Interview With Sarah Lake
What’s the story behind your artist name — and does it reflect who you are today?
I have always loved water and felt at peace, calm, and more myself when I’m around it. So I always felt the name really suited me.
Which song of yours means the most to you, and what inspired it?
That’s a really tough question! I would have to say “City Walls”. It’s a song about my hometown and how there are so many feelings of joy from my childhood but also sadness from my brother‘s death. It was something that I had such a hard time articulating and so it just poured out in Song one day and means a lot to me
How would you describe your sound in three words — and why those?
Organic, heartfelt, honest
I want everything that I do to be authentic and maybe help people work through an emotion or an experience. Whether that is just having fun release, or maybe it’s a trauma from the past or something they’re not able to articulate. I hope they can feel it through my music.
What was the moment you truly felt like an artist — not just someone making music?
To be honest, I have always felt like an artist. I have been writing stories and poems and singing since I was a small child.
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how do they show up in your work?
My musical influences range from Lauryn Hill to Alison Krauss. I have so much appreciation for their vocal abilities and the production of their work. I tried to hold my music to the same standard on such a high level. Music to me should always be timeless.
What’s your creative process like — from a blank page to a finished track?
My process is always different! Sometimes I have a melodic idea or a lyrical idea. I always have lyrics and my notes and Song concepts, titles. My husband is a producer and he will sometimes build me a track and I will write lyric and Melody into the track, so it just depends.
If someone’s hearing you for the first time, which track should they start with — and why?
This is a really hard question cause I love all my songs so much. They are like my babies! Right now I would say “Worth the Hurt”. It is such a strong, lyrical and melodic song, and also such a strong visual.
What’s been your most unforgettable moment on your music journey so far?
I am grateful to have had so many, and I really believe that our journey is all part of the process and to be grateful for every little moment. American Idol was a big moment in my career and in my life, and I have opened for some really incredible artists! Reba McEntire had one of my songs on hold for over a year and took it into the studio to cut it. It didn’t end up making her album, but I was able to meet her and she is one of the kindest humans.
What do you want people to feel when they hear your music?
When people listen to my music, I hope that they feel emotions that made me. They are not able to access without music and songs. I really feel like it is such a gift to be a songwriter, it serves as my own therapy and I hope it can help others also
What’s next for you — and what should fans be excited about?
I have a bunch of new music coming out and I am so excited for you to hear it. I have really just had my head done working since November and I should have some new music to you really really soon. I can’t wait to start teasing it on social media!
