Full on DIY solo artist
Sarah D originated from Adelaide,
Australia and began singing and dancing at the age of 9. By the age of 12 she
joined a performance group from then on things just began to take off for her
popping up at every turn. Now she has a EP debut showcasing her latest talents
as an artist and as a person.
1. What type of band are you?
Sarah: I am a FULL DIY solo artist, with no manager, no
label backing me. Therefore, I am really free and open to do what genre I feel
best doing. Having grown up to a lot of Pop music, I gravitate mostly towards
this genre. My music is a blend of edgy Pop/Rock with an added dance element,
using analog synths, making it extremely radio friendly. You can compare it to
the latest works of Kelly Clarkson, Maroon 5 and Jessie J.
2. Tell us the brief history of your band.
Sarah: I'm originally from Adelaide, Australia and started
singing and dancing at the age of 9. By the age of 12, I joined a performance
group where we were hired to entertain at all sorts of live events, corporate
functions and competitions. Being one of the very few entertainment groups
within Adelaide, we were always hired to do a bunch of work. However, when I
was 15, I started to take my singing a little more seriously and started
venturing off to work my instrument. For years I'd trained, however, when I saw
Musician's Institute in Hollywood, I knew this is where I wanted to be to get
my ideal training. And I'm glad I did!! in 2010 I came to study and graduated
in March this year. Since then I have been working hard on developing my
writing skills, vocal technique and artist development. I've also completed my
debut EP - 'Over You', won the 2012 VocalizeU scholarship and placed a song in
an independent feature film.
3. Did you celebrate Halloween this year if so what did you
end up doing and did you dress up?
Sarah: This year I decided to back off the Halloween
celebrations and I'm glad I did!!!! Hollywood was too crazy!! Instead, I had a
wine and cheese night with some friends and watched concert videos. I sound
like a grandma saying that, but I had fun! :P
4. You had a EP release party last month how did that go for
you?
Sarah: The release party was such a great success!!! I ended
up surprising myself with how well the night turned out to be! It was a full
house and everyone really admired how well structured and organized my sister
and I were. She helped me put the whole thing together and MC'd the night. The
night however, definitely wouldn't have been possible without my great donators
from my FUND page who helped raised over $2,000 for the event and my
sponsors: Vito Esposito Salon, Amoeba Music, AMC Theatres, Outback Steakhouse
and Republic Of pie!
5. Tell me about the EP what's it called and about?
Sarah: I named the EP after my single "Over You".
It's a bit more of a personal EP which
covers a particular time in my life that I was going through - a hard
relationship that's completely over and done. Though it was upsetting, at the
end of the day, I'm the type that won't let things bring me down and I tried to
convey this through songs such as 'Over You' and 'Gone'. 'Stand Up' sounds like
a song where somebody has cheated on me, however, it's the overall feeling that
I felt while being in that relationship. 'Make The World' is probably the
happiest tune about finding love in an everyday situation. Though you may not
know someone personally, you gravitate towards them, feeling some sort of
connection. All in all, I tried to create songs that are relatable and
danceable.
6. Who are some of your musical influences you look up to
lately?
Sarah: I have a number of influences!! Definitely Michael
Jackson is one of them. Being King Of Pop, he knew what made a great song and
how to connect with his audience. he was so great on many levels. I love
powerful women with great voices such as again, Kelly Clarkson, Jessie J,
Carrie Underwood, Pink and Natasha Beddingfield. They're talented and have
great songs which inspire me to continue writing new material!
7. Do you write your own songs if so what themes do they
cover?
Sarah: I do write my own songs as this is the one things I'm
trying to improve on. Before I came to LA, I wrote a bunch of little poems here
and there, but never any songs. If I did, I'd never finish them! When I came to
LA, this was when I started to write so I'm still learning so many things and
it excites me! I tend to lean towards writing empowering songs, whether it be
about situations dealing with relationships or knowing your value, those kinds
of themes really inspire me. As a person, I'm really strong minded, honest and
merely tell it like it is, and I believe this comes across in my music. I'm
also sarcastic and fun and try not to take serious situations too seriously!
When I master how to write a love song without being too cheesy I'll probably
start to love them more :P
8. Which of your own songs is your favorite?
Sarah: I really love "Gone". It was one of my
first songs I wrote and I was really proud of it. It's gone through so many
stages and arrangements and it's cool to hear it in such a different
arrangement now! Andres Torres, my producer and I wanted to do something
different with it by adding the little reggae intro and bridge as it's still
something fresh but different from what you may normally hear!
9. Vinyl records, cassettes, CDs or downloads? (regardless
of current popularity).
Sarah: I still really
like CD's. I remember how excited I'd get to buy a full album and to have the
little booklet inside with all the song lyrics and extra pictures of that
artist or band. It was a like a present!!
I understand that people want things quickly now, hence the reason for
downloads but I feel like we could get more of an EXPERIENCE with CD's I don't
know, maybe I'm just weird!
10. Playing live or recording in studios?
Sarah: I love to play live! You get the entire experience
live! From the songs, to the musicians, the lights, the atmosphere everything!
For me, nothing will beat the experience of actually being in that moment and
place!
11. Your favorite show that you played till date?
Sarah: Every show I do is always fun and lately I've been
doing a lot of acoustic shows with my guitarist, Ramon Blanco. However, with my
full band, I'd say the release party for sure!! It was such a special night and
a really big achievement for me so I was so proud of myself for being able to
get all of it organized!! Also, to be able to share a room with friends and
industry people made it all that more special!!!!
12. Tell us a story about a day in your life.
Sarah: The everyday DIY musician life isn't always fun, but
it's as fun as you make it! My day usually consists of a workout in the
morning, followed by replying and sending a bunch of emails to book shows or set
up interviews etc. I then do a bunch of promoting in the morning on my Twitter
and Facebook to keep my fans engaged. My day also consists of a daily
vocalizing routine to keep my cords in top form as well as studying/practicing
new songs in my repertoire. Additionally, I have a book called 'Hit Song
Analysis' and I pick 2 songs a day and break them down to study and write at
the things that make those songs hits and why they work. Usually then I'd read
(I love to read!). My books are usually music business books of songwriting
books! I normally finish the night by going out to a show to network or have a
quiet night in and write!! I love to write at night!
13. What inspires you to do what you do?
Sarah: The fact that no matter what I put my mind to, I can
have or do inspires me most. I believe if you work hard enough and keep it
consistent there will be results! Additionally, the support I've been getting
from so many people keeps me pushing everyday cause I know I must be doing
something right and it can only get better from here! I'm excited for the next
few chapters to unravel
