We recently interviewed English born and Australian made pop-jazz local musician Sarah King, who just announced the official launch of her self-titled debut EP at The Wheatsheaf Hotel on Sunday, 27 August with full band and string quartet.
- Sarah started writing and arranging the music for her project after relocating herself and family to Adelaide 4 years ago and through a successful crowdfunding campaign was able to record the EP at Wizard Tone Studios late 2016.
- Born in the Lincolnshire Wolds Sarah was surrounded by music and nature. Her father taught her Piano from the age of 5 and she began playing the Violin when she was 9. Immersed by music from Byrd to Elgar Sarah also discovered a love of Disco, Pop and Motown. As a young teenager she was awarded a bursary to study at the Royal College of Music, London which flowed into further classical and baroque study at York University.
- “The single ‘Back Home’ is pretty special to me as I wrote it at a time where I was settling myself and my family into South Australia, our new home state. I started exploring themes of home and what home means to different people, whether it’s a place, a person or something completely unique. It’s a song about what and where home can be, a story of longing, reminiscing, reflection, acceptance and gratitude,” said Sarah.
- In July, as part of Umbrella Winter City Sounds, Sarah performed ‘Home’, a small and special family friendly event featuring original songs with themes of home, love & loss to help raise awareness of women experiencing homelessness.
- Approximately 2633 women are homeless in SA (based on 2011 Census data) with a nationwide growing concern for a rising demographic of women over 45 who are at risk of becoming the new face of homelessness, Sarah wants to continue communicating this message and raising awareness.
- Listen to lead single ‘Back Home’ here: Soundcloud – Back Home
Here is the interview with Sarah:
What was the major reason for relocating yourself
and family to Adelaide 4 years ago?
I was looking for a family friendly city with a vibrant
music scene to settle myself and children into,
somewhere where we could grow. I had been
visiting friends regularly here and also played in
Katie Noonans Love Song Circus as part of Cab
Fest back in 2012 which got me seriously thinking
about the move.
What do you think of the current pop-jazz scene in
Australia?
I’m attracted and inspired to all kinds of genres of
music especially female artists (and mothers) who
are incredibly versatile such as Clare Bowditch.
Where do you get the ideas to write the music you
write?
Musically i’m influenced by the experiences that I’ve had
as a freelance Violinist over the years.
This project came about after the move to Adelaide, I
was settling into a new home state, exploring themes of
home, what it means to people and also I wanted to
connect musically with other local musicians to help me
settle here.
How did your Umbrella Winter City Sounds gig go?
It was great thank you. A beautiful space to play in,
intimate and a supportive friendly crowd.
You are a strong advocate for preventing
homelessness for females. Please tell me more
about this role?
It’s a relatively new role that I’ve wanted to get
actively involved in since my move here. The rise of
homelessness in women is something that
connected with me on a personal level. I’ll be using
my music skills to work with women at Catherine
House which I’m really looking forward to.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
That’s easy, my dad. He’s the most humble
musician I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
What are some of your passions outside of music?
My children, who are not so little anymore. I love
taking them on road trips, exploring, walking and
swimming in the sea.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists?
Don’t be afraid to work hard, stay open, love what
you do and trust your gut.
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