The remarkable story of Sage Waters is one housed within the intricate melodies of her life – a symphony of diverse cultural influences, transformative experiences, and indomitable determination that has etched an impressive trajectory in the realm of music. Raised amid the distinct musical traditions of her Haitian father and her mother — a Hungarian-Swedish/Welsh choir singer from a Californian chicken farm, Sage found her niche in music at a very young age.
As a child, piano notes merged with bird calls, choral singing blended with metallurgy, and an assorted confluence of cultural music filled her home, shaping her into an extraordinary talent noted for her versatility and vocal prowess. Her mother’s lessons in choral singing and harmonizing, coupled with her avid piano lessons from the age of four, laid a strong foundation, cementing her love for music. But the true test of Sage’s affinity towards this creative medium came in the form of her many orthopedic surgeries, starting from the tender age of nine.
While she endured this experience over the years, music turned into an anchor; a therapeutic force that held her steady in turbulent times. Her innate poetic sensibilities found expression during her recovery periods, and the rhythm of music became her heartbeat, pulsating with resilience and hope.
While Sage’s life encountered several turning points, the years she spent at Tarpan Studios under the mentorship of Narada Micheal Walden marked a profound evolution of her musical identity. From a diligent intern doing menial tasks to earning opportunities to sing and explore songwriting, Sage transformed into a devoted professional vocalist. Through her expressive whistling abilities learnt from her father — that graced Wynonna Judd’s album — to collaborations with legendary artists like James Brown, Carlos Santana, and Stevie Wonder, her journey in the music industry was adorned with remarkable milestones.
As her career ascended, her identity diversified — she became a successful business owner, a fine arts student, and an acclaimed vocal producer. Her painstaking efforts and exceptional talent had her pave pathways into diverse genres, earning her the reputation of a prolific writer in the industry. Yet, the path was not without stumbling stones. The lesson about protecting her work came the hard way when she began co-writing songs, an experience prompting her to navigate the twists and turns of the music industry with caution and informed decisions.
In 2006, as Sage stepped away from Tarpan, a new chapter of life began — marriage, motherhood, and music once again took center stage. Striding confidently from the recording booth into live performances, she embraced every opportunity to learn. Taking inspiration from successful artists, she rigorously honed her stage performance skills, dauntlessly singing full out while performing her daily physical exercises.
Her collaboration with Brown Mark from Prince and The Revolution became a pivotal point in her career. As Brown’s songwriting partner, Sage broadened her horizons, co-hosting and co-producing a ten-episode podcast, contributing significantly to the planning of the ‘Reunion’ show and the subsequent United States tour.
Even as her musical journey flourished, Sage never lost sight of her role as an artist for artists. As the Head of Artist Development and Director of A&R at Strawberry Hill Records label, she endeavors to guide emerging talents through the labyrinth of the music industry. She single-handedly juggles performances, songwriting, producing; and continues to contribute to the Las Vegas music scene as a respected artist.
Her recent work, a fight song titled ‘Fighter,’ reveals an artist’s empathy in its truest form. Performed for Cody Crowley, a welterweight boxer grieving his father’s loss, the song stands as a symbol of resilience and a beacon of support for mental health and suicide prevention awareness.
Sage Waters, the consummate artist, continues to push boundaries as she furtherance her journey in the world of music. With a clear mission to ‘inspire, enlighten, heal and make the world a better place,’ she is a testament to the transformative power of music and the indomitable spirit of determination.
Connect with Sage Waters on
Instagram: www.instagram.com/waterthesage/
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/6liJE9nsEO2SSwYQOgSvWz?si=XszvYK6mSFWLF9rg7vllhQ
Website: sagewatersmusic.com/
