Beth Sarah
Singer-songwriter Beth Sarah brings a positive, uplifting perspective to the process of change and personal growth through her original lyrics. Her tracks evoke the nostalgia of 90s indie with driving acoustic guitar and keyboards that create an anthemic sound. She first appeared on the published music scene in 2020 as a solo songwriter producer with the track Rollerskates which received local radio play.
Who is the "human" behind the artist Beth Sarah and how did you get into music?
I'm a mum in my 40s who has spent the past 20 years suppressing music while parenting, as my youngest is autistic and I had to shift my focus. My parents are both musical and I grew up going to church with my Dad as the worship leader, so music was just a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started listening to local radio when I was 14 and have been obsessed by creating music ever since. I also really enjoy supporting other musicians on their journeys, and with my partner we run open mic nights and events that showcase local emerging musicians and help them to develop confidence in performing.
"Let her go" sounds simply great, what's the story behind the song, what or who was your inspiration?
Let her go was a response to me deciding that I'd had enough of hiding behind the 'mum' label and taking steps to start saying yes to opportunities. I spent so many years keeping the music low key and just mulling along, writing songs and putting them in a folder without doing much about it.
I feel like I've come so far from the person that I was, and I've let her go - and by putting this song out there, I'm hoping that it serves as an encouragement to other women in a similar position who just need a little push to be brave and do something they've always wanted to do, even if they do have responsibilities - it's still okay to be you.
The Song is the first release from your upcoming album, please let us know more about it.
Well this goes on from the previous question really. The whole album encompasses the process of change that I have been through in the past few years. I'm an academic and have studied the change cycle and this album kind of follows it, from starting with a song about being tied to something unhealthy - could be a person, an addiction, a bad habit - to releasing from that, the inevitable fear that comes with change and the eventual acceptance and release of life being different now, to the point of allowing new love and the hope that comes with that.
When did you recognize your songwriting talent?
I wrote my first proper song when I was 14, on the back of a napkin in a high school history lesson. More followed soon after, and I borrowed a friend's 8 track tape recorder so I could record harmonies. I love harmonies - bringing them in to build up the dynamics of a song. I suppose once it started it has never stopped - I've been writing regularly since then. I've honed my skills over the years and my songs now are crafted around my life experience which makes them feel much better than those initial teenage angst-filled tunes!
Nowadays songs have or tend to have a playtime of around 2min 30s, what do you think, is it enough to tell a story?
No, I really don't think so. I struggle to fit a full song into 4 minutes but have managed to cut the singles back to 3min 30s at a push.
If you go with the traditional structure of verse, chorus, verse, chorus, middle 8, chorus x2 that means you'd have to keep each section really short. I'd prefer to tell my story and make it as long as it needs to be! I mean, no-one complained about Meatloaf did they?!
What's the hardest part being an Indie artist or an artist in general?
Doing everything myself, particularly keeping up with social media and the constant need for photos and video. I'm a busy gigging musician and I find it hard to even remember to take pics or make little videos about what I'm doing!
That alongside obviously writing the songs, rehearsing with the band (finding times that work for everyone), trying to get gigs, applying for festivals, and the financial drain, oh my days it's just ridiculous.
Making an album is the most expensive thing I've ever allowed myself to do. I don't regret it but at the moment I'm feeling very chilly as I can't afford to put the heating on!
Any chance to see you somewhere live on stage?
Yes! We are doing an album launch at The Factory Live in Worthing on February 1st 2023. We've also been booked for a festival on the 18th February and a London venue on 28th February, details to follow. Keep an eye on my website, www.bethsarah.co.uk for those and I will of course be adding any further dates to the website as they get booked.
What can we expect from you in 2023?
Lots of live performances with the band, after the album launch on 1st Feb. I'm hoping to concentrate on live shows and arranging a tour for later in the year. There is already another album in the pipeline but I'm happy to wait for now!
