Interview Sharon Lia

Sharon Lia of the Sharon Lia Band talks about her ambitious double album EXPANSE, exploring its cinematic soundscapes, emotional depth, and the personal journey behind its creation.

1. Congratulations on the release of your new album, EXPANSE! What inspired the concept behind the album, and how did it evolve into such an ambitious double release?

Thank you! The concept of EXPANSE evolved organically. Initially, I aimed for a sci-fi symphonic cinematic theme and named the album "Live Out Loud," inspired by my song “I Will Remember (Live Out Loud)” dedicated to my sister, who left our earthly plain at age 26. While designing the artwork, I found it challenging to convey the idea of living out loud in a way that aligned with outer space (especially since there is no sound in space! lol).

One day, when I was in the studio working on "Blue Skies" (a song about observing the beautiful Earth from space), I had my "aha" moment with these lyrics: “in this expanse with no dimension.” That realization—EXPANSE—captured what I was striving for, prompting me to develop the overarching theme and artwork you see today.

2. The album features both rock and symphonic versions of many tracks. Can you tell us more about the decision to present these songs in such varied arrangements? What did you hope to achieve with this format?

Presenting the songs in three formats was about offering different emotional perspectives. The full radio symphonic rock versions carry raw energy, while the five symphonic/vocal and ten instrumental versions allow listeners to experience the music in varied ways. I’m very much a mood person—sometimes, I want to rock out, and at other times, I prefer an instrumental soundtrack for escape. I wanted these emotive songs to have multiple lives, speaking to fans based on their moods.

For me, instrumental music enhances emotional writing. The symphonic vocal versions provide depth through strings and other instruments, offering a window to the song's soul that’s more accessible without guitars and drums. Meanwhile, the driving guitar, piano, bass, and lyrics energize me as I sing along on a highway drive, letting the wind whip through my hair.

3. Your music has been compared to greats like Evanescence, Pink Floyd, and Coldplay. How do these influences shape your sound, and how do you balance these inspirations with your unique style?

I'm truly honored by those comparisons! I admire how those artists create immersive experiences that take listeners on emotional journeys. While their influence has shaped the ambition of EXPANSE, my goal has always been to remain authentic to my own voice. My unique sound is rooted in my personal experiences, and blending symphonic elements with rock came naturally to me over time.

4. Your voice is described as having a "fragile strength." How do you approach conveying such deep emotion and vulnerability in your vocals?

I sing with a foundation of honesty, letting vulnerability lead the way. There’s a time for control and a time for raw intensity. It’s essential to connect with the emotions behind the words and choral sections, naturally, allowing listeners to feel the depth of my experiences in music. Whether I’m delivering a delicate, controlled performance or unleashing powerful intensity, finding that balance is vital for creating an emotionally resonant experience—something I’ve cultivated intentionally. As with instruments, varying dynamics and intensity adds interest and creates a rich listening experience.

5. The album artwork is full of symbolic "Easter Eggs" and stunning visuals. Can you tell us more about the design process and how these symbols relate to the themes of the album?

The artwork for EXPANSE is more than just an aesthetic choice; it's a visual representation of the emotional and spiritual themes embedded within the music. Each symbol carries a deeper significance, offering layers of meaning that invite listeners into a world of personal and universal transformation.

On the album cover, you'll see three doves—one perched gently on my shoulder, and two others about to land on my outstretched fingers. These birds symbolize love, peace, and the profound act of coming home. Their flight and eventual return reflect a journey of reconciliation and healing, representing the open arms of unconditional love—love that never wavered, even through times of distance and challenge. This imagery ties beautifully into the broader themes of the album: resilience, the enduring nature of love, and the triumph of truth and light over time.

