Name: Sasha Atlas
Hometown: Brooklyn
Year: CAS freshman
Dorm: Hayden residence hall
Act: Original song with piano accompaniment

What is your biggest inspiration?
I can’t say I have anything that I consider my “biggest” inspiration. Really, I am inspired by the things around me and the people I meet. There are people whom I admire for their work, such as Andrew Lloyd Webber and Pink Floyd, but I can’t say that my inspiration comes from them. Instead, I am truly motivated to create as a result of my relationship with people and life as a whole.

How long have you been performing and what made you interested in performing in the first place?
I have been performing for as long as I can remember, though I only began accompanying myself on the piano several years ago. I decided to start playing for myself so that I could perform independently. Being my own accompanist gives me far more freedom with my songs and also benefits me in writing music.

What made you decide to participate in the UVL Prelims?
I saw a sign on my door that said I could win $,000 for singing a three-minute song, so I decided to try my luck.

What was the first thing that went through your mind when you found out you were advancing to the finals at Skirball?
Relief.

What would winning UVL mean to you?
One thousand reasons to spend the weekend in Atlantic City. Or pay for my tuition.

A version of this article appeared in the Monday, Feb. 24 print edition. Bryna Shuman is features editor. Email her at [email protected].