Gaga, Whitney, Yola Carter, Deva Mahal, Mary J… whatever feels good to me

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “I Work For Me.”

A) Growing up the people around me seemed to be so uninspired – so limited and resigned to just living life. And so when I came around being like, “I am gonna do this, and that, and this….” they were like, “Yeah, whatever. What makes you think you can?” I remember having a college professor tell me that it was nice that I wanted to sing, but we can’t all just do what we want. She said, “How are you gonna win your bread? How are you gonna make a living?” So, this one’s for her.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think they like the Cinderella story of it all and the swag.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

A) It really depends on the song, but typically I like to have a central Idea to work around. Because the lyrics dictate the mood.

Q) I know Jordan Brooke Hamlin handled the production on your upcoming album, but how much of hand do you have in the production side of your music? 

A) Jordan protected me from my own self-doubts and from allowing others to make me question my instincts. There’s so much more to producing then “production.” That’s just the mechanics. I would say that I was very engaged, but she was driving.

Q) Road to Rome comes out on March 8th, 2019. How do you plan to celebrate the release?

A) I am gonna be in Houston performing at The Mucky Duck. I’ll prob have a moment of, “Wow, I did that. I DID THAT!!!” And then go back to the hustle.

Q) Why was it so important to you to release the album on International Women’s Day?

A) This entire album is told from a female perspective. So, it just seemed like the perfect date for the release.

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new album Road to Rome as a whole?

A) I hope they will feel worthy of more. Empowered and ready to let go of shame and tell the haters, bye.

Q) What can fans expect from a live Sarah Potenza performance?

A) Costumes, fat ass dancing and lots of joy.

Q) We loved seeing you on “The Voice.” What advice did mentor Blake Shelton offer that you took to heart?

A) He told me that he hates when people wear jeans and a t-shirt onstage. Now I dress up for every show.

Q) Have you stayed in touch with him since your time on the show?

A) No, those coaches are so busy. I think they stay in touch with very few of us.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Lady GaGa

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) Yola Carter’s new stuff.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) Because you really can connect with them.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Oh wow, I would like to thank them. There’s really no words that can thank them enough for giving me these opportunities.