Today we’d like to introduce you to Torrance Sebastian.
Hi Torrance , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always identified as a singer even as a small child, At an early age, I attended training programs for voice, acting, dance, and theater. I attended pre-college programs during high school, studying at the Pittsburgh CLO and at the Pittsburgh Musical Theater. During that time, I performed in full-scale musicals at the New Hazelet and Byham Theatre. I went to Youngstown State University for my BFA in Musical Theatre. During my time at YSU, I also continued gigging with bands, playing guitar, songwriting, and some studio work. During my second year of college I started writing new music, aspiring to be a recording artist. Unfortunately, I had undergone two major brain surgeries during my time in college due to a rare brain disease which delayed my progress a bit. After graduating from college, I sent a couple of my original song demos to a producer, Rob Deaner, at The Vault Recording Studios. We began developing songs which let to being signed as an artist at The Vault Records. We’ve released three singles over the past year, “Panic Button”, “Violent Man”, and “Starburst Shower”. Please go check them out at all streaming outlets, and check out the official videos on YouTube or where you get your music. We expect to release a new full album in 2027 and will be performing anywhere that will have us!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Well, anyone will tell you that the life of an aspiring artist isn’t easy with working full-time jobs while trying to write, rehearse and perform. However, my journey so far has been a bit unique. When I was 19, I was diagnosed with a rare brain disease called Moyamoya. I have experienced multiple strokes due to the narrowing of the arteries in my brain. The disease is progressive and there is no cure. I underwent a few brain surgeries and was told I would not be able to sing or perform for a year, if not ever. There is always the possibility that I will have to have another brain surgery in the future. As a young adult and aspiring musician this was absolutely devastating news to hear. Ultimately, I chose to take this time to learn guitar and immerse myself into music differently. I had amazing support from my friends and family. I also had the support of the faculty at YSU. I learned the value of health and life, and for that I am forever grateful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As I mentioned earlier, I had sent a few demos to a producer I had met at the Vault Recording Studio. Apparently Rob Deaner heard something promising in a few of these songs and asked me if I wanted to explore recording a couple of them. We worked up new arrangements and found that they exeeded my expectations, something really amazing was beggining. Rob and I continued to develop material and expand our team with a few key people and also began putting together a recording/perfoming band. When we began, we anticapted that this work would fall into the pop category and it has evolved to my suprise into something a little more difficult to categorize blending elements of pop, rock and indie. The thing that sets me apart as an artist is my voice and what I have to say with it. My perspective is what makes me unique and I believe the music we are creating expresses that because it doesn’t sound like anyone else. I am also extremely fortunate to have the support of Bob McCutcheon at the Vault Records who has given me the freedom to discover my voice.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
This is a difficult one, for some I think networking comes easily and for others not as much. I think the most important thing that anyone who is starting out can do is to be fearless in asking questions of those who might the have anwers you seek. What I mean by that, is to find avenues to put yourself in the room with those who are doing what you want to be doing. In my case I had first met Rob, my producer, years before I had sent him the demos that led to our collaboration. I wasn’t ready at that time, but I remembered him and when I felt I was ready I reapproached him. I guess what I am saying is that building your network takes time and consitency.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://torrancesebastian.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torrancesebastianofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/torrance.sebastian.2025/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@torrancesebastianofficial
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user401731444
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3xCdn6PEZTOfkBgILAC9gP?si=DYUGDO3WR9KXyl8eZiKm-Q
Image Credits
Jeff Myers, Ryan Giralico, Brennan Reyes
