Daily Inspiration: Meet Sarah Steil

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Steil.

Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Sarah Avery Steil. I grew up in the Western Suburbs of Chicago – attended Catholic school from K-8th and finished up my 8th-grade year in Telluride, Colorado where I really started to hone in on songwriting.

Songwriting was and is therapeutic for me, as it is for many who indulge in the craft. When the decision to pick a college became pertinent, I made sure to choose a place where music was happening.

I attended Vanderbilt University and majored in Psychology & Business while working on music with friends in the industry. At Vanderbilt, I was a part of the Vanderbilt Recording Studio where I met a friend I still work with, Ari Bradshaw, who I will be releasing more songs with soon!

I took a songwriting class with Deanna Walker, who challenged my writing in many ways & taught me the importance of re-writing and strengthening the willingness to create something that truly connects with an audience because it supports the central topic of a song… something I am still learning.

Through Deanna, I met Shannon Sanders in Fido’s on the 21st, and at the time, I did not know how much that introduction would mean to me.

Shannon has helped me grow in so many ways and I am forever grateful. He took me into his studio and mentored me when I needed someone. College was no walk in the park for me – I had many moments of doubt and a lack of a foundation and Shannon became that for me whether he knows that or not. I remember dropping everything to head to the studio with him and just create.

He really showed me what I was capable of and helps me believe in myself. For that – I will always be grateful… somewhat of a guardian angel who showed up at the right time. He truly took me from a girl who shyly said she could write songs to a confident, purposeful, and strong individual who now owns it.

With Shannon – I released “For You” and it’s a song I’m very proud of. It’s the first song I wrote with him and that’s what makes it special. Moreover, it showcases my philosophy on love & life and the importance of staying open despite what happens to you. I look forward to releasing more songs we have together someday.

(Some advice… If you’re lucky enough to have someone who is willing to mentor you because they believe in you – don’t take it for granted and embrace every second of it… & make sure they know how much they mean to you)

As for my current projects, I have been keeping busy so I won’t be able to name them all… but I feel blessed to be able to work with some extremely talented and inspiring individuals.

To name a few – Lockwood Barr and I wrote a song together called “Look At Us” and we recently recorded it with Ryan Prewett & Cris Condon on guitar. Everybody rocked this one and I can’t wait for you all to hear it.

(Ryan and I wrote a song “West Side” together which will be on its way too!)

Lockwood is the sister I never had and enters a room with humor that everyone needs. I’m lucky to have her in my life and can’t wait for you all to hear the song we wrote.

Another song I have coming out is with some insanely talented and down-to-earth friends that I met while I worked at Barcelona Wine Bar- John The DropOut and Arlo. Our song, Daddy’s Card, brings out an alter ego classy badass in me that I don’t think anyone saw coming… but emphasizes how cheaters make me feel.

Writing it was a lot of fun. It was the first time I co-wrote with more than one other person and it was amazing. I was like… holy shit… there are people that think in song – words, phrases, melodies, noises, – like me! Ha. Finally felt like I was at home.

Currently, I have been doing lots of writing and am getting ready for release & performance season. Thank you to everyone who has been working with me…some others I didn’t get to name but help bring so much to life… you guys know you are.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been frustrating at times. I had tears prior to releasing “For You” because the song was sitting for a while and I just wanted it out into the world. Sitting on projects can get rough at times when it feels like it’s out of your control and you just want to get the ball rolling to keep growing your career.

I’ve also experienced lots of loneliness. At times, I get down because music seems to be my only constant but then I remind myself of all the wonderful moments this passion has brought me — from the people I have met to the songs I have been able to create… I wouldn’t trade it for the world… but I do think artists need to remember that their mental health is important.

It can be hard to find friends who TRULY support your dream and at times I feel like I’m still searching for my core community so it really can feel lonely times.

This transfers into a write too – I’ve experienced social anxiety and it’s something I’m working through… because I really want to be able to be as vulnerable as I can in a write and performance so I can connect with people.

It’s a process… but the self-growth aspect is what makes this avenue intriguing to me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Beyond music, I’m super into fitness.

I used to be underweight in high school and did not have the best relationship with food. I was unhealthily skinny and didn’t feel good about who I was or what I looked like.

Currently, I am a total gym rat with a great relationship with food. I lift weights and feel strong and good about myself. Fitness empowers me and I’m a nerd at heart so I’m also working on getting certified as a personal trainer because just lifting isn’t enough for me… I like to understand processes.

What matters most to you?
Filling in the dash.

On your tombstone, there is a date for the day you are born, a dash, and a date for your last day on earth.

I seek to make the most of my life and will never take a second for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/sarahsteilmusic
• Instagram: @sarahsteilmusic
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2XLzPvnK1dOrux1lA9EEgp?si=rZlILfkYSPKW5CQlTJo2fA

Image Credits
Cedrick Jones