Today we’d like to introduce you to Luana Sandoval.
Hi Luana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was fourteen years old, I was bullied in school for being different. I had no friends to talk to. All I had was a notebook which became my journal and companion. I shared my deepest thoughts that I could not articulate with anyone. One day, I picked up my mom’s guitar in the music room and played random chords. Eventually, I added lyrics while strumming the guitar. And so, my first song “Who am I” was born.
Over the years I wrote more songs about my life experiences and people who I dearly loved. The song Sin Ti is dedicated to my Nicaraguan aunt which is featured on my first EP Love. When I played the song for her after my first trip to New York, she was so touched and cried.
From that moment on, I knew I was meant to be a storyteller and touch people’s hearts with my original songs rather than becoming an opera singer.
Looking back on my studies in opera singing at the Saarland University of Music in Germany, I always felt out of place because I wanted to rearrange opera arias and art songs and bring my own essence into it.
I appreciate the vocal technique and knowledge in music theory and composition which I gained. It helped me propel my career as a singer and songwriter.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I finished my opera studies in July of 2016 and had no blueprint how to get into the industry. This was not taught during my studies. The only way I knew was auditioning in theaters for leading roles or the opera choir. Without an agent and freshly graduated from my studies it was unlikely to be invited to audition. I was asking myself how I can build a sustainable career and become in demand. I made a bold choice and visited New York for three months to figure out how the music industry works over there. I went to as many open calls as possible which I found on Backstage.com. Eventually I joined a workshop on how to audition for Broadway with one of the cast members of Hamilton. I learned what casting directors are looking for and how to put a compelling theatre resume together and which headshots work best. During my trip I met music producer Peter Bliss who wrote Emotion for Barbra Streisand. He listened to my demo song Love and suggested to work with producer Mark Roos.
I was very excited to work with him and let him bring my songs to life. Mark introduced me to his world of writing music for film and TV. He encouraged me to pursue songwriting over auditioning for Broadway where the chances to get cast are very slim.
We worked on four songs, two in English and two in Spanish which ended up being on my first EP called Love. Furthermore he offered me a visa sponsorship.
Two years later my artist visa was approved and I bought a one way ticket to New York.
I was ready to follow my dreams and challenge myself. The first year was very trying and I really had to find a way to sustain myself while also building relationships in the music industry. Fast forward I met music producer Ethan James who produced my songs United and Adiós. I submitted these songs to Judy Stakee and was accepted to participate in her songwriting retreat in Nashville.
Another highlight was that I met Madonna’s former percussionist Miroca Paris and we wrote the song La Soledad together.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in vocal performance and songwriting. I’m blending my classically trained vocals with pop music and Latin pop. I’m currently working on my upcoming show with my band at Smash Studios on July 18th. It’s an extensive setlist of original songs and cover songs blending contemporary pop opera and Latin pop into each other. People always ask me what my music sounds like. My answer is “Sarah Brightman meets Gloria Estefan with a touch of Madonna.”
It makes people curious to listen to my music and attend my shows.
I’m proud of myself that I produced three shows with my band and that I’m able to be a good band leader. The last show at the Williamsburg Music Center was recorded and I recently released my album on my Bandcamp page. You can listen here:
https://luanasandoval.bandcamp.com/album/one-night-in-williamsburg
This upcoming show is by far my largest production including a video production, audio production and lighting production team. I also picked the costumes for my band and myself for both sets. Every detail has been carefully thought through.
From the order of the songs to costumes to lighting effects.
The venue has limited capacity and tickets are still available here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/luana-sandoval-live-at-smash-studios-tickets-1988865366851?aff=oddtdtcreator
What sets me apart from others is that I invest in my career and take financial risks knowing that I might loose money if I don’t sell enough tickets and end up paying out of pocket. I see the bigger picture and visualize how this live recorded show can be a stepping stone to connect with the right agent who can see my vision as well as having my project for Grammy consideration on the ballot.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has been my companion since I made the decision at age 19 to pursue music professionally.
It led me to American Idol season 19 as well as gave me the opportunity in Nashville to put a TV show together for songwriters.
Furthermore I was able to get an agent in Tennessee who got me a part as a featured actor in the movie Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas.
In July 2025 I finally became a voting member of the recording academy. It was my fourth attempt!
Regarding bad luck I see it as a warning from God. It was not meant to be.
Pricing:
- $100 p.h. for vocals, songwriting or piano
- $300 for shows
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luanasandoval.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luanasandoval.official/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Luana.Sandoval.Official/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luana-sandoval-20b9b118a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@luanasandoval
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/luana-sandoval-live-at-smash-studios-tickets-1988865366851?msockid=0036d3e129f56ea01ec3c59c289a6f8d
