Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Sierra Levesque
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My earliest memory connected to music would probably be watching Avril Lavigne perform on TV. My parents always had music videos, live performances, and award shows playing around the house when I was really young, so I grew up constantly surrounded by music. Seeing artists perform with that much energy and emotion at such an early age definitely helped shape my love for music and made me want to become a performer myself.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
My passion for creating music really began when I started taking piano, singing, and music theory lessons at the age of seven. Around that same time, I wrote my first song and began performing at small open mics and showcases. Getting the chance to perform live so early on gave me a lot of confidence and made me realize how much I loved connecting with people through music, which motivated me to keep pursuing it more seriously.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
My newest single, “UNDERMINED,” was released everywhere on May 15 alongside an official music video. I wrote the song as an anthem of anger and empowerment for anyone who has ever been lied to, manipulated, or made to feel small. It’s really about reclaiming your power and refusing to let those experiences define you. The music video visually reflects those emotions as well, capturing the intensity and raw energy of performing the song live.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I would describe my sound as a heavier version of Avril Lavigne mixed with elements of Joan Jett, Scorpions, and Heart. I love combining the energy and attitude of classic rock with a modern, catchy edge. The music is built around heavy guitars, memorable melodies, and vocals that can be both powerful and sweet depending on the emotion of the song.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
One thing I’ve learned that completely changed the way I make music is that people do not want to hear a carbon copy of another artist, they want to hear what makes you unique. Once I realized that, I stopped worrying so much about fitting into a certain mold and focused more on writing honestly about my own emotions and experiences. Every song I write comes from something real that I genuinely feel, and I believe that authenticity is what truly connects with people. I know that by staying true to myself creatively, the music will eventually reach the right audience.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
The essential tools in my creative process are definitely my instruments and recording setup. I play and record all of the instruments on my songs myself, including guitars, bass, drums, synthesizers, and vocals, so having access to all of those instruments is a huge part of how I build my sound. I record everything in Logic Pro and use AmpliTube for many of my guitar tones and amp settings. Once the songs are fully recorded, I work closely with my guitar teacher and mentor, Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, who helps mix and master the tracks with me remotely through Zoom.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I am loving my friend’s band Employee of the Month! They rock!
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My personal experiences have heavily influenced both the way I write songs and the messages behind them. A lot of my music comes from real emotions, situations I’ve personally gone through, or experiences I’ve witnessed happen to other people. When something impacts me emotionally, I try to channel that into a song in a way that feels honest and relatable. My goal is always to create music that can help listeners feel understood or less alone if they are going through something similar themselves.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope listeners take away feelings of empowerment, honesty, and connection from my music. A lot of the songs come from real emotions and experiences, so I want people to feel like they are not alone in whatever they may be going through. Whether the song is angry, emotional, uplifting, or vulnerable, my goal is always to make listeners feel understood while also giving them energy, confidence, or comfort through the music.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
The most important lesson music has taught me so far is to never give up, because the next great opportunity, connection, or breakthrough could always be right around the corner. Building a career in music comes with a lot of challenges, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty, but I’ve learned that persistence is everything. Every show, song, or person you meet can potentially lead to something life-changing, so staying passionate, continuing to improve, and believing in yourself even during difficult moments is incredibly important.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
My dream venue has always been Wembley Stadium in London and it would be so cool to perform at the Sweden Rock Music Festival too.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Tobias Forge of Ghost. They are my favorite band and I love all the music that they write and release. It would be so cool to work with him!
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
You can find me on all social media accounts under the name @sierralevesquemusic, and I am Sierra Levesque on all streaming platforms.
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Looking toward the future, my dream for the next chapter of my musical journey is to continue growing as both an artist and performer while reaching more people around the world with my music. I would love to tour internationally, perform bigger festivals and venues, and continue building a strong community of listeners who genuinely connect with the songs. Most importantly, I want to keep helping lead a new generation of rock music by staying authentic to who I am creatively and continuing to release music that feels honest, powerful, and real.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope listeners explore all of the music I’ve released and realize that the songs come from real emotions and experiences that so many people can relate to. My goal is to share honest, authentic messages about things people often feel but sometimes struggle to express themselves. More than anything, I hope the music helps listeners feel understood, connected, and less alone in whatever they may be going through.