Behind me stands the iron gate, which serves as both a powerful visual and lyrical motif. The gate represents an impenetrable boundary but also a portal—a gateway between worlds. It connects directly to the lyrics in Feel It In My Bones, where I sing, "I am done with all your hate, and I will close the iron gate; you can keep your iron throne, hateful and alone." Closing the gate signifies shutting off from harmful influences and moving toward personal liberation. It is also a passageway through a starry celestial sky where the Earth is visible in the distance, adorned by a radiant light. This light, which crowns the Earth and appears in the logo behind the word EXPANSE, symbolizes both the love and guidance of my sister, who inspired me to pursue my music career. It embodies hope, illuminating the journey toward purpose explored in the album. This light is featured on every avatar artwork, reinforcing its significance as a guiding force throughout the narrative, and is ultimately represented in a song called "The Light," the pinnacle track that ends the album's journey, marking a new beginning. Hint… decode the Morse code and unlock the defining message of this project.

A gold-leafed, antique baroque-style 4-foot tall wall piece with an oval mirror in the center forms another recurring visual element throughout the artwork. I discovered this piece while antiquing, and it now hangs in my steampunk-inspired studio powder room as a beautiful reminder of that adventure. Its elegance and timeless quality connect to the steampunk-inspired visuals of the avatars. The piece appears in various forms across the album's design: as earrings for the Love You Forever avatar, the center mirror sections as buttons on the lapel of my Invisible avatar, and as a brooch on the hat of the Risk It All avatar, among other placements. On the album cover, it subtly appears as a belt around my waist, integrated into the design of my bodice. It also serves as the bottom border beneath the titles of the three singles we released before the album launch and can be spotted in other parts of the multimedia project. This mirror is a symbol of reflection and adventure—literally and metaphorically—of the self-discovery and transformation central to EXPANSE.

Another hidden layer within the artwork is the presence of Morse code. This code appears not only on the album cover but is also embedded within the music and other multimedia project aspects. It invites the audience to decode its hidden but overarching message, enriching the overall experience of the album.

Each symbol—whether it's the celestial light crowning the Earth, the iron gate, the mirror, the doves, the Morse code, and other symbolic features found in the short films we created (available on our Sharon Lia Band Explore EXPANSE playlist on YouTube)—creates mystery and meaning, guiding listeners toward exploration and discovery. 

The intent of EXPANSE is meant to be immersive—a world where visual and musical elements converge and where the journey of discovery becomes as important as the destination itself.

6. You've mentioned that your songs tell unforgettable stories. What are some of the key stories or messages that listeners can expect to find in EXPANSE?

The stories in EXPANSE revolve around the search for purpose, the struggle to overcome obstacles, and the realization that the answers often lie within us. Songs like Find Something To Believe In and Feel It In My Bones explore themes of self-discovery and liberation, while others like Love You Forever delve into eternal love and connection. At the core, I wanted EXPANSE to transport the listener wholly – into another realm. Escaping from the moment into a story that they could relate to that was full of mystery, adventure, trials, sadness, loneliness, liberation and ultimately victory. It is what we experience as humans. The movies we watch have protagonists, antagonists, villains, heroes, struggles, climaxes, and resolutions. This album is meant to be like watching a movie. Cinematic.

Find Something to Believe In – The search for purpose and knowing that even as we age, we should never fall into growing "old." "We should grow up but never grow old."

I Will Wait – Being separated from someone we love and loving them so much that you keep the fires burning, waiting for their return. "Fire will burn; I'll be tending to the flame."

Invisible – Feeling unseen but growing inside to realize that we don't need others' validation to be valuable. It is so hard to feel unworthy, but it sometimes isn't you. It's them. Also, knowing when the scars between us are from abuse, you must find your voice. We all feel alone sometimes, and this song lets the listener know that they are not alone.

I could go on… every song has a deep and overarching message…

7. "Love You Forever" and "Invisible" have already garnered significant praise. What do these songs mean to you personally, and how do they fit within the larger narrative of the album?

"Love You Forever" is a deeply personal song about an enduring connection that transcends time and space. In contrast, "Invisible" taps into the relatable feeling of not being seen. Both songs seamlessly fit into EXPANSE's larger narrative of seeking meaning, connection, and recognition in a complex world.

8. Your band has a strong live performance presence. How do you plan to translate the depth and complexity of EXPANSE into your upcoming shows, especially in settings like planetariums and festivals?

