Published: October 12, 2008 12:34 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Review/Spotlight
Sarah Martensen
Sarah Martensen
I recently had a chance to listen to SarahMartensen's music. Let me tell you that I was absolutely blown away by her soft yet powerful vocals, soulful rock tunes, and catchy fun lyrics. Sarah has a way through her music to make you feel that everything is going to be ok. I enjoy that aspect about her music. If you are looking for something new to pick up, then I think you should pick up her latest effort LOVESTORM.
And while you picking up Sarah's latest effort; you should check out this cool interview that Sarah did for Music Now on Junior's Cave. After I completed this interview, I felt that I really got a chance to know a little more about this talented singer/songwriter.
I hope everyone enjoys this fun spotlight.
Isaac: Elaborate on who you are and your upbringing.
Sarah: My story is not that much different than most people who dream of making it in the entertainment industry. Let me sum it up for you. Small town girl dreams of being a pintsize diva. Can she win the world over with her catchy lovable melodies, or just her great sense of style?
I am just riding my own wave, just like everyone else. Carving out a space for myself so I can have an identity in this world. Music happens to be my passion, and it is the only thing I ever wanted to do. I have tried many different occupations in the past and always come back to music. It also is the best way I know how to express myself.
Isaac: Was there any one musician that spoke to your heart so profoundly, you were inspired to do your own thing?
Sarah: Madonna. I don't know if she spoke to my heart, but it certainly was profound. The first time I saw her on TV. She was so untamed and raw. My eyes were wide open. I too spent hours in front of the mirror fashioning my own over the top performances.
Even before I saw her, I was quite the little performer. In 6th grade, I had the lead role of ANNIE. I sang 5 solos, and at the same time I had a small part in Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs. My mom would shuttle me back and forth between the 2 rehearsals. On opening night for Annie, my parents feared I was taking on too much and would mess up my lines, get confused between the 2 plays. At the very least, I would be cute because aren't all kids that age who perform at their local school plays. My parents didn't bother to bring a camera or video because they just thought it would be another one of those, "Oh look how sweet." moments, and they already had tons of those. 20 minutes into the play everyone began filming and taking pictures and not just because I looked so cute in that famous little red dress or curly wig. As the opening number unfolded, I managed to engage the audience in more than just an ordinary school play.
Everyone told my parents they couldn't believe they where watching a grade school play and actually really enjoying themselves. Apparently, I had charisma and the pipes to back it up too. As you can probably guess, I got a standing ovation with an encore as well. People who were there that night still tell me how great I was, and my parents really regret not being prepared for the event that they say proved to be more than just a proud parent night. My desire for the stage was clearly evident then. I guess it was just always burning inside of me, like a really pesky kinda heartburn.
Isaac: Which singer/group would you say you would most like to do a duet with?
Sarah: Bruce Springsteen. Amazingly talented.
Isaac: What singer/songwriter do you most connect with?
Sarah: Chris Isaak.
His melodies are so addictive. He looks as if he is just having a good time with the music and that really comes across well in his performances. I think he is a true romantic. Even though most of his songs are about love gone bad, you're never left feeling sad. His melodic love stories just drag me in. He has this old school country edge that he plays up well, always wearing a shiny over the top jacket and a big smile on his face. What's not to Love?
Isaac: Out of your entire song collection that you've written thus far, which song(s) would you say is/are the most personal/meaningful to you?
Sarah: It's hard to pick just one. I gave birth to all of them and that in itself is very meaningful, but 'Will We Survive?' runs very deep. The interplay between the 2 guitars melts my heart. I remember thinking 'how am I gonna write this?' And, it's the shortest song of them all.
Isaac: Which singers/groups do you enjoy/like from some of today's music genres?
Sarah: There are so many. To name a few; Brandi Carlile, Gwen Stefani, Green Day, The Flaming Lips, Sara Bareilles, KT Tunstall, John Mayer, Alicia Keys, Coldplay, Radiohead and even a little Carrie Underwood.
Isaac: What charities are you involved with or support?
