Sierra “Sierra Spirit” Kihega (BMI)

Abe Olman Scholarship, 2024

Sierra Spirit is the solo project of Native American artist Sierra Spirit Kihega. Hailing from Oklahoma, the home of both her tribes (Otoe-Missouria and Keetoowah Cherokee), Sierra draws from her lived experience and cultural background as part of the Native community. From loss, to love, to transparency about mental health, her upcoming EP, "coin toss," tells a story of the raw and honest struggles of growing up. Taking inspiration from artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, The Japanese House and Ethel Cain - Sierra has created a unique brand of melancholy, guitar driven, twangy indie rock.