Sandee Facy Finding Her Voice One Song At A Time

When you ask Sandee Facy where she’s from, you get a mix of heart, heritage, and home-spun humour. Born in the US, married to a Queenslander, and raising her young family Down Under, Facy has lived a few lives in one – a truth reflected in her music. From Nashville venues to rural farms, from full-time work weeks to festival stages, she’s stitched a career together by tugging on the threads of persistence and passion.

And now, Facy has her focus narrowed on the release of her debut album, Chasing Clarity – a moment marking the culmination of years of music making and the resolute drive to keep evolving.

“The focus leading up to the album has been all about the songs,” she explains. 

“Honestly, I got so caught up in getting the music right, I forgot I hadn’t had professional photos taken since 2021!” 

Between her day job and managing logistics (producer Michael Carpenter is based in Sydney and she in Melbourne), Facy has been living the kind of dual life most artists know well – a 9-5 reality countered with an after-hours dream.

Before she was writing her own music, Facy was a seasoned vocalist performing other people’s songs.

“I’ve been singing into a hairbrush since I was little,” she laughs. “I spent years performing other people’s work, and that taught me a lot. But the real shift came when I started writing.”

Part of that turning point came from tragedy. A young family friend passed away from illness just shy of their 21st birthday. In the wake of that grief, Facy wrote Hummingbird, a song that would open a door she didn’t know was there.

“There was never any intention to actually publish the song. It was never meant for release. I recorded it just for her family. The reception from her family was ‘If you don't start sharing your music on a grander scale and continue your writing, please produce this song as a celebration of her life’. 

“So that's where it all started for me, that moment changed everything.”

It wasn’t long after that she began co-writing more intentionally – often with close friend and Nashville-based songwriter Michael Saleta. Many of the songs on her album were written during that time, and some even in Nashville itself. 

“And working with Michael Carpenter on the album was incredible – he sprinkled his magic dust on all of my music. And he’s a great collaborator; it’s not a one-way street with him.”

Chasing Clarity is full of stories – some personal, some universal. Midnight Renegade encourages young girls to chase dreams without leaving everything behind. Working Girl tells a story of generational domestic violence. Next Heartbeat pays tribute to her parents. And the self-titled track explores sobriety and the hard-earned peace that comes with it.

“Real vulnerability is the key to real songwriting,” Facy says. “If you sit down try write a song that's for a specific genre, or you want to achieve X, Y, Z, those intentions are skewed. Being vulnerable and authentic, that's the way to make the true connection. It'll fall on some people and other people won't get it, and that's fine, too. 

“When I write, I can feel my songwriting is evolving. I'm moving from sharing stories about how I feel about stuff, to just telling stories. And those stories are really important, topical and sometimes controversial. When you come from truth – whether it’s your own story or someone else’s – that’s when the magic happens.

“And I say this with no ego, there's humility: I look at myself as a vehicle or a beacon of light. There's enough BS happening in the world, there's a lot of darkness out there. When you can share music that inspires people – makes them feel, have fun, have a cry, whatever it is – I think that's just so important

“There's also a sisterhood in country music, I think there should be more spotlight on women. I've been around a long time, so you're always behind Garth Brooks!”

Ask Sandy for a song that best captures the album’s heart, and she doesn’t hesitate.

“Better Than Good, for sure,” she says. “It’s about a young man and his grandfather, out fishing. But it’s really about the advice he gets: ‘Fill your cup with adventure, live your life better than good.’ That’s the message. Don’t settle.”

For those in need of a little joy or a dance, she points to Lipstick and Boots.

“It’s playful, sassy – everything you need for a night out with the girls. It’s a vibe.”

There’s also Ain’t My First Rodeo, a track that reminds listeners that it's never too late to chase a dream – something Facy believes wholeheartedly.

“I didn’t release my first single until later in life. I’ve got a family, a full-time job, responsibilities. But that doesn’t stop you if your heart’s in it. And I think that’s important for people to hear.”

Now, with her album’s arrival imminent, Facy is also gearing up for another major milestone – her first-ever Gympie Music Muster performance.

“This’ll be my debut at Gympie, and I’m bringing my full band with me,” she says. “We’re turning it into a proper weekend. Hired a Prado, staying just outside of town – I love the vibe of festivals, but I’m not sure I’m up for camping this time. Been there, done that!”

She teases a surprise cover song for her Gympie set, but mostly, she’ll be playing songs off her debut – a mix of fresh tracks and fan favourites like Still That Girl, her 2020 single that helped pave the path to where she is now.

As for what’s next?

“I’m excited for my shows, more writing, more connecting. I want people to feel seen when they hear my songs – whether it’s in a quiet moment alone or in a packed festival tent, singing along with their hands in the air.”