Sarah Manzo is a rising pop singer/songwriter in Nashville. Manzo’s smooth vocals, captivating melodies, and lyrical prowess can capture an audience. While Sarah has only been in Music City a few years, she stands out in Nashville’s growing pop scene. Manzo is not a stranger to the stage, but she has not always been confident performing in front of people. It’s safe to say she has long gotten over her stage fright, as she commands attention every time she performs. Please continue reading to learn more about Sarah Manzo and her music.
Sarah Manzo Learned to Love the Stage
Sarah Manzo has an interesting background in performing because she hasn’t always loved being on stage, which is interesting because she is captivating when performing now. Manzo said, “I grew up in New Jersey, where I did theater most of my life. But I struggled with my confidence. Growing up, I was bullied a lot, so I had terrible stage fright for most of my childhood. But I was also blessed because my parents still put me in singing, acting, and dance lessons. So, I traveled to New York City, took classes, and developed my skills, but I was super nervous once I hit the stage. Those experiences are a huge part of my story because now, I write a lot of music about what it felt like to be in that position, where I am now, and how much I’ve grown.”
The pandemic would change Sarah Manzo’s career direction, but she hasn’t looked back. The New Jersey native said, “Thankfully when I went to college, I finally beat my stage fright. I attended a conservatory for musical theater in New York City. Unfortunately, when I was two years into college, the pandemic hit. I was locked up at home with my parents in Jersey, and I was like, I love you, but I have to get the heck out of here. My best friend was planning a trip to Nashville with her college friends, so I asked her if there was an extra room. When she said yes, I decided to go with them. When I arrived, immediately, I was hating on Nashville because it’s not like New York.” As many do, Manzo would discover the magic of Nashville.
The Magic of Nashville
For those who have never been to Nashville or you have only seen the honky tonks on Broadway, visitors and locals can find the magic of Nashville every night of the week at writer’s rounds at various venues that are not on Broadway. Manzo said, “In Nashville, I started finding different bars and writer’s rounds. I saw my first writer’s night at Belcourt Taps, which is unfortunately closed now. I was in complete awe of the city and the people. It was electric. I called the conservatory two days into my trip and said I’m moving to Nashville.”
From Theater to Music
You may be wondering how a musical theater kid from New Jersey ended up writing and singing pop/R&B music in Nashville. The singer/songwriter said, “I started writing music during my second year of college. I was taking a beginner piano class, and I was terrible. But, at the time, I was dating someone, and I was head over heels for them. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out between us. I was so heartbroken I would be singing random melodies on the subway and in the streets of New York that would heal my heartbreak. So when I was singing these melodies, I would think, I haven’t heard that before. They were coming from some creative place inside of me. I began singing them to a metronome click and recording the melodies on my phone. Then, I took what I learned on the piano and began writing some simple stuff. At the time, it was a way to heal my broken heart. But, as time passed, I met my friend Chris, and we became a duo. I was lucky to be able to record in the studio at NYU. When the pandemic hit, I had become completely enamored with music. But, At this point, I had only played a few shows in New York and was still finding my sound and voice.”
How Sarah Manzo Conquered Her Stage Fright
The broken heart that led to Manzo writing songs would be the turning point for her to overcome her stage fright. The New Jersey native said, “When I was writing this music, I began to conquer my fears of being on stage. In theater school, I concealed my fear by playing other characters. But, when I went on stage as Sarah Manzo to sing my stories, talk to the audience about my life, and try to connect with them, I ultimately beat my stage fright. Something about being authentic helped me overcome it.
This experience opened her to music, and she ultimately moved to Nashville. Manzo said, When I made my trip to Nashville, I was taking ballet classes on Zoom. I mean, come on. So, I had a few more songs written that I was passionate about, and I started writing more and more music. I met my writing partner, John Wilcox, in Nashville. We clicked immediately. I fell in love with this city and called my school to tell them I was moving. They let me transfer my credits, and I could finish my degree online. I have a double degree in musical theater and marketing. So, I also have a business-savvy side, which is helpful as an independent artist.”
