“Sarah Harralson presents honest, bare-boned recordings that are authentic,” stated Music Connection Magazine after hearing her debut singer-songwriter EP, Finally Found, in 2014. Her authenticity lies in her lyrics based on true stories followed by melodies that will be stuck in your head hours after hearing it. An authentic storyteller and straight shooter, she is not afraid to tell it like it is in her music.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Sarah about the latest release (Love On Lease), challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create?
I’m originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, and I am a country singer/songwriter with folk influence as well.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
My Granddad was a bluegrass musician and inspired me to pursue music. Music and songwriting always came natural to me, and when I graduated high school, I decided to move to Nashville. There can be a lot of heartbreak and rejection in music, but it is my passion and my art, so I don’t think I could possibly keep going without creating.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
This new release is different in that I have already released “Love on Lease” before with my co-writer, Christine Bauer. I felt that the previous release had a lot of pop production in it, and I wanted to release a new version that was more stripped down with strings and piano.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
With so much music coming out daily, it can be hard to be noticed with so many artists doing the same thing and using media for attention. However, even though it’s over saturated, I do think the technology helps independent artists so much more than in the past. We can release music and grow an audience with the click of a button, and I’ve been able to grow my fanbase in a way I wouldn’t be able to if technology didn’t exist.
What was the last song you listened to?
The last song I listened to was actually a mix of another new song of mine to come!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I’ve definitely evolved into a digital listener like most people, but I love that vinyl is still relevant and love the feeling of something physical and putting a needle on a record. Unfortunately, CDs are fading, and I am soaking up the last years of having a car with a CD player.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I am Apple Music all the way since they are known to pay artists & writers more. But for playlists, I still think Spotify is top of the game with that.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Please follow me on all social media and on Spotify and YouTube! My website is www.sarahharralson.com for all updates, and you can follow me on Instagram, @sarahharralson.
Anything else before we sign off?
Please pre-save my new single, “Love on Lease (Reimagined)”, which is out now! Thanks!
