Today we’d like to introduce you to Allie Sawicki.
Hi Allie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Oof, where do I start! My journey started when I moved from my hometown, Scranton, Pennsylvania, to the Central Florida area in 2013 to get a BFA in Musical Theatre from UCF. While there, I had an incredibly life-changing experience: After my heart stopped and was diagnosed with third-degree heart block- I had emergency surgery to get a pacemaker. This experience has fully shaped my mindset as an artist: to feel grateful, remember that no tomorrow is promised & to live full-heartedly (or in my case robotically) in the present. After graduating, my time has been consumed with all different realms of the arts. I’ve spent the past 5 years playing “Miss Jewel” at Capone’s Dinner & Show while doing local live music gigs – along with singing in a jazz wedding band. As time has progressed, my full-time life has definitely become consumed with music more so than acting. I’ve continued to grow my business as a sole proprietor; Self-managing my booking process, finances, & everything in between as a gig musician. I’m fortunate enough to work with other talented musicians in a few duo/bands currently as well. My duo “The Absent Trio” (because there’s no third guy hehe) has been my precious baby for a while. Other groups of mine include: my female duo “Wick & Charm” and my band “The Boots.”
I’m lucky enough to play a diverse range of lovely venues- from theme parks and resorts to local breweries and large theatre spaces. I’m so grateful to be alive & spend every single day doing what I love for a living: making music.
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?
You know, there will always be bumps in the road. I just feel humbled to be on the road. Moving. Taking the turns. The ups & the downs. When it comes to staying in my lane, I try my best to be mindful that any harsh words or obstacles thrown are avoidable and just there to slow you down.
The more you focus on your journey and where you want to go, the smoother your ride will be. Not only that, it’ll be easier to pull over & help other people who may be on the side of the road with a flat tire. That’s been one of my favorite things about where I’m at now. I’ve created a great foundation and have established a rapport with different venues. Now, I feel like when I have friends reach out who are also looking to get into the live music scene- I have a leg to stand on. A spare tire to give.
And I wouldn’t be able to do that if I let anybody in the passing lanes slow me down. So, I’d say- all things considered- the road’s smooth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Music has always been a part of my identity.
1. I’ve come to appreciate the perspective my life’s given me thus far. Getting close to death. Becoming part-robot. If I hadn’t had the help, I would not be here today. Talent can be hard to come by, for sure… but nothing beats kindness. So, I try to lead with kindness. Sing from the heart. Create music that speaks to me in my soul. Music that makes you feel things. I also deeply value words. I had an amazing acting professor in college who has since passed, Mark Brotherton- who emphasized the importance of truly grasping the words we are speaking. I’ve never forgotten that. When I sing or write lyrics- I prioritize storytelling and speaking the truth. The melody is there to guide the emotion.
2. I think another thing that defines me as artist is that I’m just as analytical as I am creative. I’ve always been a pretty organized professional. The business of being a gig musician feels just as rewarding and comes quite naturally. I love event booking, establishing good communication with venues & clients, and basically being my own boss.
How do you define success?
Ultimately, it’s the notion that everything that led me here: the hard work, the practice, the unknown- turned out to be everything I wanted. It feels validating. To tell myself as a small child- you know what, you love to play this guitar and sing and get everybody around you to sing along and smile- and one day… you can make that your entire life. And then, following through.
Creating. Provide a service that people are willing to hire me for, and having an audience who WANTS to listen. I am able to make music for a living, do what I love, and make people happy.
Contact Info:
- Email: alliesawicki@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/alliesawickimusic
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/alliesawickimusic
Image Credits
Sunset At Promenade
