Meet Luana Sandoval

We were lucky to catch up with Luana Sandoval recently and have shared our conversation below.

Luana, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Five years ago, I embarked on a life-altering journey that took me from a small town in Germany to the bustling metropolis of New York City. Little did I know that this move would not only reshape my life but also lead me on a path to self-discovery, confidence, and success as a singer-songwriter. When I first arrived in New York in May of 2018, the city’s enormity and vibrancy overwhelmed me. It was a stark contrast to the close-knit community I had left behind in Germany. As a singer-songwriter, I was filled with aspirations but lacked the confidence to pursue them on such a grand stage. My small town had offered limited opportunities to showcase my talent, and the transition to the competitive New York music scene was daunting.
However, it was precisely this challenge that forced me to confront my insecurities and develop my self-esteem. I began attending open mic nights and small gigs at local venues such as the West End Lounge, Metropolitan Room, Triad Theater and The Bitter End. The support of fellow musicians and the diverse audience of New York helped me realize that my voice had a place in this city, no matter how different it might be from others.
One pivotal moment came in 2020 when I decided to audition for American Idol. The thought of standing before celebrity judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan and a massive television audience terrified me, but I knew it was a chance I couldn’t pass up. The audition process was grueling, but it forced me to believe in my abilities and trust in the years of hard work and dedication I had put into my craft. When I received positive compliments from the judges saying that they enjoyed my performance, I felt a newfound sense of validation and self-assurance. American Idol issued my first royalty check for the use of my song Leap Day.
My journey as a singer-songwriter reached a new pinnacle when I had the privilege of collaborating with Miroca Paris, Madonna’s percussionist. Working with a musician of his caliber was both intimidating and exhilarating. It pushed me to refine my songwriting skills and explore new musical horizons. Through this collaboration, I not only learned from a master but also gained valuable insights into the industry.
As my confidence continued to grow, I decided to take a bold step and create my own TV show, “Songs of My Life” at NECAT Network in Nashville.
This show became a platform for me to share my music, showcase talented artists, and tell the stories behind each song. Hosting and producing the show allowed me to combine my love for music with my passion for storytelling, further boosting my self-esteem and self-expression.
In conclusion, my journey from a small town in Germany to the bustling streets of New York has been a transformative experience. It has been a journey of self-discovery, a process of shedding self-doubt and embracing my identity as a singer-songwriter. Auditioning for American Idol, collaborating with Miroca Paris, and creating my own TV show were milestones that not only boosted my confidence but also allowed me to share my music and stories with the world. This journey has taught me that self-esteem and confidence are not innate qualities but rather qualities that can be cultivated through perseverance, self-belief, and a willingness to embrace challenges head-on. It has been a remarkable journey, one that I will continue to embrace as I look forward to the future with even greater aspirations and self-assurance.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
In the ever-evolving tapestry of my career, 2022 emerged as a year of profound growth and creativity. As an actress, I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside two iconic figures in the entertainment industry, Dolly Parton and Lindsay Wagner. The movie “Mountain Magic Christmas” brought me to the enchanting world of Dolly Parton. It was a heartwarming tale set in the scenic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, where I had the privilege of sharing the screen with the legendary Dolly herself. Her warmth and professionalism were inspiring, and I cherished every moment of our collaboration.
Soon after, I found myself cast in “Christmas at the Ranch” alongside Lindsay Wagner, an actress of immense talent and grace. The film was a celebration of the holiday spirit and family bonds. Working with Lindsay was an enriching experience that allowed me to learn from her expertise and absorb her passion for the craft.
In March of 2023 I ventured into the world of music business, forming my record label, Devana. This new endeavor marked a significant step in my career as a singer-songwriter. With Devana, I released three original songs: “Scent From Heaven,” “Road Trip,” and “In Time,” all co-written with the talented Deborah Bishop. These songs were not just any ordinary releases; they held the promise of something extraordinary. Grammy-winning composer Kitt Wakeley recognized their potential and submitted them to the prestigious Grammy Awards, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in my music career.
Looking ahead, my goals are as ambitious as they are diverse. I aspire to sign new artists under Devana, sharing my journey and knowledge to nurture emerging talent. Additionally, I aim to produce a short film adaptation of my dance play, “Life of a Dancer,” a poignant story of a dancer’s rise, fall, and ultimate redemption. The music for this play, a fusion of Bulgarian folk music, Philip Glass, and Abel Korzeniowski, was recorded by star violinist Adrianna Mateo and pianist Bobby Steinfeld, creating a mesmerizing soundscape that captivated audiences.
On a deeply personal note, I am driven to release my first full-length album. This collection of songs delves into the tumultuous journey of a toxic relationship with a narcissist. It traverses the emotional rollercoaster from love bombing and intoxicating infatuation to devaluation and self-doubt, culminating in the painful discard and overwhelming sense of abandonment. These songs are a testament to my resilience, and I hope they resonate with others who have experienced similar trials.
As I continue to navigate the dynamic worlds of acting, music, and entrepreneurship, 2022 stands as a pivotal year of growth, collaboration, and unwavering determination. It’s a testament to the power of passion and the pursuit of dreams, and I eagerly anticipate the adventures that lie ahead in my multifaceted career.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Firstly, I have an unwavering belief in the power of manifestation and visualization. In 2015, I decided to express my passion for dance through my dance play titled “Life of a Dancer,” a tale of a dancer’s journey to New York. I poured my heart into this endeavor, visualizing myself in the city that never sleeps. Remarkably, my dreams began to materialize as I found myself in New York in December of 2016, and two years later, I made the life-altering decision to move there permanently. My second gift is my ability to translate my vivid imagination into reality. I harnessed my visual prowess to craft music videos in my mind, envisioning every scene and choreography with precision. To my astonishment, these mental creations translated seamlessly into my music videos, capturing my artistic vision precisely as I had imagined.
However, it wasn’t just dreams and visuals that propelled me forward. My third essential quality was my relentless go-getter attitude. I was a force of nature when it came to making things happen. I used my determination to create a full-fledged TV show with ten gripping episodes, where I interviewed talented songwriters from the heart of Nashville. My audacious spirit even led me to audition for “American Idol” and collaborate with Madonna’s percussionist on a song.
But the knowledge I gained from these skills was perhaps my most valuable asset. I learned to never settle for less, and I recognized the importance of not wasting time and energy on people who hindered my progress or distracted me from my goals. My journey was a testament to the fact that persistence and self-belief could take you to places beyond your wildest dreams.
My advice to those embarking on their own journeys was simple yet profound: seek out mentors who are one or two steps ahead, individuals who can guide, support, and shield you from the pitfalls they themselves have faced. In my own life, mentors had been the compass guiding me through uncharted waters, ensuring I stayed on course even when the waves grew turbulent.
My story serves as a powerful reminder that with manifestation, visualization, an unwavering go-getter attitude, and the wisdom to discern the right mentors, anyone can turn their dreams into a remarkable reality, just as I did in the dazzling world of art and music.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m passionate about building my record label from the ground up and nurturing talented artists. My goal is to not only create great music but also to make it a profitable venture for everyone involved. One of my dreams is to collaborate with the incredible music producers who have worked with the legendary Madonna. Their expertise and creativity are truly inspiring, and I’m eager to explore new horizons in music production.
Moreover, I’m on the lookout for dedicated music supervisors who share my vision and believe in the power of my music. Together, we can work on securing sync placements in TV and film, creating unforgettable musical moments.
I invite you to connect with me at [email protected]. Let’s come together, share our ideas, and make music that moves the world. I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, and I can’t wait to hear from you.
Here’s to the future of music!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Donell Carter Nani N David Clein

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