Our live performances will extend the immersive experience of EXPANSE. We’re incorporating visuals, lighting, and narrative elements to create a cinematic experience for the audience. Whether in a planetarium or at a festival, we want people to feel like they’re stepping into the world of EXPANSE, with both the symphonic and rock elements coming to life on stage.

9. Your nonprofit, Ladies Who Rock 4 A Cause, is an important part of your mission. How do you balance your music career with this philanthropic work, and how does your music reflect the causes you champion?

Both my music and my nonprofit work are deeply interconnected. The themes of empowerment, hope, and resilience that run through my music mirror the values of Ladies Who Rock 4 A Cause. Balancing the two can be challenging, but they fuel each other—my music raises awareness, while my nonprofit work provides inspiration and purpose, reminding me of the power we have to create change through music.

10. You worked with a talented group of musicians, including Rick Jannotti, Rhodney Miller, and Vika Hunter. How did this collaboration influence the sound and final production of EXPANSE?

Collaborating with Rick, Rhodney, and Steve was crucial in defining the sound of EXPANSE. Rick's guitar work brought depth to the rock tracks, while Rhodney's bass lines, along with Steve Colucci's drumming and newcomer Matt Dunn's contributions on one of the symphonic tracks, helped to realize my vision. Additionally, Howie Gordon lent his talents to several songs, providing keys, strings, and synth elements. Vika, who has been with me since the beginning, beautifully contributes background vocals on "Invisible,"

11. EXPANSE took four years to create. What were some of the most challenging and rewarding moments during this process? How did the long timeline affect the final product?

Creating EXPANSE was nothing short of a personal odyssey. When I started, I had no idea it would take four years, but life doesn't always follow the plan. One of the biggest challenges came early on when Rick, my husband and lead guitarist, went through a near-death health crisis. It was a terrifying time, and everything had to come to a halt while he recovered. That period really tested me—not just as a musician but as a person. It forced me to confront the fragility of everything, and that theme weaved itself into the fabric of the album. The struggle to find light in dark times became a central theme of EXPANSE.

In some ways, the lengthy timeline was a blessing. It allowed the songs to breathe and evolve. A song like Feel It In My Bones wasn't the same when I first wrote it. Over time, as I processed more of my life changes, the song matured with me, gaining new layers of emotional depth. I'd revisit tracks and discover new arrangements and new meanings. It gave me the space to experiment and push myself musically and emotionally.

The most rewarding moment, by far, was completing the album with Rick by my side. After all the hardships, EXPANSE became a testament to resilience, not just for us but for anyone facing their battles. That sense of personal victory—both in my music and in life—made the long journey more than worth it. The time it took shaped the final product into something more authentic and reflective of who I've become. Every note every lyric carries a piece of that transformation, and I hope listeners can feel that when they experience EXPANSE.

In a way, this album took a lifetime of experiences to make. The symbolism in the artwork will give you a clue as to some of the roadblocks in my career that kept this music hidden in a treasure box.

12. With the album's release and your fall tour in the works, what are your hopes for the future of Sharon Lia Band? What message do you want to leave with listeners through EXPANSE and beyond?

I hope EXPANSE reaches all four corners of the Earth and beyond, embarking on a journey to the moon. It’s my wish that science and space organizations embrace this project and that it one day accompanies space travelers, inspiring young minds to dream of exploration and our shared capacity for love, light, and alleviating suffering. May everyone discover "The Light" of God and the profound peace that comes with it.

I aspire for EXPANSE to bring hope, comfort, and a sense of connection, encouraging individuals to find their light amid their challenges. The future lies in expanding our reach and sharing our message of resilience and empowerment with as many people as possible.

As the journey unfolds with EXPANSE, I encourage your readers to join us in this exploration of sound, emotion, and transformation. Whether through the uplifting symphonic melodies or the raw energy of rock, there's a story waiting for you to discover. Dive into the album, share your thoughts, and let the music guide you on your own journey of self-discovery. Check out EXPANSE on all streaming platforms, meet us on socials @sharonliaband, or join our email list https://mailchi.mp/sharonliaband.com/slb-linktree  and be part of this incredible adventure!

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