Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucia Sarmiento.
Hi Lucia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
As a girl growing up in Lima, Peru, I have always been very passionate about music. I started playing the classical guitar and the saxophone in the band, two passions that many years later, as an adult living in the United States, would turn into an opportunity to tour with pop Artist Pitbull. I was lucky to receive a music scholarship that allowed me to come to Minneapolis to pursue my dream of studying the saxophone. So, in 2013, I packed my bags, and with my minimal English knowledge, I moved here.
Lucia’s talent and dedication were not confined to the stage. In 2015, she began sharing her practice routines and saxophone transcriptions on social media. This digital platform became a springboard for her career, attracting a massive following of over 100k people across various platforms. Her online presence connected her with fans and opened doors to collaborations with renowned brands like Yamaha, Akai, and Warm Audio, as well as opportunities to work with musicians and artists worldwide.
In 2021, Lucia’s talent caught the attention of Pitbull’s team, leading to an audition for the Saxophone and Guitar position in his band. She successfully joined his I Feel Good Tour, sharing the stage with Iggy Azalea. The tour took them to sold-out arenas across the United States, NASCAR races on Fox Sports, and even to Saudi Arabia for the Opening of their Riyadh Season, where they performed for a crowd of over 200k from all over the Middle East.
In 2023, I was part of the Mañana Serà Bonito Tour with Colombian Popstar Karol G. I played tenor saxophone and flute for her in a band of talented women from Latin America. It was a fantastic experience performing in sold-out stadiums across the United States and a beautiful experience reconnecting with my Latina culture.
For the past 3 years, I have been working on my debut album, “Escape,” which will be released in October of this year. It’s the culmination of a vast discovery project of my “own sound.” This album expresses my diverse musical upbringing: integration of jazz, funk, pop, and Latin American rhythms and beautiful melodies. The band is a synth-heavy jazz quintet led by the tenor saxophone; I added many delicate vocal arrangements, a flute choir, and the EWI for sprinkles of color.
Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been many significant challenges along the way, from being far away from my family to very tough rehearsals for tours where my body was tired, learning complex music, etc. Every challenge is a new opportunity to grow and become stronger. I also have very supportive parents and friends who, even at a distance, are a massive support system for me.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a touring saxophone player and composer. I’m known for different things. Some people know me for being the Peruvian girl who tours with Pitbull and Karol G. Others know me for my music on Spotify. Others know me for being an educator. Others know me as the girl who posts videos on social media playing the saxophone. I’m happy to be doing many different things and connecting with various kinds of people. I enjoy the creation process of every single one of them, from coming up with an idea to executing it and seeing how others react to the final results. Please follow my social media and Spotify accounts so you can be one of the first to hear my music when I have shows in town!
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I want to be grateful for everything that happens in my life. Good or bad. Big or small. The worst mistake a person can make is taking things for granted and becoming apathetic.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.luciasarmiento.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lusarmientomusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lusarmientomusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3mi834W_00venU2ZuEeVGw
