Leading with her powerhouse vocals, and soulful musical creations, the badass persona of Sarah Stark takes on a new form.
Inspired by the likes of Adele, Billie Eilish, and Amy Winehouse, she prides herself on lyrics that are heartbreakingly candid, and melodies that are hard to keep out of your head. Taking the same spunk and sass that she was often looked down on for, she’s fueling her passion with a bold superpower wrapped in vulnerability and confidence.
The buoyantly surfacing musicality heard in her latest single, “On My Mind,” is a prime example of what has us gravitating towards Sarah Stark.
With a robust mix that is filled to the brim with mid-tempo grooves, we value the organic nature that seeps from the instrumentation. Honing in on an array of soothing hues that are met with effervescent strides, the manner in which we get swept into this display of heartfelt performance is truly breathtaking.
Sarah Stark’s vocals greet the therapeutic canvas in a way that glides like butter. Forming a series of intricately crafted lyrics that propel her profound nature in songwriting, we hear the emotive spirit of her artistry pull through the idyllic utopia of “On My Mind.” Layered with perfectly placed harmonies that emit an illuminating scheme of emphasis when needed, she sculpts this record with good intentions and an authentic sense of self.
Carrying forth lyrical motifs such as, ‘I don’t care if you’re right. In the truth I’ve lost all sight,’ we’re grasping onto the realness exposed in a narrative that reflects personal experience. Always one to connect with her audience on a newfound level, we’ll happily bask in “On My Mind,” for time to come.
Congratulations on the release of “On My Mind.” We love how you take a blend of delicate and prevailing tones and bring forth the true emotion of this song. Was there a particular moment or story that inspired the concept heard?
Thank you so much! This song definitely holds a special place in my heart. Funny enough, this is one of the only songs I’ve written that wasn’t based on any particular person or event. It’s more based on an introspective look at how I find myself dealing with tough conversations and situations. I am sure a lot of people can relate, but sometimes I act immature when I am not getting my way, and instead of using my words I shut down. This song is kind of about that selfish mindset, where you just don’t want to argue anymore, but you also don’t want to be wrong. You desperately just want the other person to read your mind, and agree with you.
How would you say that “On My Mind,” compares to your previously released song? What does this track say about you as an individual?
This song is so different from the last release, but I feel like they both still feel like me. ‘Ghost’ was very dark and sultry, whereas ‘On My Mind’ is much more upbeat and fun. I want this track to show a bit more of my versatility, and show a more fun and bubbly side of me. Most of my friends would agree that this song probably embodies my vibe pretty closely: bright and fun, mixed with a bit of sass.
The sounds heard on “On My Mind,” are so moving. Could you please share a glimpse of the creative process with us?
I wrote this song with my close friend and writing partner Nicky Mackenzie. We had actually only known each other for a week at this point, but once we got into the room to write we had the song done in half an hour. It was kinda my first departure from these slow/sad songs and felt like something cool that I hadn’t done before. I wanted all the instrumentation to be light and uplifting. The song is guitar-centric which is a little different for me, and we have those big snaps throughout to keep it uplifted. I wanted the harmonies and backgrounds to be super lush in the chorus to contrast the verse. It was definitely a lot of fun to work on this one.
When you’re tapping into more vulnerably charged lyrics like you do in “On My Mind,” do you find it fairly easy to get onto paper and then into the microphone? Do you have any tips or tricks if you’re ever feeling stuck with how things are coming out?
When I am writing, I am focused on the lyric, and how the words fit together, and the story I am telling. Once I am in the studio though, that’s when I really focus on the emotional impact of what I am saying. I usually spend quite a few hours recording vocals because I need to get into the headspace of the song, and what the song really means. It’s definitely a little draining because I am allowing my emotions to rule me at that moment, but I think that is what the song deserves. A performance of unequivocal emotion. If someone is ever feeling stuck, my advice would be to just take a breather. Read over the lyrics. Really think about what you are saying, and how you were feeling when you wrote the song. Don’t be afraid to give the song the emotion deserves.
What's your favorite release of this year, from an independent artist you admire?
I have got to give a shout-out to Cate, who is another Vancouver artist that I am obsessed with. She released this song ‘Can't-Wait To Be Pretty,' which is just so vulnerable and honest. She is doing some really cool things and is writing some really interesting songs that are so relatable.