INTERVIEW: Regina Sayles Fights For Truthful Self-Expression

In constant search of truth on her musical journey, Regina Sayles’ acoustic-driven melodies connect you to the everyday human condition. As a vocal chameleon, Regina sings to the center of life’s heart strings. As an Ohio native currently based in East Stroudsburg, PA, Regina tours whenever possible while remaining passionately dedicated to her local fan base. In addition to her work as an artist, Regina is also a passionate educator, a supporter of women in the arts, and a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. In our interview, Regina discusses the importance of role models and finding her own truth in her self-expression.

Who are some of your musical influences?
I love this question because when people listen to my music, they would probably never guess that my all-time favorite artist and biggest influence on my career has always been Gloria Estefan. I had a whole wall of my room dedicated to her as a teenager. Being the daughter of an immigrant myself, I have always admired her work ethic, her business sense, her songwriting, and her unwavering love for her fans. No matter how big or small my career has felt at times, I’ve always leaned into being my most authentic self and I wholeheartedly thank Gloria Estefan for being such an amazing role model. She has also always been accepting of the LGBTQ+ community which has made me love her even more.

As far as artists who have influenced my sound – I grew up learning to play guitar in the ‘90s. I was obsessed with all the “Girls with Guitars,” Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Sarah McLachlan, Ani DiFranco, The Indigo Girls, Tracy Chapman, and Bonnie Raitt. Those women and so many more made me want to play the guitar, write songs, and use my voice for good. Because my Dad had the most amazing vinyl collection, I also grew up loving Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Tina Turner, and Janis Joplin. All the above artists have influenced me and inspired me to be a better writer as well as human being.

Do you play covers at your shows? Why or Why not?
I’ve been a gigging musician since I was 17 and have made a full-time living as a working singer/songwriter for the past 13 years. The bulk of my career has been spent playing covers mixed with my original songs in bars, restaurants, and clubs. It’s taken me a long time to fully embrace my songwriting side because up until recently, I’ve always felt like people see me as “just a bar musician.” However, being a bar musician has taught me so many musical and non-musical lessons, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything because it’s made me a better person. Being a bar musician who plays cover songs, you learn how to be with people, how to read their feelings, and sing songs that you know will mean something to them. I always make it my mission to convince the person with the grumpiest face wherever I’m playing to smile or sing-along to at least one song. I’ve gotten pretty good at that.

People have asked me, “Doesn’t that feel soul sucking? To just play what other people want all the time?” I’m sure some people might see it that way, but I look at it as a chance to connect with people. I’ll get you to sing along to your favorite Tom Petty cover and then follow it up with a song you didn’t know you loved because it’s one of my originals that you’re hearing for the first time. In my experience, that’s how you create beautiful connections. I love when I get the chance to play a music venue where I can actually talk to an audience and tell stories, but my ability to connect with an audience definitely comes from thinking fast on my feet with a bar musician mentality.

How do you feel your queer identity ties into your performance style or music?

I’ve had short hair most of my life, I love to wear make-up (especially bright red lipstick), and am not exactly butch, but not exactly femme. I think because I’ve made it a priority to embrace what makes me feel good as an artist and a performer, people have gravitated to my authenticity. It’s taken me a long time to be 100% comfortable with myself but I try to represent all the things I wish I had when I was a kid. I came out as a lesbian when I was 19, and I consider myself one of the lucky ones when it comes to family acceptance. It took my parents some time to adjust, but they never loved me any less and they made sure I knew I was supported.

Despite growing up in and playing the gay bar scene in the 2000s, getting comfortable with my queerness on stage and in my songwriting has been a lifelong journey. I’ve never lied about who I am (maybe I’ve omitted details at times to keep myself safe) but if ever asked, I’ve always been honest about the fact that I identify as a lesbian. My current EP that I am releasing as singles is the most truthful and queer-forward music I’ve written, and I have to say that sharing it with the world feels amazing. I’ve released two songs, “For This Love,” and “One Big Lie,” that both have a music video that tell two distinctively queer stories. Representation matters and I’m doing my best to make music that feels authentic to me and the loving queer community to whom I owe so much.

What would you like to say to people who are currently questioning their identities?

Find your tribe. It doesn’t matter if it’s two people or ten – find them and keep them close. Surround yourself with people who you can be your most authentic self with and who support the journey you’re on. Your path may take many turns along the way - you are allowed to change your mind, you’re allowed to love whoever you want, but that should start with loving yourself. I had a hard time with that earlier in life. I always felt like I was never femme enough to be femme and not butch enough to be butch. Turns out, I didn’t have to be either, I just had to be myself. Don’t feel like you have to figure out the answers all at once. Live your life, find the things that you’re passionate about, and do those things as often as possible. Love yourself enough to keep people who don’t raise you up at a distance. Keep your cheerleaders close, as they will keep you going on the worst days, and eventually you will be someone’s cheerleader, too.

Have you ever been given something remarkable by a fan?
I was playing a gig last summer and I was “coined” by a member of the military. If you are not familiar with this, being “coined” means that a superior officer is recognizing your hard work and dedication to something. I was familiar with the term because my sister was “coined” once while working for the United Nations. So, when a service member came up to me after a show I had played and placed the coin in my hand, I was instantly overwhelmed and emotional.

Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
I have always wanted to go on tour in Europe. I don’t care how big or how small the venues are – I really connect to the way European folk appreciate live music, and I’d love to experience that as a performer.

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