Inspiration Comes “In Waves”: An Interview with Sarah Blacker
I have known Ms. Blacker for a number of years now. A gal who is always trying to stretch the boundaries of her music and genre, whether its creating chords of her own because they sound best with the melodies she vocalizes or bordering folk, jazz, and indie rock, it has been interesting to sit by the sidelines and watch what the singer-songwriter is cooking up next. Touring relentlessly, writing constantly, and performing alongside extremely talented friends in studio and out on the stage, she is one hard working lady. Luckily, Sarah was able to take some time out from her touring, music therapy work, and writing to answer a few questions about her latest album “In Waves”, inspiration, and finding your voice as an artist.
Red Line Roots: ‘In Waves’ has been described as a departure from the “Sun-Dress Indie Rock” you had previously identified with. In listening, it doesn’t seem so much that you are redefining yourself as you are building upon where you have come from as a musician and where you might want to head. It feels experimental in the best of ways. Am I far off in assuming this? Where did you find the inspiration to make those leaps and where do you hope they lead artistically?
Sarah Blacker: It feels to me like you hit the nail on the head here, as this album to me represents growth into the genre, and progression as an artist into a realm of further fearlessness from whence I came – yes!
I have always felt that my music is more rock n’roll than folk, but I think that fear of letting go into the sounds that come naturally to me, has been what has held me back. In performing these songs live, I think they’ve taken on even more adventure and a sense of freedom as I grow into them. In the studio I played mostly electric (and soon will be live as well) and experimented quite a bit with modern sounds and inspiration from things like the latest Ryan Adams, Jenny Lewis (produced by Adams) and even First Aid Kit.
RLR: I know that something you pride yourself on is pensive, personal and insightful writing. It seems you have opened some new doors here and really let it all out on this record. Want to talk about it? What triggers something like that for you?
SB: In songwriting, I’ve always taken the stance that writing universally from a personal viewpoint is the goal. I try to capture something that I’ve struggled with and put in into words everyone can relate to.
These past couple of years have been a whirlwind of challenge, tragedy and trauma, and I guess you could say that I wouldn’t have made it out ok if it weren’t for these songs.
RLR: Something I like to ask all folks is in regards to the community (whether its in town, in the Northeast or beyond). Both of us have been around Boston and in and out of the same ‘circle’ for many years. How have you found that community to evolve over the years? Do you find that it has positively affected you as an artist?
SB: I have really enjoyed forming bonds with certain artists and bands, and as of late have been co-writing a lot with the lead singer of Cold Engines, (a newer band formed by members of the Brew) Dave Drouin. This endeavor has helped me to become a more confident songwriter, artist, and performer. I think that Boston’s scene is mostly segregated between folk music, and indie rock. It has been tough for me because I don’t think I fit concisely into either. It has been a challenge to bond with other artists here in town, but luckily I have been able to find some niches within the genres, and with industry folks in town. I think the folk scene has grown tremendously with quite a camaraderie amongst its artists both in Boston and throughout New England. From blogs (like this one) to strong radio stations like WUMB, WERS, local shows like the Cheap Seats & beyond, I would say our scene is quite jam-packed full of talent and aspiration. I know because I tour so frequently and meet so many artists that it’s difficult for artists from other towns to break into our scene, and I think we can do more to build bills around touring artists. A lot of acts want to play Boston, and I think we ought to let them!
PB and Jay Records Presents: Sarah Blacker – “Exhale” from PB and Jay Records on Vimeo.
RLR: If there was a pinnacle record, one that made you need to create, pick up a guitar in the first place and sing, which record would that be?
SB: Joni Mitchell, Blue.
RLR: Is there someone more on the unknown side that you think is doing wonderful things you want everyone to hear about?
SB: I would have to say, Laura Brereton who is working hard to put together some great shows in new and exciting venues in the area. She’s super supportive of local music, and is an awesome person!
RLR: Anything else that we all should know? Plug away!
SB: My brand new album, ‘In Waves’ is now being distributed by Universal Music Group, and you can get it on my website, i tunes, spotify, or any of the major digital distribution outlets worldwide.
My Facebook page would love your like, and I post a new video each Monday:
http://www.facebook.com/sarahblackermusic
and you should follow me on twitter & instagram: @sarah blacker
and check out my website too: http://www.sarahblacker.com
