After a short break, New York singer Shara Strand returns with the track “Second Chances” – an emotional song about hope, inner strength, and rebirth. Having found herself again, Shara Strand is ready to shout to the world: “I’m here, and I have something to sing!” The song, which carries the spirit of the ’80s, is at the same time one hundred percent relevant in its message, and has become a personal revelation for Shara. In this conversation, Shara opened up to us, we talked about love, loss, forgiveness, and how to find oneself. The singer also shared what inspires her when creating new music, about the courage to allow herself to feel, the valuable lessons learned on stage, and what it really means to shine from the inside and out. And so, friends, today with us Shara Strand!
Hi, Shara! Happy to welcome you and congratulations on the release of your new single “Second Chances!”. Your new song sounds powerful, emotional, very much in the spirit of “I’m still here, and I’m moving forward again.” But honestly – is ‘Second Chances’ about love, about life… or is this your sly way of telling us it’s really about your career?
It’s really all of the above. “Second Chances” came from a deep place in me – emotionally, spiritually, and professionally. I was healing from the heartbreak of the sad things life throws at you, but also rediscovering my voice as an artist and woman. I had stepped away from music for years, and this was my way of saying, “I’m still here, and I still believe in magic.” So whether it’s about love, life, or your own dreams – I hope people find themselves in it.
Listening to “Second Chances”, I felt that in the sound euphoria, somewhere between the lines, a personal pain slips through… What’s hidden between the lines of this song – something you decided not to speak about directly?
There’s definitely grief in there. You can feel the ache. I lost my father two years ago, and his absence changed everything. That’s not what the song is “about,” but it shaped my heart, and my heart shaped this song. Between the lyrics, there’s a quiet resilience -the kind you don’t announce, you just carry. I think people pick up on that. Living this song was very important to the performance of it.
You’re talking about a second try, a new beginning. It sounds beautiful. But in real life it’s usually not that simple. Was it easy for you to forgive and start over – or did you have to set your pride aside before writing this song?
Forgiveness is never easy, especially when you feel like your trust was broken. Writing this song helped me realize that giving someone – or yourself – a second chance doesn’t mean forgetting the past. It means choosing growth over bitterness. There was a moment I had to let go of pride, yes. But what I gained in return was peace. And that’s priceless.
Working with a producer is like a blind date: it can be magic, or it can be chaos. How did the process go with Rebbel on the track “Second Chances”? Were there creative disagreements, unexpected turns, or did inspiration and mutual understanding happen right away, from the first notes?
Working with Rebbel was incredible – he helped me bring the emotional core of the song to life. But I also have to give a huge shoutout to Gregory Fils-Aimé, who truly took the track to another level. His musicality and sensitivity added this depth and polish that made the final version soar. It was one of those creative moments where everything just clicked – the energy in the room, the honesty in the process, and the shared desire to make something meaningful. I feel so proud of what we created together.
Earlier on our site, we published a review of your single “Anthem”, which sounds powerful. Interestingly, “Anthem” and “Second Chances” seem almost like opposites in mood and sound. In your opinion, what’s their inner connection?
They’re like two sides of the same journey. “Anthem” was my declaration of strength – bold, proud, fierce. “Second Chances” is the quieter courage: the kind that whispers instead of shouts. One says, “I survived.” The other says, “I’m ready to feel again.” Together, they tell the full story of how I reclaimed myself.
Your songs carry strong emotions – love, pain, hope. But what about you – are you more of a romantic or a realist in everyday life?
I’m a romantic who’s been through enough to have a realist’s edge. I still believe in love, in beauty, in soulmates – but I also know life can hurt. My music holds space for both. Hope and heartbreak aren’t opposites – they often walk hand in hand.
You studied at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts – that’s such a cool place! Tell us, what part of that experience truly helped you, and what did you have to let go of or even “unlearn” in order to finally find your true, unique voice?
NYU Tisch gave me incredible training – technique, discipline, performance tools I still use today. But what I had to unlearn was the pressure to be perfect. Real artistry isn’t about getting everything “right.” It’s about vulnerability, truth, and showing up even when your voice shakes. That’s where I found my authentic voice.
Performing at legendary venues like The Apollo and The Bitter End is definitely a special experience. Didn’t the responsibility weigh on you?
Definitely – but it was also electric. There’s a legacy in those walls. I remember standing backstage at The Apollo, thinking of every legend who had walked that same hallway. You feel the weight of it – but you also feel lifted by it. It makes you rise to the moment.
You have such a striking style, it’s clear you control every element of your image. And honestly, you look absolutely stunning! Will you share your secret – how do you create this unmistakable look? I promise, not a word to anyone:)
Thank you – that truly means a lot! I’m a licensed aesthetician and the founder of Shara Makeup Studio and my own organic skincare line, Shara Skin. For me, beauty begins with healthy, radiant skin. I’m a big believer in using high-quality, skin-loving products that nourish and enhance rather than cover up. I love creating looks that are glowy, fresh, and effortless – always rooted in self-care and intention. My style reflects who I am: grounded, soulful, and never afraid to shine.
And finally – people probably tell you all the time that you’re inspiring. But who inspires you? And no, “life” doesn’t count – we want names.
Thank you – I’m truly honored. I’m inspired by artists who are soulful, intentional, and fearless in their storytelling. Alicia Keys and Sade have always moved me with their emotional depth and honesty. I also deeply admire Lana Del Rey– her poetic lyricism and ethereal vulnerability have had a huge influence on me. And of course, Taylor Swift – I love how she’s taking full control of her art and masters. That kind of ownership and business-minded creativity is powerful and so inspiring.
I also want to mention my dad, who passed away. His love for music lives on in me, and his strength still pushes me forward. And working with Gregory Fils-Aimé, who truly elevated my latest track, has been creatively energizing. I feel really lucky to be inspired by people who are both visionary and grounded in something real.
Voxwave Magazine: Music, Culture, Interview, Fashion 