Interview with talented singer-songwriter Sandra Lynn

Lynn’s emotionally-charged single for her latest video, “Lose the War,” world premiered on CMT and Parade.com. The rising country songstress also teamed up with GRAMMY-nominated DJ and producer Morgan Page to drop an upbeat, dance remix to the track. “Lose the War” and “Am I Just Dreaming” continue the second chapter of a musical chronicle that Lynn kicked off with her Fight EP last year.

Hi Sandra, please tell us a little about you?

I’m a Southern California girl—born and raised. I started singing when I was seven years old, and while I listened to lots of different types of music growing up, I’ve always loved country music the most and knew that’s what I wanted to write and sing about when I grew up.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Loyal, fun, driven

We’re sure you have been asked this a million times but how did you get in the industry?

I had always written whether it was journaling in a poetic way or coming up with my own lyrics, but it wasn’t until after college that I put my focus on setting lyrics to melodies, working with other songwriters in Los Angeles, and eventually heading to Nashville. In 2014, I released my debut EP, produced by Jay DeMarcus (of Rascal Flatts) and have been writing, recording, and performing country music ever since.

Describe your sound in 3 words?

SoCal meets (the) South.

Do you play any instrument?

I play a little piano for myself that helps when I’m fiddling around with a song idea or practicing my music

Who influenced you and why did you choose to make and write music?

There were so many strong, female country artists that impacted me growing up like Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Deana Carter, and Shania Twain among others, and it was their music—their storytelling songs and powerful voices, that inspired me to want to aspire to make the kind of music they did, when I began to pursue this as a career

Do you ever get nervous?

Oh sure–I always get those initial butterflies before any performance or sometimes when performing new music, but I appreciate those nerves as they keep me on my toes when getting to do what I love.

What is your next goal as a musician?

At the beginning of last year, I wanted to start a project that essentially reflected ‘three chapters’ of music, that through the music, followed the storyline of one couple in the push and pull, in’s and out’s of their relationship. I wanted every song I chose for this project to allow the listener to dive into the couple’s emotional journey, telling a story in a linear way—very much like old records used to do. “Lose the War” kicked off the ‘second chapter’ of music for this project and I look forward to releasing the ‘third chapter’ next year, as well as continuing to record/perform as an artist, connecting with fans and folks all over the globe through my music.

Now tell us about your new single and video of “Lose the War”?

“Lose the War,” written by Emily Shackelton, Phil Barton, and Cameron Jaymes, is a song about calling an end to an argument, waving the white flag, and rising above the petty fighting in order to save the relationship. We shot the music video for it in downtown Los Angeles, under the direction of husband/wife duo, Brandon Hess and Tara Tucker, and I can’t believe we’ve had over one million views on YouTube with this one—I am so honored and grateful to all who’ve watched, listened to, and shared “Lose the War” thus far.

How was working with GRAMMY-nominated DJ and producer Morgan Page?

Amazing—it was fun hearing how Morgan took the original production which was very much rooted in country music, and transcended two genres—country and EDM, with a perfect blend between the organic instrumental elements and the synth elements he included

What are the five things you can’t live without?

Salty foods (and water because I like salty foods), cats because I love them and all animals for that matter, wine because…it’s wine, my family and friends, and of course, music.

What is your favorite song? And why?

I really can’t pick just one favorite, but if I had to pick one that really impacted me, it’s Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine.” I remember the first time I heard it on the radio as a child, and it’s the song that made me want to sing country music.

Any loves other than music?

God, my husband/family, best friends, animals, cooking, a good glass of red wine or bourbon, sleeping in.

If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?

Jesus Christ…for the obvious reasons.

Best advice ever given?

Be yourself, trust the timing of things, and it doesn’t matter how many ‘No’s’ you get. You only need one ‘Yes.’

What’s next for Sandra Lynn in 2019?

I’m looking forward to my next single release this fall—right around the corner!

How’s a typical day in your life?

It depends on the day, but it usually includes music in some form whether its writing, recording, listening, performing, practicing, gearing up for a release, thinking ahead…food, of course ‘cause we all need to eat, and usually at least one episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S in the evening.

Name one your strengths?

Positivity…there’s always a silver lining

Idea of a perfect Sunday?

Church in the morning with my husband, lunch after, then hanging with our cats at home relaxing, playing cards, watching our favorite TV shows, with a nice glass of wine in hand…I know, sounds WILD.

Do you support any charities?

There are many different organizations my husband and I support, but some of my favorites are the California Wildlife Center, BestFriends.org, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine of USC.

What is your favorite healthy food?

A fresh cut of sashimi and a simple, but delicious salad.

And your favorite cheat food?

Anything salty (except for cheese…I know, I’m weird)

How do you see yourself in 5 years?

Making music on the daily, part of a stadium tour playing throughout the U.S. as well as internationally, balanced with having a beautiful family and some downtime in between.

How would you describe your fashion style?

Boho-chic meets timeless-classic.

What do you think of Social Media?

I think there are a lot of positives to it, and I also feel there are a lot of negatives to it…I’ll just leave it at that.

Where we can follow you?

@sandralynnmusic on social media, and my website sandralynnmusic.com

Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” –Eleanor Roosevelt

Song: “The House that Built Me” –Miranda Lambert

Movie: Back to the Future, Part 1

Travel Destination: Israel or Kenya

Food: I love some good sushi or a delicious bowl of homemade pasta

Sports Team: Angels baseball, Lakers basketball, Ducks hockey, Cowboys football, Rafael Nadal tennis, and the U.S. soccer team of course