Hi Sarah, thank you for taking the time to chat with us. What inspired you to be a singer and songwriter?
Hi! I am grateful for the opportunity to chat with you. The spark to sing has been with me ever since I was a little one. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t singing. My mom has countless stories of me as a toddler, making up songs and performing for anyone who would listen. It was just something that felt natural, like breathing. While I explored other artistic avenues like dance, theater, and musicals in high school and college, it wasn’t until after graduation that songwriting truly clicked. During guitar lessons, my instructor, who I’d known since my theater days and who also happened to be an award-winning songwriter, encouraged me to put words to my music as I learned to play guitar. It was like opening a floodgate. Songwriting became this incredibly cathartic outlet, a way to express all the emotions I was carrying inside. Now, as an artist, my biggest inspiration is the desire to connect with others and bring something positive to the world through my music. I want to create songs that uplift, inspire self-love and resilience, and remind us all of the power of hope and playfulness. It’s a way for me to share a piece of myself and hopefully make a difference in someone else’s life.
Can you tell us an interesting story that has happened to you since you began your life as a singer/songwriter?
Life as a singer/songwriter has been anything but boring! Last summer, during a mini-tour in Arizona and Utah, I had a particularly memorable experience. The afternoon before a show in Arizona, my check engine light came on. It turned out to be an airflow sensor, a minor issue under normal circumstances, but a major concern before an 8-hour drive through the desert. My husband, back in Colorado, guided me through a YouTube video on how to clean the sensor. So, in 110-degree heat, just hours before my show, I performed the repair. After the show, the lights were still on. The next morning, I drove to a dealership, bought the part, and replaced it in the parking lot – thankfully, my practice from the previous day paid off! I made it to my Utah show that night, and the check engine light stayed off for the rest of the tour. It was quite an adventure!
Congrats on your new video and single “FRIENDS”. The song is about finding love, communication, and more. Can you tell us more about the music video?
“FRIENDS” is about calling in my ideal partner and defining what I want in a relationship. I wrote it while navigating the dating scene and experiencing the frustration of empty promises and superficial connections. I was tired of the games and wanted honesty and direct communication. It takes courage to be vulnerable, but it saves time and energy in the long run. The song also emphasizes the importance of playfulness in relationships. Life is serious enough; our connections should be a source of joy. The music video aims to capture this sincerity, sexiness, and playfulness, with a touch of dramatic flair.
How would you coin your sound?
This is always a tough question! My sound evolves with each song. Today, I’d describe it as atypical, soothing, and uplifting.
Has your sound evolved over the years, and if so, how?
Indeed, it has. I’m constantly discovering new things. As my musicianship grows, I’m exploring different was of expression through composition, and my voice is evolving along with it. Also, chanting has been a major element in my evolution as a vocalist.
What is your favorite song you ever wrote and why?
Right now, it’s a toss-up between “OUR LOVE” and “Cockadoodlehoo.” “OUR LOVE” is particularly meaningful to me because it explores the human experience of trauma and suggests love as a powerful force for healing, both individually and collectively. I wrote it after my dad passed away, a particularly devastating time as I also discovered he wasn’t my biological father (something he knew).
Navigating grief, confusion, and a sense of betrayal was incredibly challenging. “OUR LOVE” reflects my journey through that darkness, but it also speaks to the universal human capacity for resilience. It’s about recognizing that love, in its many forms, can be the key to overcoming even the deepest wounds. When we choose love over fear, we open ourselves to immense positive potential, not just for ourselves but for the world around us.
Love generates love. It’s the most powerful renewable resource we possess, allowing us to heal our hardships and contribute to the healing of our communities. Love is our key to accessing resilience, patience, and compassion as we navigate the ever-changing landscape within ourselves and the world.
“COCKADOODLEDOO” is a fun, playful call to action inspired by the message of “OUR LOVE.”
You are based in Colorado. How does the mountain landscape shape your sound?
The mountains influence my music. The serene beauty and the powerful winds create a unique soundscape that resonates within me. I strive for my music to have that same duality: both soothing and stimulating.
What advice do you have for other artists just starting?
Anchor yourself in your “why.” Knowing why you create art is what will sustain you through the inevitable highs and lows of an artistic career. Remember, there’s no final destination. Accolades and opportunities are wonderful, but they aren’t the ultimate goal. True fulfillment lies in engaging with the process and embracing your growth as an artist. Keep that in mind, and the inevitable “landings” after the “highs” won’t be so rough.
Who is currently on your playlist?
Gillian Hills, Wings, The Surfaces, Gustav Holst (The Planets), Lake Street Dive
What’s next for you?
My “Into the Heart” EP drops on April 17th! But that’s just the beginning. This year, I’m thrilled to be collaborating with some truly amazing artists as I dive deep into the studio to craft new music for releases later this year and into 2026. My sound is evolving in exciting ways, and I can’t wait to share what I’ve been working on. – Interviewed by Lauar V
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6eW1FPrHHUkND9KDdMmEnm?si=wMWEH5BhQNmIUQSuvdVU0g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwNfOW664IQ
https://www.instagram.com/sarahbankermusic