What Influences Sarah Manzo’s sound?
Every songwriter is different; many are hook or idea-driven, and others start with a melody or track. Manzo described how she began writing. The singer/songwriter said, “I remember vividly standing on the subway with hundreds of people surrounding me, and I would start singing. The words would flow because they were inside me like journal entries of what I felt then. As I was getting into writing, I wanted to try all genres. I was working with a hip-hop producer and making this hip hop/r&b, Ariana Grande-type music. You never fully know your identity as an artist, but you will find it over time. When I started, I tried everything, and I still feel like I am.”
Being around country music in Nashville has a way of influencing other genres in town as well. That’s true for Sarah Manzo, too. Sarah said, “I have some country and folk songs on my upcoming album. The first single I released for it was more folksy-pop. I want to say that soul, pop, and R&B influence me in terms of what I listen to. I love Emily King and Amy Winehouse, but part of me has appreciated country music since moving to Nashville. As an actress and performer in musical theater, I love the storytelling aspect of country music.”
Sarah Manzo Releases “Toy Piano”
On December 12th, Sarah Manzo released “Toy Piano,” her third single of 2023. It follows “Cordelia” and “Control.” It’s all part of Manzo’s upcoming album. Her last single, “Control,” was inspired by a one-sided friendship. It features a cool Spanish-style guitar riff. The production of this song, coupled with her vocals, is unique. So, the new single, “Toy Piano,” tells the story of being an independent artist chasing their music dreams.
You can tell “Toy Piano” comes from a personal perspective, and Manzo and her co-writer, John Wilcox, captured what so many artists in Nashville feel. Sarah said, “This song is very special to me. I remember writing it back in 2021, feeling like someone lifted a weight off my chest. I was vulnerable and needed to get out how I felt. As an artist, there is so much external and internal pressure. We long to fulfill the dreams of our inner child, while in reality, we also need to survive in a difficult world. That leads to the question, who will we become when we finally get the right opportunity? Will we even be satisfied then? This song is a love letter for my Nashville community and fellow dreamers.”
Musicians in Nashville are all looking for their “big break,” but when it comes, is it everything they thought it would be? “Are they still playing a “Toy Piano?” Singer/songwriters pour their heart and soul into their original work, but nobody wants to hear it if they are on Broadway. This line from “Toy Piano” captures that sentiment. “Every day I’m working, counting dimes like calories. Tryin’ to be iconic, isn’t it ironic? All they want to hear is “Valerie.”
For Those New to Sarah Manzo
Most, if not all, singer/songwriters look to forge a connection with their fans through their music. Those writers who are vulnerable in their lyrics can make others feel seen. Manzo said, “Our goal as artists is to aid people’s healing journey. I write music to get out those stuck emotions and to express myself. So, when people listen to my music, I hope it makes them feel joy or an emotion they may have been avoiding. I want to make people feel something, whatever that may mean to them, whether it’s joy, wanting to dance and sing, or letting out something they’re holding on to. I will keep putting music out and hope it touches the right people because it’s not about fame. My favorite artists like Taylor Swift and Amy Winehouse help me process things, and I want to do that for others.”
My Thoughts
Sarah Manzo is one of the most unique artists I have come across in Nashville. She has an eclectic sound featuring great storytelling in her lyrics. Manzo is a refreshing change of pace from the typical pop, R&B, and country artists out there. She is not afraid to push herself musically, and it shows. In the Nashville music scene, Manzo is one of my favorite artists to see live, which explains why I invited her to play one of the live shows Undiscovered Nashville hosted this year. Please follow Sarah on social media and your favorite streaming service. More music is coming, and I expect it will impress as much as her new single. Amazingly, Manzo has only pursued music for four years because she is good but only getting better. So, get on board and see where the journey takes Sarah Manzo.
