Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarina-Joi Crowe.
Hi Sarina-Joi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began performing at the age of 10, mostly in my small hometown of Columbia, TN. I was raised in a Baptist Church and really found my voice there! Eventually, I wanted to pursue music and performing outside of church and my mother – acting as my manager – began to book me for whatever we could find around town. I would perform at Gala’s, parties, coffee shops, even rallies for local politicians. Eventually by the time I was a teenager I was beginning to write my own music and so we moved on to auditioning for various talent agencies and recording original music to hopefully acquire some sort of record deal. We were mostly just looking for any opportunity to jumpstart my career outside of my hometown. That opportunity came in the form of American Idol. I auditioned for the first time at 15 and made it not only to Hollywood, but into to the top 100 contestants of Season 10. I actually ended up returning to American Idol for three more seasons – 12, 13, 14 – and during the 14th season, when I was 19 years old, I made it to the top 12 contestants on the show!
That experience really served as a crash course in understanding the larger spectrum of both the music industry and what I could accomplish. I like to say I wouldn’t be who I was today as a performer if I hadn’t spent the time I did on American Idol. I made as many friends as I did family and realized that the community that surrounded you was the true key to how little or how much success you garnered. Having the support and guidance of the peers around you was and is everything to me. I also realized very young that my goal was never to be famous, but to enjoy making music and to be able to make a sustainable career out of it in some way shape or form.
I ended up starting my own band – Blaque Top Blonde – as well as performing background and studio vocals for different artists. Eventually, I made the decision to move to Nashville from Columbia when I was 23. My original goal was to have a rock band, and to break into the scene however I could. I realized that being apart of the Nashville music community was something really special! I went to jams and shows around town like Soul Vibes, and Sunday Night Soul and tried to make friends and meet as many fellow musicians as I could. I got the opportunity through doing so to join the BB Kings All Star’s Band – the house band at BB King’s Blues Club (formerly on 2nd Ave). There, I learned so much through the musicianship of some of the absolute best players in Nashville. Outside of that, I began to perform at several different local venues like Acme Feed and Seed, Bourbon St. Blues and Boogie Bar with a host of different incredible bands like Sam McCrary and The Mix as well as others! I’ve been grateful to be recommended for different opportunities to both tour and sing background vocals for some amazing artists like – Wyn Starks, Morgan, Eric Church, and NEETOBREATHE. Most if not all of those opportunities came from recommendations from amazing and talented friends who I got to know through the Nashville music scene.
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?
The road was definitely bumpy. It’s always hard attempting to find your voice – especially while doing something as large as American Idol. I struggled with the expectations that came with TV, and being judged on a national stage. While it was a dream of an opportunity – it came with a lot of scrutiny, some of which I still have insecurities from. It was also extremely hard to find my way as a full time musician during the pandemic. I had only just stopped working a day job as the pandemic unfolded and it felt like all of the momentum I had gained had come to a crashing halt, like I’m sure it did for every other aspiring artist and working musician in our town. It took a lot to keep going – but I was encouraged by seeing my peers also rise to the occasion and band around each other as best as we could! I am grateful to still be able to do what I love and make a living doing so.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am mostly a vocalist, but I am also an acoustic guitar player! I write original music for myself and others, as well as sing in cover bands and do background vocal work for artists both live and in studio! I really am the most proud of having the opportunity to tour with large and well known artists and I am also the most proud of being able to make a living while living my dreams. I think what sets me apart from others is my ability to stand up for myself and other people and my loyalty and commitment to whatever project I’m working on. I am so grateful for the community around me and value the friendships I’ve made here. Again, almost all my opportunities have come from those relationships and having a genuine connection with the people who make up this incredible town. I am very proud to be apart of it!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for anyone just starting out would be to get to know your peers and make real, genuine, friends. I would also say to only compete with yourself. Go into rooms and listen and appreciate the talent of those around you. Try to learn something from them. Then, work on your own craft to get better, because you can always get better. Understand that the only person that can hinder you from excelling is yourself and make sure to be your best self no matter where you’re playing or who you’re playing with – because you never know who is watching!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarinajoi/
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/SarinaJoiMusic
