About me: I’m from Virginia Beach, VA. Originally from New York. (Germany as well, military brat).
I’m a music curator, interviewer, and the creator behind The Playlist Girl.
I’ve been surrounded by music my entire life. My mom has worked in the music industry since she was 16, so music has always been at the center of our family.
I’ve also been a classically trained singer since I was 4 years old. I started recording music as a teenager and later independently released my single “6 AM in New York” in 2020.
I collect records based on memories for the most part. I love crate digging and discovering underrated artists before they become household names.
Favorite genres: R&B (always #1), Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Alternative R&B.
Favorite musicians: Erykah Badu, Frank Ocean, Brandy, Snoh Aalegra, Tyler, The Creator, Jazmine Sullivan, Stevie Wonder, Summer Walker, Ambrè, Destin Conrad, Cari, Mac Ayres, and Jvck James. The list is endless forreal. I’d be here forever.
Q&A:
What was happening in your life when vinyl first became important to you?
I think my love for vinyl really started long before I ever bought my first record. Growing up, my mom would take me to music stores and let me pick out five or six CDs at a time. Every Christmas, CDs were always at the top of my wish list.
I’ve always loved physical media because there was something special about holding the music in your hands, reading the liner notes, and really sitting with an album instead of just pressing play.
Both of my parents also had vinyl collections, so records were always a part of my environment. Looking back, it feels like a natural progression that I eventually fell in love with collecting vinyl myself.
Around the time I started building my own collection, I was also falling back in love with experiencing music instead of just consuming it. Vinyl helped me slow down, appreciate albums from front to back, and connect with music in a much more intentional way.
What era of music are you currently exploring or re-discovering?
I’ve been spending a lot of time revisiting late ‘90s and early 2000s R&B while also diving deeper into today’s independent R&B scene. It’s fascinating to hear how artists are pulling inspiration from the past while creating something that feels fresh and uniquely their own.
As someone who discovers music for a living, I love tracing those connections and seeing how the genre continues to evolve.
If you could time travel to one concert in music history, where would you go?
Prince’s Purple Rain Tour or Stevie Wonder during his Songs in the Key of Life era.
What’s the most recent addition to your collection?
Brandy’s Full Moon. It’s one of my favorite R&B albums, and I was so excited to finally add it to my collection.
Have you ever discovered one of your favorite producers or musicians through reading album liner notes or credits?
Absolutely. Reading album credits has introduced me to some of my favorite producers, songwriters, and musicians. It’s one of my favorite parts of listening to an album because it reminds me that the artist is only one piece of the story.
As I started paying closer attention to liner notes and credits, I found myself becoming a huge fan of producers and writers like Bryan-Michael Cox, Tricky Stewart, Ryan Leslie, and Johntá Austin. Once you start recognizing their names, you begin hearing their signature styles across so many records you already love.
Reading credits has completely changed the way I experience music. Instead of only asking, “Who sings this?” I’m also asking, “Who produced it? Who wrote it? Who arranged the vocals?” It gives me a much deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every album and the incredible team of people who help bring an artist’s vision to life.
What’s your favorite album art of all time?
Baduizm by Erykah Badu. It’s timeless and instantly recognizable.
Nostalgia Ultra by Frank Ocean for the same reason.
Where are your favorite places to crate dig and/or buy records?
My favorites are Freshtopia and Thanks For Listening back home in Virginia. I also love checking out local record stores whenever I travel because every city has something different to offer.
Share one life lesson that music has taught you.
Music has taught me that there’s value in slowing down. Some of the most meaningful moments come from sitting with an album, letting it unfold, and appreciating every detail instead of rushing to the next thing.
What advice would you give to fellow collectors who want to build something meaningful?
Collect what genuinely resonates with you, not just what’s trending or hard to find. The most meaningful collections reflect your taste, your memories, and the music that’s shaped who you are. It should tell your story.
***Sierra reminds us that music is meant to be explored. Whether she’s revisiting timeless R&B, discovering independent artists, or diving into album credits, her curiosity and appreciation shine through in everything she does. Thank you, Sierra, for sharing your amazing story with us! Be sure to follow her on IG @sierravon to keep up with her musical journey and discoveries! DM us @soultaurean if you’d like to be featured next!
