Friday 24 June 2016

Meet The Artist: SaraBeth


Savvy, fun, creative, adventurous, determined and delightfully unexpected are a good start, but adjectives begin to run out well before facets of SaraBeth’s artistry do. A force-of-nature Texan who is already building a meaningful presence as a singer, songwriter and entertainer, she is a virtual lock to take the next step – if only because she hasn’t missed one yet. Earning fans one show at a time, landing considerable regional media exposure, scoring three nationally charted singles, developing a base in her native Texas, expanding it nationally and even internationally with her 2016 U.K. bringing her to Cardiff's Gwdihw on June 26, SaraBeth has made astounding strides in a very short time.  Andy Howells recently put questions to the singer/songwriter.


How did you first start out in music?
Music has always been something that came naturally.  I started singing (Frosty the Snowman) at the same time as I started talking!  I've been singing in choir, competitions, talent shows, etc. ever since.  I was like every kid who dreams of being a rock star, movie star or professional athlete, but as you grow up so many of us let our own self doubt or other people's opinions mold the path we take for a career.  I graduated with a degree in entrepreneurship from Baylor University and then my younger brother was drafted to play professional baseball by the St. Louis Cardinals.  At that point in time, I decided I didn't want to wake up in 10 years and think "What if?"  So I moved to Nashville and started learning as fast as I could and as much as I could about the music business.

Who or what has inspired you most on your musical journey?
It's definitely been my family.  I'm incredibly lucky to have parents, grandparents, cousins...everyone really say follow your dreams and we'll support you.  I talked earlier about my younger brother and he truly is my biggest inspiration.  My parents are also a huge part of why I'm doing music. They pushed me to follow my dreams and taught me all I know about having a strong work ethic. Growing up I watched them overcome obstacles and never lose sight of what's important.

Can you give us some background about your latest release?
I have a new album that's available for pre-order on iTunes called Full Speed Ahead now and will be out on July 12!  This album is all about personal experiences plus one of my all time favorite songs that I made my own and covered!  Compared to some I haven't been in the music business very long, but in that short time I've learned a lot. Each song has been inspired by something in my music career, and I'm so excited to share these stories with the world.

You’re touring shortly are you looking forward to that?
Touring is my favorite part of my job!  It's so amazing to get to meet the people that support me and my music.  There are so many people that I hear from on social media on a daily/weekly basis, and I love getting to hug their necks and say thank you in person!  Music is a team sport.   I wouldn't be where I am without the amazing people who listen to, share, and support my music.


What can people expect from your forthcoming Cardiff gig?
This is one of the few UK shows that will be acoustic.  It's also our first show in Cardiff!  My co-writer, guitar player, and best friend, Glen Mitchell, will be playing all our UK dates with me this summer.  The show in Cardiff will just be Glen, me, and a guitar.  Personally I love these shows because you're able to tell all the stories behind the songs, and it's so much more personal!  On every other past UK Tour we've stopped in Cardiff to visit, but we're so excited to finally be playing a show!  You can see all of our tour dates on my website SaraBethMusic.com/Tour

What are you enjoying listening to at the moment?
At this exact moment, I'm on a plane listening to Blake Shelton's new album!  I've also been listening to a lot of UK Country artists like The Shires, Ward Thomas, Megan O'Neil, Laura Oakes, Luke & Mel, Paul Carella, and Gary Quinn….there are so many talented acts in the UK that I'm lucky to call friends!

What else have you got planned for the rest of the year?
With a new EP release comes a lot of tour dates.  I'll be on the road pretty extensively this Summer.  We have 13 shows in the UK starting on August 5th.  I'm also incredibly excited about the fall because my younger brother is getting married!
  • Stay in touch with Sara Beth online at SaraBethMusic.com
  • A version of this Q&A by Andy Howells appeared in The South Wales Argus entertainment supplement The Guide on June 24, 2016

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