Today we’d like to introduce you to Torrance Sebastian
Hi Torrance , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hello!!! So I’ve been a singer as long as I can remember. I was that little girl who would sing in public bathroom stalls, specifically ‘The Phantom of the Opera.’ I have always identified as a singer, it’s who I am. When I was young my parents gave me the opportunity to pursue the arts. I attended training programs for, voice, acting, all dance disciplines and theater. In my teenage years I attended pre college programs that honed in those skills. I studied at the Pittsbugh CLO and at the Pittsburgh Musical Theater. There I was given the opportunities to perform in large scale musicals at the New Hazelet and Byham Theatre. I would say music was always an apart of my life, but the fostering of my musical love was rooted in Musical Theatre. From here I auditioned for a plethora of colleges and ultimately chose to attend Youngstown State University for my BFA in Musical Theatre. During my time at YSU I found a multitude of new “love’s,”gigging, playing guitar, songwriting, studio work, cover bands and so on. I remember as a teenager my best friend Skylar Burkett and I would write songs and sing together. She is a wonderful talent and an inspiration for what I do today. That being said it wasn’t until my second year of college that I found myself writing and aspiring to be an “artist.” I had undergone two major brain surgeries during my time in college due to a rare brain disease I have. I’d say since those surgeries, I knew that my path belonged in writing music and performing. I co started an original band called, Late Night Drive and am in a 90’s Cover band that plays shows all over Ohio and Pittsbugh. I am also working on my own original music as a signed artist at The Vault Recording Studio. I will be releasing my own music into the world soon!! The newest development would be the Management company I started with my business partner Kameron Meyers. Our mission is to book local talent and support the Youngstown Music scene. I got to where I am today because of the amazing family, friends and mentors I’ve had along the way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh gosh…it depends on the perspective. I believe my life has lead me to exactly where I am meant to be. There will always be bumps in the road and as cliche as this sounds; those bumps make you who you are. The road hasn’t always been smooth, but there are so many beautiful things I’ve experienced and I think without the hard times the good times wouldn’t feel so good. I like to say I am like a cat with 9 lives! When I was 19 I was diagnosed with a rare brain disease called Moyamoya…it’s sounds like a fancy cocktail name hah!! Essentially I had experienced multiple strokes due to the narrowing of the arteries in my brain. The disease is a progressive disease, so I will live with Moyamoya for the rest of my life, there is no cure. I underwent two major brain surgeries and was told I would not be able to sing and perform for a year if not ever again. As a young adult and aspiring music student this was absolutely heart breaking to hear. Ultimately I chose to rise above all of this and take the time that I was unable to sing, to learn guitar and immerse myself into music differently. I had the amazing support of my friends and family. I also had the support of the faculty at YSU during this time. The experience was extremely hard but I always say as bad at this situation was, it actually saved me. I learned the value of health and life, for that I am forever grateful..
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I like to wear alot of hats! I tend to thrive in chaos and I feel one of my strengths is handling a lot of things at once!!! I am a singer, session artist, songwriter, actor, business owner, booking agent, manager, guitar player, barista by day, social media manager, dancer and commercial artist. I absolutely crave experience and knowledge, so I place myself in situations to grow as much as I possibly can. I would say I most known for my singing. I’ve done some credible theatre work in NYC and will be shooting a Sheetz commercial this upcoming week, however voice and writing is where my heart lies. I spend my weekends gigging with Late Night Drive and the 90’s band!!! I’d say what I am most proud of is the material I am working on in Pittsbugh. I’ve been able to grow as an artist and tap into a creative side I never thought possible. I can’t wait until the world gets to hear this music, I’ve poured my heart into it and spent so much time learning to craft each song. Songwriting is an art, I strive to create high art and nothing less.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe in the long game. Things do not happen over night and I trust that if I can see where I want to go I will do anything in my power to get there. I try to dream big even if it’s delusional, because there is no harm in setting your sights high. I think that being in a room of people who know more and are more experienced than I, is the best place to be. Being kind and punctual is important. I also feel that my drive and worth ethic will take me far. When I do something, I will always show up at 100% or close to it. Talent or skill rather is one thing, but dedication and vision is super important.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/torbajuszikmusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torrancesebastian?igsh=OWRkdG4xOGlidWJ0&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CrmVEnKLS/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@torrancesebastian?si=fYkPxeivhwaLU5oL
