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!
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