Though new to most UK ears, Sarah Darling is no stranger to the music industry. A well-known name in Tennessee, the Nashville based singer-songwriter has years of experience as a songwriter and a performer behind her.
Following the release of her new single ‘Call Me’, Sarah Darling announces tour dates taking place in March 2019. We caught up with the ‘Darling’ of UK country music ahead of her tour.
Hi Sarah, thank you for talking to us! What have you been up to?
Currently, I’m trying to decide what to pack for a month long trip to the UK! I’m totally thinking about how many shoes I can fit in my suitcase! I’m excited to be heading back across the pond.
Where did the inspiration for your new single ‘Call Me’ come from?
“Call Me” is such a feel good song of young love, and I really wanted to have a song like this on the project. It transports you to that first kiss. It really sets a tone for what’s to come on Wonderland.
You left the country music capital Nashville, and came over to the UK to record your album ‘Wonderland’. What sparked that decision?
Over the past several years I’ve been spending so much time in the UK, and really have a love for this place now. I wanted to make the album part of my story, and the UK just so happens to be a big part of my heart now. It was the best decision of my life recording an album in the UK. It really pushed me musically, and I couldn’t be more proud of what I made. I also have made friends for life.
You’re touring the UK in March. What can your fans expect from your shows?
The show is very high energy and transportive. I’ll be throwing in a few of my older tunes of course, but be prepared to go on on a journey.
How did you find it in the UK?
Making an album in the UK involved mastering public transport, which I haven’t! I am close. I felt uncomfortable at times with the pace, but wouldn’t change it for anything. So, far this has been one of the greatest musical journeys of my life. I started to feel a tiny bit British, and I loved it! I miss it! It’s good I will get a good month long fill.
How much has travelling helped shape your music?
Travelling is one of the biggest aspects of my music. To me, it’s what inspires new thoughts and ideas. When you see the world, it ignites feelings. I now have the drive to see it all and write music about it all.
What got you into country music?
My grandpa was the biggest country music fan. I started listening when I was a little girl with him. He loved Johnny Cash, and I remember him introducing me to Patsy Cline. It’s more than a genre to me, it’s part of my growing up and heritage. It feels like family.
Who were your big influences as a child?
My grandpa for sure was a big influence. I also look up to my mum. She’s incredibly strong, and I think I’ve gotten some of that from her. I’m grateful that my family always allowed me to reach for the stars, and dream as big as I could.
You write a lot of music too, how many songs on this album did you write?
I wrote 11 of the 13 tracks on the album. They are quite personal to what I was really experiencing in real life while spending time in the UK. I would have never written these tracks in Nashville. They were meant to happen in the UK, and I can’t wait for the next adventure.
What’s the co-writing process like – do you find you have a lot of creative differences?
Honestly, it completely varies. You can have a million ideas all at once or you have to pull them out of the sky when they finally decide to come around. I like writing with co writers who love to mould something together. I find that you can’t control this process or it doesn’t work well.
Do you prefer the creating music aspect of being an artist or the performance side?
I love both sides equally. I think that I need the seasons of it all to feel fulfilled. Right now, I’m so ready to perform these songs on the road, and that’s exactly where I want to be.
If you weren’t a singer, what would you be doing for a job?
I would be a baker! I love making patisserie items. It’s always been an outlet to bake beautiful treats.
If you could collaborate with any artist, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to collab with Chris Martin from Coldplay. I love the positive music that he writes, and I just really connect to the lyrics.
What song is your guilty pleasure?
Boys of Summer- Don Henley What an amazing song!
What’s next for you?
Well next is a month long tour across the UK, and then preparing for a few Summer festivals. I’m really excited to see where this new album takes me. I will be a very busy bee in the next coming weeks.
