Today we’d like to introduce you to Luana Sandoval
Hi Luana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born in Germany and growing up in a musical household, I started my journey as a songwriter when I was fourteen years old. During that time I went through high school bullying and my parents got divorced. All I had was a notebook, a pen and a guitar. Songwriting really helped me to process my pain and find my voice when I didn’t have one in my everyday life. Fast forward, I studied opera singing from 2012 until 2016, starred in multiple opera and musical theater productions and traveled to New York for two months to build relationships in the entertainment industry. I met award winning music producer Mark Roos who believed in my talent as a songwriter, produced my first EP “Love” and offered me a sponsorship for my artist visa. In March of 2018 my visa got approved and I booked a one way ticket to New York. Ironically my move date fell on Cinco de Mayo. Seven years later and two moves between New York and Nashville, I recorded over 50 songs and 100 melody ideas. With my song “In Time” I won first place at the Rock Churches Talent Show and second place on Talent America. The music video for “In Time” was nominated for a Wavy Award.
Furthermore I wrote the song “La Soledad” with Madonna’s former percussionist Miroca Paris. In 2020 I auditioned for American Idol Season 19. In 2022 I produced and hosted my TV show “Songs of my Life” in Nashville, TN and interviewed ten musicians, songwriters and music producers about their musical journeys. In 2022 I starred in Dolly Parton’s movie “Mountain Magic Christmas”. In 2024 my music video “Scent From Heaven” was nominated for a Josie Music Award. Throughout the years I have performed in multiple venues in New York, Nashville and Los Angeles.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My musical journey is and has been an emotional roller coaster with challenges and rewards. When I finished my studies in opera singing in 2016 I didn’t have a job and went to auditions and competitions for opera and musical theater without any success. I ended up taking a summer job as a cashier at a gas station in our neighbor country Luxembourg and saved up for my trip to New York in December. This trip has changed my life and I decided to move to New York for good. Ever since my move, a lot of doors have opened and I was destined to pursue a career as a songwriter rather than in opera and musical theater. Currently I’m singing backup vocals in a rock n’ roll band and am getting paid for rehearsals and gigs. Furthermore I’m getting paid to perform at different venues and I teach vocals. It is a reward when you finally make a living doing what you love to do the most.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work full time as a singer and vocal coach. Furthermore I have my own band project and am working on my third studio record which will be released in 2026.
I am most proud that I put a TV show together for songwriters with the purpose of having them in the spotlight to share their stories. These songwriters also co-wrote songs that are featured on my record “Songs of my Life”.
What sets me apart from my fellow music colleagues is that I have a long term vision of how my work should turn out. I am very good at planning ahead of time and always set deadlines for myself to finish a song or music video so that it can be released in time.
This year I’m releasing content which I created last year. I simultaneously record new music which will be released in the following year.
It is smart to have enough content ready to cover an entire year. That way it will give you enough time to just focus on songwriting and recording.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Los Angeles is that all major events such as the Grammys and Oscar’s are happening here. I went to my first Grammy award show this year and was impressed how big it was. I met incredible musicians from around the country and ran into Madonna’s former backup singer Donna De Lory. Afterwards I went to Kitt Wakeley’s after party at Vibiana and it was a night full of live music with a DJ and dancers who fired up the dance floor.
Furthermore I had my debut show at the Viper Room lounge. It was a great experience for my friends and fans to hear me sing released and unreleased songs which covered multiple musical styles.
What I like least about the city is that everything is so far spread out and it takes a long time to get around by public transportation.
Pricing:
- Songwriting $100/hr https://www.luanasandoval.com/store/p/songwriting
- Voiceover $100/hr https://www.luanasandoval.com/store/p/coaching
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luanasandoval.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luanasandoval.official?igsh=MWhsYWUycXAycW96cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1LrtYihyVc/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luana-sandoval-20b9b118a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@luanasandoval?si=vM6SkII-LoprqY17
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@luanasandoval.official?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Image Credits
Mexx Heart
Josie Music Awards
Wavy Awards
Talent America
NBC
Grammys
Sim Gala
