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

Hi Sarah, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Pursuing the arts was never really a choice. Creativity has always lived inside me. As a child, you’d find me running around the house with a toy microphone, studying Taylor Swift documentaries, and coming up with choreography in my bedroom. Even in school, I would create songs to remember information for tests and would sometimes space out and dream about my future as a performer. I wanted nothing more than to be on stage.

Throughout my childhood, I would go to my dads corporate office in NYC. I would sit there and color while telling his assistant I would never work in an office. I thought it was stuffy and boring.

When I was about 10 or 11, my grandma took me to see my first musical, “Carousel”. I was in awe of the production, and I remember thinking “this is what I’m going to do with my life,” and I’ve stuck to that promise ever since. Performing is in my blood and singing is my form of self expression. There’s nothing else in the world I’d rather do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets me apart as an artist is what sets everyone apart, their individuality. We were all created divinely unique, and I use that as empowerment in my creative life.

My songs are truly my heart and my story. Singing and coming up with melodies is my soul’s form of expression. When I feel low, I sing. When I feel good, I sing. Not to sound incredibly corny, but melodies just fly out of me. That’s how I got my start in writing! I was so broken hearted from a break up that I would just sing out loud as I walked the streets of New York. I then started recording these songs to a click track and eventually put down simple piano chords. Writing healed my broken heart.

Throughout my whole life, I’ve struggled with anxiety. It was so bad as a child, that every time I would go up on stage my whole body would shake. It wasn’t until college that I was able to overcome my stage fright due to amazing mentors and working on my self esteem. I remember singing at home feeling so confident, and then, once I hit the stage, I felt frozen and afraid.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend in town, I would first take them to my favorite breakfast place in East Nashville, Sky Blue Cafe! It’s so cozy there, and I love their food! I would then take them to my favorite coffee spot, Game Point, where we would sip on our drinks, chat, and play a board game!

After that, we’d go for a walk at Centennial Park. I go there almost daily to walk around and clear my thoughts. Later in the evening, I would bring them to a local writers round so they can see some original music, (which personally I think should be exposed to more tourists)!

And to wrap up the night we would head to Printers Alleys for some jazz at Skull’s Rainbow Room and then, of course, walk the Broadway strip.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve had some incredible teachers and mentors in my life, but the people I’m most grateful for are my parents. Since childhood, they invested in my dream and put me into singing, acting and dance lessons. I was privileged to study at a NYC conservatory for musical theater in college. I have a distinct memory of my dad peeping his head through the window during my auditions. It was the sweetest thing.

I also want to recognize my incredible grandparents who would always encourage me to perform. When I was little, my grandpa (poppy) would give me and my brother a top hat and a cane, and we would put on shows in the living room.

Lastly, I want to thank my team and close friends: Morgan and Kate. They are helping me accomplish my goals as an artist and assist me in strategizing for my upcoming music releases. They always have my back when things get hard, and they continue to stand by and encourage me!

Website: https://www.sarahmanzo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmanzomusic/?hl=en

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

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.