We recently connected with Sasha Neri and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sasha, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I learned to be efficient and successful by embracing what makes me different and using it as motivation. As a female drummer in a metal cover band, I’ve often been the only female in the room—and sometimes, the only one people don’t expect to see behind a drum kit. I get the questions, the stares, the surprise. But I never started drumming to prove anything to anyone. I started because I loved it. That passion is what keeps me going.
What really pushed me even further was being diagnosed with lupus. It changed everything. The physical challenges, the mental toll, and even the visible scars it left on my face—those became part of my journey. People stare without knowing what I’ve been through, but I’ve learned not to shrink in those moments. Instead, I let my presence, my resilience, and my music speak for me.
Success, for me, hasn’t been about fitting in. It’s been about standing strong, showing up consistently, and owning who I am—both on and off the stage. Being the only one in the room that looks like me has taught me that sometimes, your difference is your power.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’ve always loved being on stage, especially when I’m behind the drums and surrounded by my cousins—we perform together in a Metallica cover band called Cyanide818. Music has been a part of my life since I was 7 years old, starting with my parents in the church choir. That’s where I first picked up the drums, and from there, my love for music only grew.
What began as jam sessions in the garage with my cousins was never meant to be anything serious—just something fun we did together. But as time went on, we started playing small shows, and the excitement around it just kept building. It’s been incredibly special to share that journey with family and friends who have supported us along the way.
About six years ago, my life changed when I was diagnosed with lupus. It hit me hard—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. I lost the motivation to play. I didn’t feel like myself, and music didn’t feel the same. But over time, I slowly began finding my way back. I started playing drums again at church, reconnecting with that early joy I had as a kid. From there, I started practicing again with my cousins—not with the pressure of performing, but just to have fun and feel that spark again.
Today, my focus is simply staying connected to the music I love and the people I love playing it with. I’ve learned not to take those moments for granted. Whether we’re prepping for a show or just jamming together, every beat I play reminds me of how far I’ve come and why I keep going.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been consistency, passion, and resilience. Consistency kept me going, even on the hard days. Passion reminded me why I started, especially during the moments I felt like giving up. And resilience—especially after being diagnosed with lupus—helped me bounce back and find my rhythm again, both in life and behind the drums.
My advice to anyone starting out is simple: just go for it. Don’t worry about what others think or if you “fit the mold.” It’s your journey—own it. Stay consistent, lead with passion, and trust that even the setbacks are part of the story that’s shaping you into who you’re meant to be.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was not only being supportive, but creating the foundation for my love of music. They—and honestly, my entire family—are the reason I discovered and developed my musical talent. Growing up, music was always around me. My parents and grandparents had me involved in the church choir from a young age, and that’s where I first started playing drums. My aunts and cousins also had musical talent, which made our family environment incredibly inspiring and creative.
Their influence went far beyond just cheering me on. They gave me the environment, the tools, and the belief that I could do something meaningful with music. Because of them, I didn’t just fall in love with playing—I felt like I belonged in it. That sense of belonging and support is what keeps me grounded and passionate to this day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightmareneri7?igsh=ZDk5NnhmbHF6MmN5
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cyanide_818?si=0c61T_YcbyTHmhgi
Image Credits
Photo 1: John M Cotter | IG: @j0hn_m_c0tter
Photo 2-6: Stephanie Rivera
Phone 7: Elio Yanez | IG: @itselioyanez
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
