

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sage Leary.
Hi Sage, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I picked up my dad’s old guitar when I was ten, and my aunt got me 10 guitar lessons for my 11th birthday. I took lessons for 3 years before recording my first studio album in 2014. I recorded a second album in 2016. I went to school at UWEC for communications, business, and music theory. Now I am a year into doing music professionally and loving it!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the first few years, all I wanted to do was play guitar. I had a growing repertoire of original songs and riffs and wanted them to sound fuller. Growing up in rural Wisconsin, I didn’t have anyone nearby to jam or gig with. Out of necessity, I got a looper pedal and started to build my one-person band. I learned to loop rhythm guitar, bass, and beatbox to create a full band sound. This freed me up to play lead and sing as a front man in my “band”, which consists of recording segments live in front of my audience.
Since graduating from college and doing music full time, I’ve built a regional show and fan base in Northern Wisconsin and Minneapolis, playing at breweries, wineries, restaurants, summer concerts, and festivals. In addition, I’ve been self-booking tours in the western states. So far, I’ve played in Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Idaho. I’m currently planning a west coast tour in the spring of 2023.
I am a creative spirit and love to write songs. I’ve recorded 36 songs and have many more in the works. Two albums, Feel the Sound and Already There, were recorded in high school. Earlier this year, I recorded 18 singles at Sweetwater Studios to be released over the next year and a half. My current challenge is figuring out how to best promote them.
Other challenges of being an independent solo artist:
1) Starting out and getting known
2) Maintaining a balance between the business and creative side of music
3) Physical obstacles that arise from frequently playing include overuse injuries to hands and voice.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a solo live-looping artist, professional musician, and entertainer. My specialty is blues guitar, though I am known for playing a variety of genres authentically. I have an image of nature, youth, and respect for my past influences. I am most proud of choosing to keep a positive mindset as I take on the unknown and choosing to do what I love as a career. My goal is to uplift the people around me and to leave them feeling recharged and inspired.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My parents are huge supporters of me and what I do. My parents are entrepreneurs and know what it takes to run a business. They helped me structure my music business in a way that works for me. Over the years, my dad also helped me with songwriting and gear selection being a sound guy and enthusiastic roadie. My mom loves finding new venues, taking promo photos and videos, and helping with tour logistics. Above all, they believe in me and encourage me to keep following my dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sageleary.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sage_leary/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SageLeary/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/SageLeary
Image Credits
Mary Leary – all other photos Austin Skalecki – personal photo, train tracks