Interview: SARAH CHRISTINE
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
I have been seriously making music now for the past 5 years, pursuing full time since May of 2020! It all began on a road trip from MN to CO with my 5 best girlfriends since 4th grade. One of which had a cabin in Breckenridge so, in college, we all met back up and we headed west to explore the mountains together. After hiking one day, we went to a wine bar (that I believe is now a gift shop) and there was a guitar player playing a long set (about 4-5 hours). So, his interims were a bit lengthy where there wasn't any music playing. My best friend had recently discovered I could sing, after discovering a guitar under my dorm bed that I was hiding (I had HUGE stage fright) and somehow, next thing I know, the musician lent me his guitar and asked me to play some tunes. I was scared to death! But, I got on stage and started singing. It was a moment in my life I will never forget - it was exactly then I knew this is what I wanted to do. The whole room went silent and I was asked by the musician to close out the rest of the night (he was 3 hours in - I don't blame him (haha)).
If I had not gotten into music, I'd probably still be at my corporate job. I used to work in recruiting and business development and really enjoyed my time there as well. But, music has my heart. When you know, you know :).
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
When I'm not playing music, I'm often traveling, involved in meditations and mindfulness activities (I'm obsessed), hiking, enjoying time with my rescue dog, Masin, and spending time with friends and family. I also LOVE to fly fish here in CO! Nature highly impacts my creativity - I wrote my last few songs that will come out this Spring/Summer in the mountains in Aspen, in a tiny cabin with no cell phone service. It was beautiful. My best friend was a real fox, no joke, I named him Lucky and he's tattoo'd on my arm. Don't believe me? Check out my IG :).
Meditation and mindfulness also really help clear my head and channel feelings, thoughts, and all the things. It's often I find hooks in my head and melodies flowing during these times.
How long has music been your career?
I was in a band called SarahLou in my 20's - we were a duet based out of Minneapolis. When we split up because our other singer moved to Hollywood and our bass player and drummer moved to Chicago, I went solo. I've been solo full time for 2 years now!
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
I'm currently based out of CO - if you've ever experienced the Rocky Mountains, you know exactly how that influences music. It's stunning, it's adventurous, it can be hard. The area pushes you and also gives you profound peace. I've met some amazing, amazing people here and that obviously helps too :). As I always say, IN IT TOGETHER!
Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.
Man, there are SO many shows I would humbly say were a "best" but, narrowing it to this past year, I'd say my "best show (or most special to me)" was in my hometown (Stillwater, MN - Zephyr Theatre) where I played the song I wrote for my mom during her cancer battle ("The Year: Hang on Mom"). I was in a jam packed theatre and I was able to call my mom up on stage and play that for her live!
Worst show - I played a show where there was a guy hiding under my car after my set when I was unloading. FREAKED ME OUT. Thankfully the bouncer was there to help and I played it cool. But, it was definitely weird!
Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
I have absolutely loved every venue I've played at. They all have their different flares and unique vibes. Of course also, incredible staff. It's so fun to explore them all! I honestly don't think I could pick a favorite - they are all special to my soul.
As far as unique places I want to play - can we manifest:
THE TROUBADOUR - LA
RED ROCKS BABY!
GIRLS JUST WANNA WEEKEND - Mexico
I mean, I want to play all the venues - big, small, I'd be honored! But those are dreaming big :).
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
I would LOVE to open for Brandi Carlile, omg would that be a freakin dream.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into music?
It's a marathon - enjoy every win and every mistake! Humbly approach each day with gratitude that you have a gift that you get to uniquely share with the world. It's not about getting famous, or getting "rich" - it's about leaving the world in a better place because music is medicine, and you might just have a song that touches someone and changes their life. That moment might just change yours too. Also - GO FOR IT. Give it all you have - we were born dying, why wait until a doctor's orders to jump all in. You can do it!
If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?
Patience, patience, patience.
Collaborate all you can.
Learn from everyone.
Be gracious with your stage time - who can you call up and give you mic over for a moment - it could change their life and you could spark their fire for singing as a career too!
Whether it's 1 person in the audience or 1000, that person/people showed up for you - give 'em all you got! One is not better than the other.
Say YES to opportunities - even if it means you're pushing your finances and taking a risk, often those are the ones that pay dividends down the road!
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
Originals:
The Choice
Hang on Mom
Vices
Like The Movies
Aspen
Covers:
Fast Car
Adele 'Easy on Me'
What is the creative process for you, and what inspires you to write your music?
I actually tend to write "backwards" in most people's minds. Where I'm inspired first by the chord/instruments/arrangements and then the lyrics just start flowing.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
IN IT TOGETHER.
Do you ever have disagreements when collaborating and how do you get past them?
Sometimes it's just about working through different progressions or arrangements of lyrics or a different way of laying them out. I wouldn't call them "disagreements" I would say it's the creative process. I would recommend always being open to feedback and not taking it personally if there is constructive criticism. If you and the people you're working with communicate well, it helps a lot! "Hey - I really like the way that chorus sounds but can we try it by switching up these words and see how it flows? If we hate it, can we go back?" (as an example).
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
Looking forward to getting back on tour!!! We kick off Denver Pride on 6/16 and then it's off to the races! I'll be touring like a crazy woman from mid-June to October. Then a quick break and it's time for Holiday shows starting at the end of November until 2023!
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