Sarah Darling – Dream Country

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would describe my sound as very dreamy, romantic music. It’s a blend of country with singer-songwriter. I’ve actually been doing music quite a long time and in the past I’ve released a couple commercial records that are a little bit more country driven, which is a big part of my growing up and my music. This particular album hits a sort of cinematic dream world with a dreamy vibe.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I am a big fan of Joni Mitchell, Alison Krauss, Kacey Musgraves and Chris Martin. I’m sort of all over the board. I love a lot of different types of music.

Q) Talk about how your album title Dream Country plays into the music’s message.

A) That actually came about in the studio. Dream Country is an album that I put together completely independently. I had been with a label for a while and decided to do things independently. When I was able to kind of put the session together, as we were finishing a friend of mine came in and was listening to the tracks. He said, “This is so you! It’s country, but it has something else. I can’t really put my finger on it.” So, I actually said it was like “dream country.” It just stuck ever since.

Q) What track means the most to you?

A) The track that means the most is definitely “Halley’s Comet.” It’s a beautiful song about the journey of chasing a dream and I think it relates to anyone. I think in different moments of your life you are not always certain what the next step is and what you are doing in life. It’s really scary to change. The song was really written about finding a place to shine in the world. I think everybody is searching for that. That’s why I love it so much. It was a song that was written at a time where I was trying to figure it out.

Q) What is your song writing process like? Do you need lyrics before you create the music?

A) I’m definitely more of an idea driven person so I actually will come up with a concept before even knowing what it is going to sound like. I’ll say, “I really like this idea and what is a great melody that would go along with it?” So, when I’m writing sometimes the melody comes first. It just depends, but I’m always trying to make the melody fit the music. For me, it is usually an idea or phrase that pops in my head and I’ll build upon that. Usually, it is at the most inopportune time when ideas come.

Q) How of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) On Dream Country I was completely enthralled in it. I was a part of every detail. I picked the producer and all of the musicians were friends of mine and all of the songwriters that I wrote with are really great friends of mine. So, I am really quite attached to the project for that reason. It is just so much of my heart because of having all those people involved. Also, what happens when you are that involved if something does need changing or you feel something needs to be right…It’s you on the line, putting yourself out there.

Q) Will there be certain songs off the album that get videos?

A) Yes, I actually have a few music videos ready to go, which is really exciting. I will definitely have a music video for “Halley’s Comet,” which is exciting. It’s not your typical music video. My biggest hint is that there are some animated parts in it, which is quite cool. I’ll be sharing a video for “When Cowboys Ride” and last year when I was in the UK I flew to Paris and was able to shoot a music video there of a song that is quite gorgeous on the album as well. That one is one of those songs that sounds like it should be in a movie and is really romantic. I think everyone will love the video and the song. It’s wonderful.

Q) What can fans expect from a live Sarah Darling performance?

A) It’s an experience! I would say that the music takes you on a journey. I think when you are sitting there you are kind of like in this dream land of wanting to travel or be there in the lyrics with me. I think that in the past I have written a lot of songs about love. The general subjects of the songs on Dream Country are a little bit more open. I’ll be talking about the wide open spaces and then you are in Wyoming and then all of a sudden we’re in Paris. It’s about allowing yourself to dream. It’s more of an intimate type concert than running around on stage. It’s kind of what I do best, I guess – just a storyteller.

Q) What songs are you looking forward to performing live? Obviously, “Halley’s Comet.”

A) Yes, I love “Halley’s Comet.” I’m really attached to a song called “Starry Eyes,” as well. It’s a really, really amazing beat to it and that one is becoming my new favorite to play live. It has a really cool chorus and that one is sort of that letter to yourself not to get jaded and always keep that light in your eyes, which is a really good lesson in life and in general.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song?

A) That’s always a tough one. I’d love to collaborate with Kacey Musgrave or maybe Chris Martin – just because he sings a lot of songs about stars.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) I think now, for an artist it is essential to be connecting social media wise with your fans because it is a direct line to the people who love you. I think that the reason I do it is because of my fans. It’s not because of the industry or anything like that. Those are the people that come to your shows and tell you the stories of how your songs effected their lives. I love being able to connect, even a message on Facebook saying how they connected with a song. That is why it is so important to me and I do think every artist should do that. That’s our connector to the people.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?

A) I would love to just say thank you. Especially this year, it has been a year of making something I’m so proud of. My fans are a bit part of that – of building that with me and supporting me along the way. I’m really thankful and I have a lot of gratitude in my heart for that. I’m just excited to put out this new music for everyone and hear the feedback.