In the world of music, young prodigies often face the significant challenge of transitioning from child stardom to broader renown. The remarkable tale of Sierra Jean, discovered on YouTube at merely eleven years old, testifies to the power of tenacity and determination amidst familiar curveballs and extraordinary difficulties.
Propelled by her unmistakable talent, Sierra Jean journeyed to Los Angeles multiple times a year in her early adolescence, collaborating with Hollywood veterans on writing, recording demos, and filming music videos. This exposure led to pitching sessions with major label executives, and by fourteen, Sierra owned an impressive discography and an equally impressive fan base of over two hundred thousand followers across various social media platforms in 2016. But her journey was unexpectedly derailed when, in February 2016, she was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a chronic illness that causes dizziness and, in severe cases, syncope.
Faced with the appalling reality of her illness and the potential end of her blossoming career, Sierra posed herself a heartbreaking question, “Will I ever be able to perform again?” Yet, throughout the challenging years that followed, when her symptoms were so severe that she had to periodically use a wheelchair, Sierra’s passion for music remained unquenched. Her guitar proved a loyal companion, offering solace during respite periods.
Eventually, her indefatigable determination to fight her illness shone through. Eager to resume her recording career, she chose to attend Belmont University, often hailed as the Top Music Business School in the Country by Billboard. Against the backdrop of her childhood fame, Sierra recognized the imperative need to assert her distinct musical identity. Consequently, she decided to undertake Belmont’s music business production program, believing it would equip her with the skills to take control of her own production and pave her way into a new era of her career.
To mark her triumphant return and the tenth anniversary of her first single, Sierra Jean revisited her hit song “all that I want,” injecting the lyrics with a revised narrative and showcasing her new Pop Rock sound. Recorded in Nashville, TN, at the Grammy-nominated Welcome to 1979 studios, the reimagined single served as an anthem of gratitude, acknowledging her stalwart supporters from the past and welcoming newfound fans. “It is a nod to those that stuck by me and a welcome to those who are just learning who I am,” she affirms.
Born in Long Island, NY, in 2001 and moving to Charlotte, NC, at age eight, Sierra Jean was no stranger to the stage. Her early days saw her cover classic rock hits by bands like Journey and Bon Jovi, kindling a lifelong passion for rock that heavily flavors her present sound. Lyrically, Sierra draws inspiration from Jon Bellion, renowned for his metaphorical lyricism and recent Album of The Year nomination for producing and writing Jon Batiste’s album, World Music Radio. Her forthcoming singles “This Far” and “Rose colored glasses” undoubtedly bear the influence of Bellion’s resonant songwriting.
Seven years since her unplanned hiatus, Sierra Jean eagerly anticipates her return to the public eye. More prepared, healthier, and stronger than before, she is ready to seize her place in the spotlight. Reflecting upon her past struggles with her illness, she expresses a profound sense of belief that everything happens for a reason. Further illustrating this point, she explains how her hiatus allowed her to reassess old contracts from her childhood, where she discovered she did not own her master recordings, nor was she eligible to collect money from them. Her experience with POTS and the resulting break in her career inadvertently freed her from an exploitative contract, giving her newfound independence.
Sierra Jean stands as an emblem of resilience and determination, overcoming health and industry obstacles and emerging stronger with each challenge. Her remarkable journey is a testament to the potent combination of talent, resolve, and an indomitable spirit. As she steps back into the music world, she symbolizes a beacon of hope and a testament to the truth, aptly reflecting the quote, “Got knocked down, but I got up again.” Dive deep into her music journey on her Instagram (www.instagram.com/sierrajeanmusic) and Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/6GcH42mEkAgA5Lavjn8v7U?si=ifvJEv8iQ3SbugkOK–CVQ
Expect powerful songs that echo her passion, strength, and resilience.
