ABOUT SANDRA:
The daughter of a musician, Sandra was raised in a small Canadian town,
in a very musical family. The second of five daughters, there was no shortage
of singing and dancing amongst the siblings.
“According to my Mother, I was able to harmonize at the age of about
3 or 4 years old. It used to freak people out! My Dad would record us
on his reel to reel machine from the time we were born, and I have recordings
of me singing country songs at 2 years old. I knew all the words. I think
I was singing before I was talking.”
Her Mother often “volunteered” the talents of Sandra and her
sisters as guest singers at their church when Sandra was only about 7
years old, and her Father, recognizing her strong desire to perform, and
would get her on stage with his band from the age of 12.
“I was very lucky to have grown up in the environment that I did.
Getting up on stage in front of an audience, even though I think I giggled
most of the time, was an invaluable experience.”
This early stage experience led her to front her own band at the age
of 16. Then, two months after graduation, Sandra went on the road, embarking
on a three year musical journey that would take her throughout Western
Canada.
“This was probably the most difficult, yet educational time in my
life. It was my first experience living on my own, and there I was, living
in hotels, a different town every week, performing 6 nights a week. I
knew I found my destiny, but after 3 years of constant traveling, I was
ready to unpack my suitcase for awhile.”
Having had enough of road life, and looking to expand her horizons, Sandra
ended up in Vancouver, where she quickly became part of it’s dynamic
music scene, sharing the stage with some of Vancouver’s finest musicians.
“This was an exiting time for me. I came to Vancouver with nothing,
and had to start from scratch. Within about 6 months, I had a manager
and was putting a band together. It was about six years and three bands
later that I met and began working with Geraldo Dominelli .”
In 1995 Sandra, along with Dominelli, took her musical journey overseas,
performing in China, Thailand and in Hong Kong, during the 1997 British
handover to China.
“I think one of the most rewarding things about being in this business
is that I’ve been able to travel to places I’d probably never
go to otherwise…it’s really changed me in many ways.”
It was during her trip to Hong Kong, and having caught the attention of
record company executives, that Sandra really felt the pull towards writing
and recording her own music. Over the next few years, she and Dominelli,
a seasoned songwriter and producer, spent many hours in the studio, writing
and recording demos, ultimately creating their own sound.
“Wow, this was definitely a growth period for me! I had “dabbled”
in writing in the past, but this was much more intense. Intimidating actually.
Then, in the fall of 2000, the pair ended up in Warsaw, Poland, where
they teamed up with indie label H&J Records. It was there that Sandra
released her debut cd titled “Here I Am”, in the spring of
2002. Her first single “My Favorite Dream” did very well,
getting up to #1 on several radio stations across Poland. Her second single
“I Just Don’t Know” did even better. Sadly, record sales
did not reflect the growing popularity of her music and Sandra eventually
made the decision to redirect her focus back onto more familiar territory,
North America.
“Poland was very good to me. I still go back twice a year. My songs
are still playing on the radio. For many reasons, it just wasn’t
feasible. I couldn’t be there year round, and that made promotions
difficult. Myself and H&J both feel the cd was a success in many ways,
and I value that experience and opportunity.”
2005 brings it all into focus. This is the year, this is the place, this
is the album.
Described as “pop/rock with a ‘hint’ of country”,
Sandra Volodoff’s new cd, titled “Someone” features
10 memorable tracks, starting with the slightly dark, yet infectious “Rescue
Me”. This cd tells the familiar story of love and loss, and life’s
trials and tribulations, but in a unique and refreshing way. Some humorous,
like the quirky song “Train” and some with hints of desperation
as described in the haunting ballad “I Just Don’t Know”.
Edgy and honest, the song “Mystery Man” gives us a glimpse
of some of the ‘shady’ people Sandra’s encountered over
the years, while fan favorite, “Book of Love” was inspired
by a friend who has spent her life searching for the ‘perfect’
man.
Without question, the songs, as well as Dominelli’s outstanding
production stand out on their own, but this album is brought to it’s
immeasurable heights by Volodoff’s undeniable vocal ability and
experience, coupled by her own distinctive sound that takes the listener
effortlessly through every emotion.
Sandra hopes you will join her in what has become the most exciting segment
of her musical journey thus far. Make sure you get a copy of her new CD,
and be a part of this amazing ride!