Featured New Orleans Music Top Stories

Sierra Green & The Soul Machine Debut their First Record [Interview]

Sierra green and soul machine

The Frenchmen Street local band Sierra Green & the Soul Machine released their debut album today! Stream it here.


If you’ve spent any time on Frenchmen street you’ve probably heard of sierra green & the Soul Machine. She is colloquially known as the “Queen of Frenchmen Street,” thanks to her multiple, weekly residencies on the local’s party street.

After five years of gigging around the city, the group is finally releasing their debut album. Their self-titled record features a tasteful blend of blues, soul and R&B in a contemporary package that’ll appeal to fans of modern acts and classic New Orleans souls. 

Most recently, the band was nominated by OffBeat Magazine for best emerging artist in the 2019 Best of the Beat awards.

River Beats New Orleans is proud to help celebrate the release of Sierra Green & The Soul Machine. We chatted with Sierra – a native New Orleanian – about the album debut, her seven nights a week performance schedule, and more. 

Check out the River Beats Interview below.


Congrats so very much on your debut album y’all! How does it feel to have this LP – five years in the making – finally arrive?
“It’s a dream come true finally seeing my album being sold and enjoyed. It’s an awesome feeling!”

How have your live performances on Frenchmen Street influence your recording process?
“I sing from my heart passionately. My Frenchmen Street gigs drive me to go harder on my recorded songs in order for that hard work to be heard on all platforms. ”

Do you have a favorite track off the album that you’re most excited for people to hear?
“I do! It’s called “Take a Chance.” It means I’m a good woman, I mean you well and I will work hard, so take a chance on me! We have a live music video of the song made of months of footage of my Frenchmen gigs.”

 

How do you keep up with the rigorous performance schedule that Frenchmen Street demands of you? And then throw in an album recording on top of it!
“It’s definitely hard, but my awesome band makes it easy, especially when it came to recording the album. It really helped that we were also performing these songs every night. I’m so blessed to have talented, dedicated musicians in my band!”

As the “Queen of Frenchmen Street,” what advice would you give to young women looking to break into an industry that’s so male dominated and cut-throat?
“Be very professional but don’t take any sexist crap! Do the work — it will speak for you.”

Where can fans and locals come to hear you sing through the end of the year?
“I’ll be ringing in the 2020 New Year at The Jazz Playhouse! Otherwise they can hear me at my second home, Frenchmen Street, six nights a week, at Maison, Bamboula’s, 30/90, Apple Barrel, Vaso, as well as the 21st Amendment Bar and The Jazz Playhouse.”

See Sierra Green & the Soul Machine’s Event Schedule


Stream the album now!

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *