Sisaundra: My biggest musical influence was actually my Mom, an unsung hero for God with a powerful anointed voice. She sang with such precision and conviction, and sitting under her anointing at Church as a little girl was spiritually thrilling for me and the congregation. I believe her influence, combined with their restrictions on secular music and no TV during my childhood, contributed to my unusually high level of inquisitiveness into my gift. Artists like Aretha Franklin, Charlie Pride, Celine Dion, Blake Shelton and many others also inspire me greatly.
Sisaundra: The story behind the song “You Remain” is quite amusing. While on season six of The Voice with Blake Shelton, I found a brand new pair of cowgirl boots that were gifted to me in my dressing room. Fast forward 10 years later, those same boots sparked a creative moment. I was inspired by those boots one morning getting ready for work to start singing and yodeling, eventually leading to the creation of the song, You Remain. Although when I got to work and shared it with my band, they weren’t keen on the yodeling part but they crafted an amazing arrangement, and together we wrote the lyrics. The song flowed effortlessly from us like a mighty rushing river.
Sisaundra: Unlike my usual process of writing lyrics to music arrangements, “You Remain” was born from a spontaneous melody that came to me while dancing around my home. I shared this melody with my band, FTC, and together we brought the song to life.
Sisaundra: Creating the music video for “You Remain” presented significant challenges. The most daunting obstacle occurred when we discovered that the files for the song had been compromised just before mixing. Despite the setback and a week-long delay, our tech team managed to recover the files, allowing us to proceed with the release. Additionally, filming the video was physically challenging due to a poor choice of boots that were cute as all get out, but painfully uncomfortable. Now that I think of it, I should’ve just worn my boots from my Blake days. Lol. Hindsight is 2020 they say.
Sisaundra: Patience was truly tested on every side during the video shoot, especially since we decided to explore various technologies and shooting techniques. Despite multiple retakes and the discomfort caused by them dang boots, I remained committed to getting it done. In the end, it really was fun.
Sisaundra: In my experience, the key to developing a good team lies in clear communication, trust, and allowing team members to exercise their creativity without micromanagement. Positive reinforcement, even when offering constructive criticism, is essential for fostering a collaborative environment.
Sisaundra: I firmly believe that there is always room for growth as an artist. Adam Levine’s feedback on The Voice, acknowledging my talent but suggesting there was more potential to be tapped into, was profoundly impactful. Continuous learning and exposure to other musicians and artists have been instrumental in my growth over the years.
Sisaundra: There is nothing about “You Remain” that I would change. I believe the song was divinely inspired, I’m a country Gal at heart , the song lyrics align with what we believe and in my heart of hearts, I know that our role as artists was merely to serve as conduits for its message. We hope it resonates authentically with whoever listens, and I wouldn’t alter a single aspect of it.
Sisaundra: If I could impart wisdom to the next musical generation, it would be to stay true to themselves and their artistry. Continuous study and refinement of one's craft, coupled with a willingness to push creative boundaries, are essential for growth. Embrace your uniqueness and never settle for complacency.
Sisaundra: Potential fans can find out more about me and my music by following @Sisaundra on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my gift with the world, and I hope it brings joy and inspiration to those who listen
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