Carnival is several weeks behind us and already preparations for C2K14 are in train. Among those working towards success next season are the soca and chutney-soca artistes all hoping to have big hits next year.

One artiste who has set her goals for next Carnival and is confident that she will achieve them is Sally Sagram, one of the popular acts on the chutney and chutney-soca scene. She is not only seeking to make an impact in 2014, but intends to dethrone joint International Power Soca Monarchs, SuperBlue and Machel Montano.

The proverbial ant and rubber tree plant comes to mind here and one could say that Sagram has high hopes, high apple pie in the sky hopes. But if you know Sagram, she has the will, determination and talent to pull it off if she is really serious about it. Before that journey though, Sagram is focussing on releasing music during the coming months as well as developing her band, Xtreme, which she owns and leads.

"Yes I'm thinking of entering the International Power Soca Monarch competition next year and seriously challenging the men. I believe that I can pull it off with the right song because I have the confidence and of course the talent. Before that though, I want to release some original songs during the year, maybe reggae, groovy soca and later down the power soca," Sagram said.

This year Sagram was one of four women who made it to the finals of the International Chutney-Soca Monarch competition. She performed, "Wine On Meh" placing ninth tying with Omardath Maharaj. She also competed in the Independence Chutney Competition placing second with her rendition of, "Happy Independence". Both these songs were produced by Zaheer "Big Rich" Khan at the Pungalunks Factory.

"My song for Independence was composed by Rikki Jai and Preacher and "Wine On Meh" was composed by Big Rich with Ravi B doing the music. Lyrical (soca artiste based in New York) is featured on the song and he does a great performance. He really has a lot of talent and knows how to adapt to whatever style of music of presented to him to work with. There is another song, 'Good Lover' that was composed by Big Rich and Rikki Jai, which did well during the season," Sagram said.

Sagram works in the marketing department of First Citizens and is at present pursuing a degree in marketing. She is also involved in the bank's Pink Project through which it is assisting various institutions in the fight against domestic abuse, rape and other ills against women. When Sagram is not in rehearsals, performing or at work she enjoys going to the movies and spending quality time with her family. Whenever she may be down a couple scoops of Hagen Daz ice cream always brings back her smile.

"Family, it's all about family with me and they give me all the support I need in my job, music and life's challenges. My brother, Sherazz is always there for me giving me whatever support and encouragement he can. He makes sure everything is in place for me to perform to the best of my ability. I'm looking to spend more time building my band and moving it forward. We have nine members who are all just wonderful and very hard working. Last year we visited Guyana, Canada, New York, Suriname, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and other places that we are looking forward to returning this year. This is hard work, but it's what I love and intend to be doing for a long time to come," Sagram said.