Rising Stars: Meet Sita Steele

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sita Steele.

Hi Sita, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Originally from Queens, New York, I started singing and composing for film and television after college. That post-college season was also filled with working random jobs and internships which seemed meaningless at the time. But, looking back, they were all just stepping stones to me being able to make a living as a freelance singer/songwriter. My internships and entry-level positions working for NYC music houses are what increased my knowledge of the music advertising realm, and I was able to gain experience working for clients.

In 2016, my husband and I moved to Nashville to pursue a different aspect of the music industry- songwriting for artists. In the process, we developed our own artist projects. Releasing music each year is what helped us to secure a music licensing deal. I also still continue to write/sing for the advertising world (alongside my husband for some projects, and solo on others).

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 would say that it has not been a smooth road. The random jobs that I worked along the way ( health club receptionist, publicist, waitress, substitute teacher) were extremely tiring and unfulfilling. I actually lost money when I accepted a music internship, as it was an unpaid position, and the work was not very “musical”. (However, it did pave the way for another position at a different music house down the road). Financially, this in-between season was the hardest season of my life. Ordering Chinese takeout for less than $10 was a splurge! Living in a tiny pest infested one-bedroom four-story walk up was also not the most glamorous. 🙂 Our studio set-up was in our living room and there was constant noise to work around. Living on the bare minimum definitely had its challenges. Emotionally, it was also very difficult to see past the grind, but I can say that I never did lose hope.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer and songwriter. I release music under the artist name SITA and Steelings, and I co-write with other artists, as well. I also sing and compose music for advertisements. I am most proud of the work that I create for my artist projects, as I am solely creating for myself and not for a client. I think my versatility as a singer is what sets me apart. I was trained classically, but enjoy singing in all styles- theatrical, folk, pop, etc. I also dabble in the voice-over world.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Accomplishing goals makes me happy. The process of creating makes me happy. Seeing an idea come to life makes me happy. I think that all humans are designed to create-whether or not we do it professionally. The fact that we can take nothing and make it something, or that we can take something that is not so good and make it better is what gives me deep satisfaction and fulfillment. I don’t know why it makes me so happy….it just does.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://sita-steele-kww8.squarespace.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sitamusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sitasmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx14b4kfEgAMkefeGT6bxtg
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/sitamusic
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3xaMeif5BSoyYAqHneI2T2?si=vZ_t3s4DRHmiT5oGQDNAYw

Image Credits
Cedrick Jones Pictures
Alice Mae Photography
Julia Cox