By: David Mane
The life of Sage Waters is a harmonious blend of incredibly distinct cultures and a testament to the power of perseverance. Born to a Haitian father and a Hungarian Swedish/Welsh mother raised on a chicken farm in California, life for Sage was an extraordinary concoction of variety, most evident through the wide spectrum of music in their home.
Sage’s early life was steeped in music and creativity. Tunes formed the backdrop to her childhood as her mother, a professional choir singer, introduced Sage and her sister to a world filled with melodies. Sage’s father, a metallurgist, further completed the potpourri of influences in her life.
Fate threw a curveball at a young age. At just nine years old, Sage had to start undergoing corrective surgeries for a deformity in her right knee. Facing a spate of orthopedic surgeries until she was 22 gave her a unique perspective and ample time for introspection. Bedridden but not defeated, Sage found solace in writing poetry. With each rhythmic verse, she found music to be her constant companion during challenging times.
Later life saw Sage venturing into fine arts, focusing on sculpting the human body, participating as a member of the swimming team, and setting her entrepreneurial foot forward with a house cleaning business. Her unyielding spirit led her to create her own internship at Tarpan Studios with Narada Michael Walden kickstarted a long, lucrative career in professional singing.
Sage’s first paid recording gig was creating bird calls on a Wynonna Judd album around 2000, something her father had taught her as a child. Just when she impressed Narada with her unique abilities, began her journey into the studio booth where she was invited to lend her vocals to projects alongside icons like James Brown, Carlos Santana, Stevie Wonder, amongst others. In no time, she was nicknamed “Little Aretha”, always chosen to sing demos at Tarpan studios.
Her lyrical brilliance combined with a sharp understanding of harmony and background vocals made her an asset in the music industry. Sage soon found herself handling demos for big-name artists including Jessica Simpson, Pussycat Dolls, and labels like Disney and UK Universal. Her flexible writing abilities made her an acknowledged and revered figure in multiple genres.
However, not all things came easy. As Sage climbed the ladder of success, she confronted the daunting aspects of the music industry, particularly around publishing and protecting her work. The experience wasn’t in vain as it led her to gain insights on managing her craft more effectively and understanding the business of music.
After leaving Tarpan in 2006, she embraced motherhood in 2007 and became part of a successful dance-rock band in the San Francisco Bay Area. This period witnessed her transition from the studio booth to the stage, honing her performance and stage presence.
Sage channeled her signature method of learning from industry leaders when she caught an interview with Beyoncé, who revealed her routine of merging physical workouts with intense singing sessions. Inspired, Sage mirrored this routine, solidifying her stage presence.
One of the highlights of her career came when she met Brown Mark from Prince and the Revolution. She soon became his songwriting partner, co-hosting, co-writing, and co-producing a 10-episode podcast called the BrownMarkshow.
Today, as a single mother of two, Sage holds a captivating presence in Las Vegas, performing actively while managing a successful stint as the Head of Artist Development and Director of A&R at Strawberry Hill Records Label. Having recently concluded a one-year residency at Resorts World, she continues to create and book original shows in Vegas, impressing audiences with her heartfelt performances.
In conclusion, the story of Sage Waters is one of unwavering determination and enduring passion. From mastering harmonies in the car with her mother to walking undefeated welterweight boxer Cody Crowley into the MGM Grand Garden Arena with her fight song “Fighter,” her journey is a striking illustration of talent meeting resilience. With a goal to inspire, enlighten, and heal the world, Sage Waters indeed embodies the triumphant rhythm of music and life.
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/waterthesage/
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6liJE9nsEO2SSwYQOgSvWz?si=XszvYK6mSFWLF9rg7vllhQ
Website
https://sagewatersmusic.com/
