Today we’d like to introduce you to Nyla Sostre.
Hi Nyla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From the age of four, I was doing full concerts in the living room of my project apt in BK for my family. I sang the main, lead and the chorus and sometimes even jumped up to the harmonies mid-song. I loved it, the feeling of opening my mouth and commanding the entire room to feel what I was feeling. In school, I did every talent show (and won, lol). I sang at every game and every formal event. I sang at church in plays and in the choir and learned most of what I know about performing from living through experiences like this. At the age of 14, I picked up a guitar and courageously went to sing on the subway platforms of the MTA in NYC. It was scary and intense at first but when I finished my first song so many people came up to me with money in their hands for me and smile on their faces, I knew that’s exactly what I wanted to be doing. Through college, I stepped into theater and picked up so many incredible tools that helped to shape me into the artist I am today.
Through a professor, I learned about the Hamilton musical doing open calls in NYC and I decided I was going to go and do my best. I made it into my first Broadway contract with 0 experience in the actual field outside of college. I worked hard to keep up with people who had been doing this since they were kids. Unlike the other actors, I didn’t have any professional training and felt like I needed to work harder to prove I belonged there. I toured with Hamilton for three years before the pandemic. When the world stood still, I learned how to make music from home. I learned how to produce from YouTube vids and I learned how to release my music through social forums and other content creators. I released a visual album written and produced by me in 2020 and that was the biggest thing for me because I did it on my own. I look at my life today as an actress and a musician able to pay my bills and survive doing the thing I love and I am so grateful. Just can’t wait to see what happens next?
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Coming from a poverty-stricken neighborhood with limited opportunities for someone like me, def was a struggle. I didn’t have mentors or advisors that understood what I wanted to do. I had to figure out what I was doing without a formula or an example, but I did it nonetheless.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a singer/songwriter, composer/producer and actress. All in all, I just tell people my purpose is to give people permission to feel things absolutely. I am known for my range and my strong voice. I love storytelling and you’ll find that in most of my songs and I’m most proud of the two albums that I have released independently. I am not your average girl in any way and the complexities of my specific experiences def sets my story apart.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I learned that no one or nothing can stop you from doing what you truly want to do except yourself. During COVID, I learned how to make music on a level I never had the time and access to do before. I released my first visual album and was able to actually enhance my following during the quarantine.
Pricing:
- Vocal Coaching $20 per hour
- Wedding singer $1200
- Feature $500
- Performance (20 mins) $275
- Performance (1 hour) $1200
Contact Info:
- Website: Linktree.com/Nylasostre
- Instagram: @Nylanana
- Twitter: @nylaninjarose
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@NylaSostre
- Other: www.spiritusanimalium.com
Image Credits
Nyla Sostre Issa Khari Photography
