Interview with Sarah Moon

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I grew up surrounded by live music. For me, there was no other choice but to sing & perform. It is what I am meant to do. Knowing this is a blessing & a curse.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I am super social, I love gathering with friends, seeing live music, walking in the wilderness, & eating good food.

How long has your band been around?

I am a solo artist, so the “band” is ever changing. I have been on stages since age 5.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

Portland, OR! Portland has a vibrant and supportive music scene. I actually moved here to do blues, but have been exploring other areas such as Rock, Soul, Americana.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

Larger audiences are always memorable because of the huge energy exchange (rush), but my small local shows are fun because my close friends will be there singing along.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

My goal is to regularly play a slightly larger venue scene so I’d love to play the Aladdin, Revolution Hall, Roseland locally and continue to travel to other Cities for new experiences/venues. Life goal is to sing at the Portland Waterfront Blues Festival.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Dave Grohl would have to be involved either as a drummer or guitarist/vocalist. I’d love to sing with the Foo Fighters.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Go for it! There are so many doubters when it comes to artists. When people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grow up & my response was “Rockstar” they would often ask what my backup plan was. Only you know what you are capable of and what you want to achieve. I’ve spent too many years waiting for the right opportunity to come along and now I know I need to create it.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Don’t wait. Go for it.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

My songs are straight from the heart and it’s too tough to choose a favorite. I will say that the most recent album, Cut & Run is my strongest overall. From the songwriting & the production.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

People loved Siren Song & Somehow You’ll Know from my first album (self titled) . DAG & Perch off my second album “Good Girls Sleep Alone”. Cut & Run is so new I haven’t even performed it yet, so we shall see! I get the most feedback from Cut & Run, Only You Stay & The Way I Used To (everybody loves this one).

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

For me, it’s a combination of lyrics from life experience and/or fiction. Oftentimes I will start with a riff or chorus and build from there.

Brandon Cook & I have a nice process that works well for us. We each bring something to the table and create together from there. I’ll guide him vocally where I want to go musically & he will also bring me progressions that I write around. Sometimes I bring a completed song that he improves with tasty arranging.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

Women empowerment. Human decency. We all deserve to be treated with respect and when it’s not there…..time to Cut & Run.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

As a solo artist I technically run the show, but I work hard to keep open communication and support of everyone. It’s like dating 5 people at once. Takes a lot of openness & listening.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

We will be performing the album in the Fall. I’d encourage people to follow my website/Instagram/FB for upcoming shows.