We catch up with Sandee Facy.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
Since the time I was very young, I was singing in hairbrush and my family was very musical. My brother who is 13 years older than me was also performing on stage in bands. I spent decades fronting bands and playing covers as a working musician. It wasn’t until 2017 that I began songwriting, when my friend passed away tragically from Cystic Fibrosis, aged 20. I wrote and recorded a tribute to her called “Hummingbird.” I sent it to her family, and they reached out to say that I needed to share this beautiful song with the world. I took it to a producer, Michael Zammit in Melbourne and that is where it all started. I opened the gates to my love for writing and now I have released 12 songs including an EP.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
I truly enjoy performing live and I love all aspects of writing, recording and performing, I practice at home and rehearse weekly in Brunswick with my band. Personally, there is nothing more exhilarating then to have an audience really enjoy themselves and it’s an exchange of energy that I thrive on. I also really enjoy writing and have consistent times that I get together with my co-writer, Michael Saleta and work on new music.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
I would personally like to win a Golden Guitar with an album. And play some big venues where the audience is singing along to all my songs. Perhaps a tour beyond my city and state & traveling abroad to make an impact. The connection between my stories, lyrics and my fans is what drives me to keep writing and releasing music. There is always another story to be told and emotions to stir.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
As the winner of the 2024 Australian Songwriters Award for the Country category, Best One Yet seems to be doing really well. I will be attending the Award show on Thursday 28th and performing. I’m attending Tamworth Country Music Festival with my band in January. I have my first ticketed show on Tuesday 21st January 2:30pm at the Capitol Theatre. It is a tribute show, and I will be doing some of my favourites songs from some country legends like Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Faith Hill and many more. I’m also booked for the Ronald McDonald House fundraiser, Sunday 19thJanuary and several other shows during the week.
I also play in a covers band called Last Tram Home and a duo called Summertime. It is a combination of players to customise the offering depending on the venue and event. And I will be releasing an album in mid 2025 which is very exciting produced by Michael Carpenter. And some fantastic co-writers on my debut album.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
My latest release is called ‘Ain’t My First Rodeo’ another co-write with my good friend Michael Saleta who I have known for over a decade and he is an Aussie now residing in Nashville. This song is about chasing what makes you feel good and brings you joy. Not caring about what other people think, believe in yourself and becoming really aware of your self-worth and what brings you joy! There is a correlation between life trials and tribulations and the rodeo!
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
Every song is a story and every story is derived from a different approach. My first song, Still That Girl was released in April 2020 and since then I have 11 songs streaming on all platforms. During Melbourne lock down, I spent a lot of time reflecting on what really mattered to me and what I wanted to share with the world. I wrote a few songs from this creative space. Michael Saleta is a full time writer now in Nashville and we connect at least once a month. I was in Nashville in August, and we wrote 3 songs for my 2025 album very different messages – loved the writer room hangs at Nashville Songwriters Association. Sometimes it’s a melody that I sing against until I uncover the emotion that is driving the melody and create lyrics based on that. All of my songs are quite personal yet incredibly relatable to everyone.
Success, what is the secret to it?
Success means something different to everyone. And what level of success, sometimes it can be looked upon as a never-ending climb in the music industry. Recording, production and promotion of music is very expensive for an independent singer-songwriter like me so getting to a point where I can perform my originals live to a “ticketed audience” would be amazing and I feel like I’m at the cusp of this. For me it’s based on number of songs as well, as an example, three years ago, I couldn’t put a full show together because I simply didn’t have enough originals. Now I have a full show and a band that believes in my vision.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
I have had many highlights however, the most recent would be winning the 2024 People’s Choice Award for Best Song of the Year in Tamworth. I performed at the Tamworth Town Hall and acoustically, it was amazing. In my 20s, I sang at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and my Mom was in the audience – a very special moment. My parents have both passed away and they never lived to hear me sing my own music and believe me they were my biggest fans. They are my Lucky Charms.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
I really admired so many it is hard to choose just a few. I really like people who write and share their own stories through music. I was just listening to Tom Petty today and I closed my eyes and listened to Free Fallin – iconic and timeless. I’m inspired by people who aren’t afraid to reinvent themselves and not get trapped by what the industry dictates is norm.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
Yes Yes Yes! I’m finishing my debut album due mid-2025 and working with the amazing Michael Carpenter. And of course, getting more work with my band and casting my net as far as possible so people get to know me.
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself a few years?
Well established as an Australian Country Artist, very busy performing and continuing to write music. Playing larger venues and events to support a greater purpose in the world. I work for a not for profit organisation that supports people with non-visible disabilities. Michael and I wrote a song for the organisation and I would like to perform it and share the message of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower perhaps at conferences globally.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
My favourite part is the feeling I have when I’m performing it is such a euphoric vibe and I have been performing for years and I see myself doing this for years to come. My least favourite is the expense of the creative process. It is costly to write, produce and distribute music.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists. Suze DeMarchi, Chrissy Amphlett, Hayley Jensen, Kate Ceberano
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
I began releasing music in April 2020 which was at the beginning of the Melbourne lockdowns. I used this time to connect with my audiences online and cast a wider network.
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
Continue to release my music on streaming platforms and hopefully, tour one day internationally!
Do you like to collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
I co-write with Michael Saleta who is an Australian born songwriter who now resides in Nashville with his lovely wife, Sarah. We have written 8 released songs to date and have several in the pipeline heading to my debut album mid-2025. I would like to do a duet with a male Aussie artist yet to be determined. I have a fantastic concept for a fun Christmas original!
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Write your own music, tell your own stories, stay true to your authentic expression and passion. Find people who support you and want to see you succeed – build a team. Always be professional in action and word. Show up and stay consistent and be supportive of others in your industry. Learn from others that inspire you and create a space to be creative. Face your fears and chase down what brings you joy in life. Take a course in finance and run your music passion as a business so you can make it sustainable. Do your research and hone your craft. Stay humble and grateful – celebrate yourself and what you accomplish as you set goals.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
I LOVE MY Followers and Fans! Honestly, the messages that I receive about the stories within my songs and how they impact people assures me I’m on the right path. I love connecting with them and I truly would not be writing, recording, producing and performing live if it wasn’t for their support and encouragement. A massive thank you to everyone throughout my whole music career who send me love and well wishes! Each person I connect with has an impact on my life be it a conversation, text or a pic together. Please always feel free to reach out to me on socials or catch me at a show!
Any last words?
Thank you Brian for this opportunity to share a bit about myself and my passion that has been a constant in my life for decades. My happiness. Keep an eye out for what’s ahead in 2025 & beyond!
Website: www.sandeefacy.com
Facebook: @sandeefacymusic
Twitter: (X) @sandeefacy
Instagram: @sandeefacy
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