Sarah: I performed at the Light of Day charity event in Niagara Falls last season, and hope to return this year. It was a benefit concert to raise funds and awareness for Parkinsons and ALS (Lou Gerhigs Disease). I have also supported Citizens Alert in protest against the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Dump Site, and supported the Terry Fox Run for cancer.
Isaac: Have you (or would you ever consider) writing a song about any of today's particular world issues/problems? If so, what world issue would speak to you the most to write about?
Sarah: Never say never, but the minute I start talking about world issues people are divided. Stirring the pot of controversy is not necessarily a bad thing though. If people didn't have differing opinions, nothing would ever be challenged or changed. I would find that to very boring and a non productive place to be.
Isaac: Why should people listen to your music?
Sarah: Why should anyone listen to any music? It's there to inspire creativity, and I hope that mine can do that.
Isaac: Your music is relaxing and chill. Thank you. What inspired you to toss out these awesome lyrics and cords?
Sarah: My waking dream that never changes and tells me to put the key in and drive, and the funny stories and friends I make along the way.
Isaac: How far into the creation of a song do you share any of it with anyone? Who would you play it for? Would it be a chorus, a verse and chorus, or a complete song?
Sarah: It depends on what song it is, and how fast or slow it comes together. If I do share, it usually is the chorus. People closest to me usually get to hear sections of the songs during its conception. I don't know if they always appreciate it anyway. Listening to parts of a song over and over can be a little annoying, even for me. Most people don't hear it the way I do, so it's best to wait till it is nearly finished for comments from others. When production begins and more instrumentation is added, I take the tracks home and refine the lyrics. That's usually the best time to share because they can get a real sense of what it will sound like, as a finished product. Although, if I am really inspired, I go with it and just lock myself in my studio. There is a time to force yourself to write, and a time to say "Okay, I should try later."
Isaac: How much do you let others "mess around with" one of your new songs?
Sarah: It depends on allot of factors, my mood being one of them. If I have a clear vision of how I want it to sound, than that is what we work with. Usually I have a melody in my head with a hook and chorus and that sets the basic tone for the song. At that time, it is kind fun to mess around with it to see where else it could go. That is exactly what happened with 'Sugar Talkin'. My producer and I were looking for additional drum loops and everything was to straight forward. We often experiment with different sounds just for fun and take breaks that way. By mistake, we opened the wrong file and it happened to be ethnic beats. I love Reggae, so we tried it and Voila, we liked what it did for the song. So in that case messin' around was a good thing, and it was the right song to do it with. Songs can be created and change directions in many different ways. I try to keep an open mind, so I can grow as an artist and be inspired to try different things.
Isaac: Do you have to be a tortured soul to be a singer-songwriter?
Sarah: No, but it certainly helps. If you experience hardships and all the other crap that goes with it, you will defiantly have more material to work with. When I write songs, I try to convey my message in a not so common way. I don't want to bore the listener, yet at the same time I want them to relate to what I am singing about. At the end of the day, isn't that we all want anyway, is to know that we're not alone.
Isaac: Are your songs strictly autobiographical or are they embroidered autobiography?
Sarah: The latter. I can't tell you everything, now can I?
Isaac: How long does it take you to process your emotions and turn them into songs?
Sarah: Some songs come within minutes, others can take forever, even in bits in pieces. Sometimes I think I have written 2 really great songs and come to find out they work better together as one.
For me, it depends on what emotions I am dealing with. When I wrote "Maybe" I had a really difficult time putting what I wanted to say into words. The harmonies came much easier, because I knew how I wanted the song to feel. I think loss is a very hard subject for most of us to process and it takes more out of you than writing a feel good song.
Isaac: The best piece of advice you actually followed?
Sarah: Don't let others lead you, lead yourself and follow your heart.
Trust your instincts.
Laugh everyday.
And always, always, smile, as long as your teeth are clean.
Isaac: Give Shutouts to your family and friends. What are you working on, now?
Sarah: I am working on some hot new singles I will release on my website.
Listen and stay updated to the LoveStorm at SarahMartensen.com.
