Introducing… Sandra Lynn

This California native recently released her debut EP, which was produced by Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus. Heavily influenced by many of country music’s greatest females, including Trisha Yearwood and the Dixie Chicks, Sandra’s music is a breath of fresh air in the current bro-country dominated format.

CountryMusicIsLove recently caught up with Sandra to talk about her influences, her EP, and more. See what she had to say below…

CMIL: Who are some of your musical inspirations?

I’ve always loved listening to both pop and country music—falling in love with singer-songwriters from a young age like Jewel and Michelle Branch and country music favorites like Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Dixie Chicks, Sara Evans, and Trisha Yearwood. I really feel like these were the ladies that impacted me in the music I’m making now because of the intimacy and emotion these powerhouse vocalists were able to deliver through the stories told in their music. Some of the artists that currently inspire me with their music and songwriting continue to be Sara Evans as well as Sheryl Crow and Sara Bareilles, to name a few.

CMIL: What’s the story behind the focus track on your EP, “You Belong?”

I love the positive message behind “You Belong”; the message that no matter the negative circumstances that may be surrounding you, you must find the courage to let go of negativity, realize your self-worth, and know you have a special place in this world—each one of us was made beautiful and unique. I so enjoyed working with Jay DeMarcus [of Rascal Flatts] in the studio on this track as well as Trey Fanjoy on the development of this message into a music video of which I’m very proud. Since the video’s debut on CMT’s website and Pure channel, I have received positive stories from people all over the world about how this video and song have helped them through a hard time. It’s that kind of feedback from fans that keeps me doing what I love each day and aspiring to touch others’ lives through my music.

CMIL: How did you react the first time you saw your music video on TV?

I was so excited for the once in a lifetime moment, that I rushed to grab my cell phone and took a TON of pictures. I was so honored, proud, humbled, and grateful all at the same time.

CMIL: What’s next for you – Are you working on an EP? Album? If so, what can fans expect from it?

I recently released a lyric video for “You Belong” that features the students of Holy Trinity Montessori School based here in Nashville. I’ve also been writing with a lot of the amazing songwriters, working to find the next batch of songs I plan to go into the studio with. I’m also currently working on some exciting tour dates.

CMIL: What’s on your country music bucket list as an artist?

Performing at the Ryman Auditorium and Bridgestone Arena are two of my aspirations for my career. The Ryman is such a special sanctuary that has been graced by so many country music legends — you can just feel the energy in that building. I absolutely love seeing artists play there, and hope I get to do the same soon one day. Bridgestone arena is also at the top of my list because I would love the thrill of performing in front of such a large crowd of people in a town full of passion for country music.

CMIL: If you could tour with any artist, who would it be and why?

When I first saw that Sara Evans and Rascal Flatts would be touring together this year, I about died — one of my favorite female country music artists, and one of my favorite country music groups — artists whose music I’ve been a fan of since the day their first single came out. I have to say it’d be pretty cool to be on tour with the Rascal Flatts and Sara Evans — if they ever decide to team up again.