Sierra Levesque Spotlighted in GrammyU Mentorship Program
Emerging rocker joins Recording Academy new cohort, pairing with Shining Rae for guidance.
Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.
Read full bio of Sakshi
Image: Instagram
Canada-born rocker Sierra Levesque has been tapped by GrammyU and the Recording Academy for a featured mentorship spotlight, marking a major milestone in her fast-rising career. Announced via an Instagram post on June 1, the singer-songwriter shared her excitement at joining the program’s latest cohort and collaborating with mentor Shining Rae, an indie artist recognized for her charting singles. With a direct message of gratitude on her feed, Levesque hinted at fresh music and behind-the-scenes content soon to follow, inviting fans to track her journey through links in her bio.
Mentorship Spotlight With Grammyu
The GrammyU initiative, launched by the Recording Academy in partnership with its student arm, aims to nurture emerging talent through one-on-one guidance, workshops and networking opportunities. Each quarter, a handful of artists are chosen to join the program based on industry nominations and a demonstration of creative potential. Levesque’s selection underscores a growing trend of rock and pop acts receiving hands-on support from veterans. While the full list of cohort participants remains private, Levesque’s public announcement—and her tag of @shiningrae—confirmed that she will learn directly from the Chicago-based songwriter, who has penned tracks for major labels and toured internationally. In her Instagram caption, Levesque wrote, “So honored to have been chosen by @grammyu @recordingacademy to be featured as a mentorship program spotlight alongside my mentor @shiningrae.”
Rising Through The Ranks
Sierra Levesque first made waves this spring with a standout performance at We Found New Music’s showcase at Hotel Ziggy in Los Angeles. The Canadian artist, known for her gritty guitar riffs and commanding stage presence, headlined a sold-out set that earned rave reviews from Highwire Daze Online. Photographer Jack Lue captured her in full flight, while writer Ken Morton highlighted her ability to “move seamlessly between anthemic rock hooks and intimate lyrical moments.” Prior to that, Levesque toured small venues across North America, building a grassroots following and earning spots on college radio playlists. Her self-released EP, “Midnight Drive,” has garnered over 100,000 streams on digital platforms and showcases her blend of classic rock influences with modern pop sensibilities.
A Mentor For The Journey
Shining Rae, Levesque’s mentor for the program, brings a wealth of songwriting and production experience. Rae’s 2019 single “Sunset Echoes” reached the top 20 on alternative charts, and she has since collaborated with established names in the industry, from pop acts to indie bands. Her journey from independent releases to major-label credits makes her an ideal guide for Levesque, who has expressed admiration for Rae’s songwriting craft and studio savvy. The mentorship is designed to cover areas such as arranging, vocal production, release strategies and live performance coaching. Both artists are expected to share progress updates—Rae through in-depth Instagram Stories and Levesque via livestream Q&A sessions—providing fans a window into the creative process.
What’s Next For Levesque
Looking ahead, Levesque has teased a new single slated for late summer, with production handled by a Grammy-nominated engineer. Industry insiders suggest the track will lean into a more polished pop-rock sound, blending driving drums with soaring choruses. Beyond recording, the mentorship includes a songwriting retreat and access to Recording Academy resources, potentially unlocking co-writing sessions with other members of the cohort. Levesque’s growing social media presence—currently at 25,000 Instagram followers and climbing—will serve as a real-time record of her evolution under Rae’s guidance. For fans eager to catch her live, she has announced festival appearances in September, with dates to be confirmed on her official website.
By joining GrammyU’s mentorship spotlight, Sierra Levesque cements her status as an artist on the rise. With hands-on support, fresh material in the works, and a loyal fanbase behind her, Levesque appears poised for a breakthrough season. As she and Shining Rae embark on this collaborative journey, music lovers can expect authentic glimpses into the highs and hurdles of carving out a career in today’s music landscape.
Read full bio of Sakshi
