Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with unsigned UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with unsigned Cornwall based singer Sarah McQuaid to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I was born in Spain, grew up in Chicago, now live in Cornwall, England. I first got into music through my family, a number of whom are musicians, and through singing with the Chicago Children’s Choir — see https://sarahmcquaid.com/about for the full story!
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
As a kid I mainly listened to The Beatles, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell and Cat Stevens. Since then my tastes have grown a lot more eclectic. I listen to all sorts of different music! Some artists whose music I’ve discovered recently and really love include Helefonix, Soricah and Hannya White.
How would you describe your sound?
A reviewer recently described me as “Shades of Joni Mitchell in a jam with Karen Carpenter and Lana Del Rey.” I’ll take that!
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
I’m about to release my 6th solo album, The St Buryan Sessions, recorded and filmed live (sans audience due to Covid lockdown) in the beautiful medieval church of St Buryan, just up the road from where I live.
What’s your local music scene like?
Cornwall is a rural area but a lot of musicians live here, including some big names who’ve chosen to make their home here. It was through living in Cornwall that I met Zoë, writer and performer of 1991 top 5 hit “Sunshine On A Rainy Day”, and wrote and recorded an album with her under the band name Mama back in 2008.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
My new album will be released on CD and limited-edition double LP on 15 October 2021. I’ll be touring in the UK in Oct-Nov 2021, Jan-Feb 2022, and May 2022; Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark in March-April 2022; Ireland in April 2022; and the USA in Sept-Oct 2022.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
James Taylor.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
I once had an audience member come up to me with a Sarah McLachlan album for me to sign. I had to explain to him that I wasn’t Sarah McLachlan. I told him I’d be glad to sign her album anyway, but he said that wouldn’t be necessary.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
That I’m not Sarah McLachlan.
You can find out more about Sarah on her website or via Amazon Music, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Deezer, Facebook, Instagram, Patreon, SoundCloud, Spotify, TIDAL, Twitter or YouTube.
Merryn 