Rising Stars: Meet Nelly Sanchez (Nelly The Voice)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nelly Sanchez (Nelly The Voice).

Hi Nelly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been singing for as long as I could remember. Ever since I was a kid, it’s all I’ve ever really wanted to do. I feel like I grew up facing a lot of challenges. Starting with the divorce of my parents. It was a really confusing time of my life. I didn’t really understand what was going on. My mom was always sad, but she did what she could to keep my sister and I happy. She used to play this song called “I turn to you” by Christina Aguilera, over and over and over again. Not only did I fall in love with that song, but I fell in love with her voice. I was inspired to be a singer and I’ve been doing just that ever since. I knew I sounded good, but I didn’t really know that I could sing until my stepmother heard me. She used to make me sing the national anthem over and over. I’d say it paid off when I got the opportunity to sing it at my high school graduation. Straight after high school, I began to sing professionally from solo gigs to singing background vocals for numerous artists. I’ve even had the chance to tour all the way to Atlanta with an artist who has become one of my bestest friends, Nubia Emmon. Throughout the years, I wasn’t always comfortable in my own skin. When I was on stage, I felt like I was this great singer trapped in some random person’s body. I knew I was “different” than most people I knew. Then one day, I visited this gay bar for the first time downtown in Austin, Texas and I met a woman by the name of Rachel. She was stunning. I had then learned that she was a transwoman. I was aware of the drag community, but I had no knowledge of the trans community. I didn’t even know it existed. You see, I’ve always felt deep in my heart that I was a woman. But when I’d look in a mirror I was never happy with what I’d see. I was so uncomfortable. I did a lot of research and became really close friends with a good amount of people apart of the trans community. I stopped doing music because I felt that if I was going to be true to myself and be the artist I was defined to be, I had to work on me first. I had to find myself. I then began my transition from male to female. I’ve been on HRT for almost 3 years now. I’m happier than ever. For the first time in 3 years, I was asked to sing in a Christmas special by KLMO Tejano 98.9FM It was the first show I had ever done as my true self. A successful show might I add. I felt like I was finally home. I am now currently working on writing my own songs in hopes to put out new music this year. To all my fans who have waited on me and supported me throughout the years, I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m back!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a part of the music industry, will never truly be a smooth road in my opinion. It comes with many challenges. But I believe as long as you are true to yourself, as long as you work hard, and love what you do, you will be successful. I’d say my main struggle would have to be putting my feelings, my thoughts, and my heart down on paper. It’s definitely been a struggle of mine to open up to people but this year, I challenge myself to put everything I’ve gone through into a story, into songs, into music. I want to inspire people. I want people to know that they aren’t alone. It gets better, you just have to believe in yourself.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I attended beauty school and graduated in cosmetology a few years ago. I’d love to own a small business in the beauty industry of some sort someday. This year, I have decided to attend school in real estate in hopes to become a realtor while also pursuing my music career. I’m most proud of the woman I’ve become, the woman I will continue to be. I’m proud that I never gave up even at my darkest times. What sets me apart from others is that I am a leader, not a follower. I choose to inspire others to be happy, to be comfortable, and confident in their own skin. I believe that everybody is beautiful in their own unique way. True beauty comes from within.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’d like to think I was very creative. I’m the oldest of 6. I have three sisters and two brothers. I remember I used to plan out skits and talent shows with my siblings so that when our parents got home from work, we always had a show to put on for them, haha, but really I was just living my ultimate fantasy of being a star! Now I must say, majority of the time, I was forcing this upon my brothers and siblings lol they did not have a choice! In the end, we all had a blast and have something to laugh back on nowadays. During my high school years, I was a cheerleader. I was really good! I got the chance of winning a national title with McCollum High School my junior year. It was definitely one of the best times of my life! After high school, my cheerleading career came to an end. I then began my journey in music.

Contact Info:

• Email: nellythevoicesa@gmail.com
• Instagram: @nellythevoice
• Facebook: Nelly The Voice

Image Credits
Danny Vivian Photography
Vic Gonzalez Vic’s Photography