Today we’d like to introduce you to Sylvia Reeves.
Hi Sylvia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born, Sylvia Angela Reeves, the youngest of four children by Sylvia Ann and Fredrick Albert Reeves Sr. In my early childhood, church, and spirituality plays a huge role in my interest in music. My dad was catholic and my mom was Pentecostal. So I grew up going to catholic school and attended a Pentecostal church with my family. I remember we were always at church. As a kid, I would jokingly say, ‘I spend more days a week at church than I do for school. We even had church at school. As a child, it seemed like there were no escaping God’s hands on my life. I remember the first time I ever sang for a crowd. I was about 5 or 6 years old and there was a special church service I was at, after the regularly scheduled service I had previously attended earlier that day. There were twice as many people than before, the church was packed but I didn’t notice that at the time. All the children were in the Sunday school classroom, preparing something to present for the congregation, when someone asked, who wants to sing a song? Without even thinking, I yelled out, Me! And raised my hand high. I hadn’t even thought about what song I would sing or if I even knew all the words, but that didn’t matter. I remember I didn’t even feel nervous. One of the other girls helped me choose one of my favorite songs by a young gospel girl group called, Mary, Mary. We practiced the song and it didn’t take long before I had it, I remember being very grateful for the help and excited to share with the room full of other church members and strangers. When it was my turn, I walked right up to the middle, in the front of the packed-out church and when the music started I sang my song, loud and proud with my whole heart. I remember having so much joy at that moment and when I had finished my song and the crowd, who was already half-standing, roared In applause. I was walking back to my seat with my momma when one of the Mothers, which refers to a female elder, reached out for my hand, wrapped it tightly in hers, leaned into my eyes, and said something like great job baby, that was beautiful, leaving a five-dollar bill in my hands as an offering for my gift. I would later jokingly refer to this as the moment that I became paid artist. For me, the church is where I learned to love music and how to perfect my craft, singing in choirs and eventually leading and teaching, songs and singing techniques. Since then, I have released my debut EP, Meditation, available on all music platforms, as well as singles and collaborations with artists like Daniel Grey Contar and producer Tall Black Guy on the project, In search of the Land. Alongside artist, Archie Green, and DJ Red-I among Cleveland’s best music creators. I perform all over Cleveland on stages and in festivals such as The grog shop, The Bop Stop, and Front Music festival in the public square.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been times in my life where there wasn’t even a road, let alone smooth, but for me, even tho it’s not always easy to find your way, as long as you have the desire and will to want to do something, you will most definitely get the opportunity. You just have to be ready when it comes. Personally, I believe that music saved my life. Dealing with the loss of my Father in 2003 at the age of 8, I found solace in the places music could take me. I used music to get to a better place in my mind and as I grew up, I eventually wanted to help people with music, just like I was helped. Sometimes when you set out to do something, it seems like whatever could go wrong, did, but somehow, everything you wanted to happen, did. When it comes to creating music, God has provided everything I have ever needed to accomplish it, from free studio time to spiritual downloads that won’t let me put done my pen, I have never felt like this is not for me. I realized that even though things may feel like slow motion but if you work while you wait, you will be perfectly aligned with your goals.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Being an artist is not cheap! So naturally, you will have to find a way to support a creative career with a different career. Growing up, my mom had a home daycare so naturally, I work well with kids. This is a gift, I honestly love children, even the bad ones. They just probably need more hugs. I’ve worked in the city in the same rec center I grew up attending. I’ve also taught preschool at the Goddard school, up until the pandemic. I currently still work with Children, doing behavioral therapy groups with Guidingpoint LLC, all my students know that I have a long love for music and often get the chance to explore my art and create for themselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Well, I try to be an optimist. I believe that all things are working for my good, even the bad. It’s like how God works in mysterious ways or the universe is always listening and adapting to what I do and say. This means I can make my own luck. If I need funding, I should apply for some grants, sign up for gigs, or simply manifest what I want by speaking, writing, and preparing for what I want or need.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadhu_sounds
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCAUEjGUOJBz6N9YgRLqz4Ew
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Jfz0uoB2ADTzMQUwfE6ye?si=7yZTVw1yQWKF5UiqM1ygJw
