We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Lightman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?

The most important factor behind the success I’ve had so far would be consistency and integrity. I would say I’ve been learning the definition of those things time and time again because the demand for content is so high, and with technology people don’t have the biggest amount of patience or attention span. With that being said, it’s sometimes hard to gage the balance between pretending I’m a robot to please the demand of others, and deciding what consistency means to me. It’s always been obvious that strong character definitely goes into the mix, without choosing to build character with quality habits, consistency won’t succeed. I think consistency for me means to show up on the daily in some fashion to grow. Maybe that’s researching and learning, therapy and personal growth, or creating content and music. More and more I’ve been realizing that rest and play is also an important thing to also work in consistently so I can be inspired and make time for everything. Some call that self care, but I would say those are the things that keep me going and growing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well, life as an artist is all kinds of crazy! By crazy I mean full of surprises, twists, and turns. It’s an unpredictable field at times as a musician, but sharing my soul to help make the world better is incredibly fulfilling! I choose to advocate for mental health through music. That doesn’t mean I’m going to take you to therapy, or be your therapist by any means. It’s just about talking about my own human journey, overcoming obstacles, and just experiencing the many facets of life inside and out. 

I started out professionally as a street performer figuring out how to make an impact on people who could care less about hearing music as they walked to their car with their shopping bags and takeout. Then I started getting into playing at restaurants, street performing at Universal CityWalk, LA, while releasing songs, and working my way through the farmer and flee market circuit. Little by little I started playing festivals, venues, and released more music. Picked up a few sponsors along the way that excited me. Even when the pandemic hit, and I got hit with a lot of life, I kept going and I’m proud of myself for following through no matter what. Even this year has definitely had its challenges and things I needed to let go of and overcome. It hasn’t been easy by any means, but I do my best to use it all as an opportunity for growth. I feel like with the tools I’ve discovered through all the adversity, I’m most excited to keep bettering myself and finding the results through it that will better me as an artist, a human, and a professional. I think I’d like the world to recognize and remember me for my voice, and see me as an artist that brings them a side of joy that they have yet to discover till now. I want them to know that I promise to consistently strive for organic connection and quality songs.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Ah man, this is a funny one. I’ve lived in Nashville almost 2 years, so I’m still learning the area, but I will say I often find myself taking friends and family to a few particular areas. Depending on the weather I’ve taken people to Frothy Monkey and L&L Market for breakfast, The Parthenon if it’s sunny, and then I in the evening, I’m always up for East Nashville. Specifically, I LOVE taking people to HoneyTree Meadery for wine, games, and fire dancers. Sometimes I’ll also take people to Rosemary & Beauty queen just up the street. One of the first gigs I played in Nashville was at HoneyTree, and I really loved the community and the experience of the whole spot! For live music it all depends on what you’re looking for! If it’s a songwriter round I love supporting Stevie and Kiernan who host Pindrop on Sundays at Sonny’s or at The Basement. For just some good vibes music with a hang, I discovered Van Gogh’s Ear hosts live music in their backyard some nights. I tend to steer people away from Broadway and the more touristy areas. I prefer more intimate venues like Jane’s Hideaway or The Bowery Vault. If I want to see a bigger show The Ryman and Bridgestone area great! There’s still so many venues I’ve been meaning to go to, but there are so many good picks. I would probably start with all of those!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Ah man! That’s so hard. I feel like every person has played an important part in my story, even if they were a villain, or someone I met very briefly. If I were to choose though for 2023 I would shout out my close friends, my family and my live streaming community of fans. These people have really been there for me this year. Even when I was in a dark place in my head, hesitant, guarded, hard on myself, falling on my face, you name it! They still showed up consistently and lifted me up. They have drastically helped me change my life for the better. Some days I question am I doing it right? Am I enough? They reflect back the things I not only need to hear, but they feel heard too! I think that’s really special and a rare find. It’s a lot easier to be successful in various areas when there is a sense of community support. We don’t necessarily have to agree on anything, but we have similar values, beliefs, have a desire to grow and raise the average in the room, and most importantly there is mutual respect. It really goes a long way!

Website: https://www.sarah-lightman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahlightman/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-lightman-44420653/

Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/sarahlightman/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahlightmansings/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarahlightman

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahlightman https://www.twitch.tv/sarahlightman https://discord.com/invite/sarahlightman LISTEN TO MY LATEST RELEASE: https://listen.sarah-lightman.com/willistaysilent

Image Credits
Mellie J Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.