Interview: Sarah Darling talks music, quarantine and UK
- by Andrew Braithwaite
- in Interviews
Nashville-based country star Sarah Darling, who's known for making regular appearances on BBC radio and TV is becoming a popular name within the British country music circles. Having played at C2C London and an official UK country album #1 under her belt, this Billboard charting hot US act welcomes Britain as her second home.
Topping over 14 million online streams to date, Sarah has just released 'Bring On The Rain'. I recently caught up with her to ask some questions about the new material and life whilst in lockdown.
Q) Living in these unprecedented days with nearly all of us isolating, how are you passing your time? Also, I noticed you have already done a live stream concert with Tyler Flowers, is there any chance of you doing any more of these sessions?
A) What a crazy crazy time we are living in! Somedays, a person has no clue what he or she is actually doing. Speaking on behalf of most of my musician friends, we are navigating day by day. I still feel like I’m finding my routine at the moment, but I’ve started doing more live streams to connect with my wonderful fans. I am streaming music every Sunday evening; playing songs around my fire pit vibe at sunset in my backyard. I am also streaming a baking session every Thursday, which is completely therapeutic for me by the way! It has been so fulfilling to see how grateful people are for these sessions, and hopefully these become something to look forward to. Everyone needs sunshine at the moment! I will keep these live sessions coming.
Q) You have just released 'Bring On The Rain', from your recent 'Campfire Sessions'. Both seem to have received a great response. What was the reason for releasing more stripped back sounds?
A) The concept for the Campfire Sessions was to share these classic country songs with my fans. Each of the Campfire Sessions songs so far were originally released over a decade ago, music that was important to me as a young aspiring artist. They might sound familiar to many listeners yet I'm hoping that these releases help fans discover some great music from an earlier era. I wanted my fans to appreciate these songs in a totally stripped back way. In a way, it's how I started out in music. I also get to tell stories of how these songs influenced my growing up. I'm a huge Coldplay fan, and a favorite part of their show is when they play a few songs broken down and create a living room vibe. I'm really enjoying the series, especially now in quarantine when I don't have a full band with me! I find myself dreaming up new covers to play everyday.
Q) By the sounds of it you have already played to some impressive audiences. Which would be your favorite gig to date?
A) I really loved Nashville Meets London in Canary Wharf last summer! It was honestly the most epic view looking out into a sea of UK country fans.
Q) It seems you have won over the UK country music scene with your 'Wonderland' LP gaining a UK Country Charts number 1, collaborating with top established UK acts Ward Thomas, and appearances at the C2C Festival and more recently headlining the British Country Music Festival. Have you got anything else in store for the UK?
A) Literally right before lockdown I was getting ready to start working on new songs with a Nashville-based producer that I'm really excited to be working with. I’ve been writing songs for the last year, and have some gems that I can't wait to get out into the world. I’m spending more time loving them before I get to record them so that’s my silver lining. I honestly miss the UK at the moment! I tour there just as much as America and it’s become like a second home in a way. I can’t wait to book a gig again! It’s the little things right now, and I miss that rush on stage.
Q) Who are your main influences?
A) I have a range of influences for sure; Allison Krauss, Stevie Nicks, Shania Twain just to name a few.
Q) Is there any artist in particular that you would like to work with?
A) Dream duet is with Chris Martin hands down.
Q) How long have you been making music?
A) Wow it’s fun to think about this. I’ve been singing since I was 4 years old so my mum says. There’s not a time I don’t remember music which is beautiful to me.
Q) When we get back to some kind of normality are you planning any tours?
A) Yes Yes Yes! I’m so antsy to get back on the road. As musicians, we crave that connection with fans. There’s a deep appreciation right now for what I’ve already experienced in music too. It will be a sweet day to book those shows.
Q) Where is your location whilst writing this?
A) Nashville, Tennessee
Q) Have you got a message for your fans?
A) Keep your head up darlings. Soon this will all be over, and I know gold will come out of the dust. I can’t wait to see you all again. You bring me so much sunshine!
Thanks again Sarah, and good luck for the future!
Visit: https://www.sarahdarling.com/
Country Singer-songwriter
