Sarah, thank you for taking the time to do this, firstly let me ask you about your journey as a musician… you were into music from a very early age? Can you tell us a little about your musical journey to where you are today?
I have always loved performing. My Mum knew I would be a performer when, at the tender age of two years old, I knocked a mannequin from its podium, jumped up and belted out ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ to anyone who would listen. From there, I progressed into studying classical flute and went through the exam levels until I was 18 and wanted to try something new. Not long afterwards I fell into folk music and joined my amazing band Sunas.
How did your record label (ABC Classics) discover you?
The word ‘discovered’ is fairly interesting, as Sunas had been performing and touring for years. We were performing with Scottish folk legend Dougie MacLean in Colo, west of Sydney when he was in Australia last March. Martin Buzacott was filming the event, but I had no idea who he was, he was just a nice guy who interviewed us. Soon after, he gave me his card and told me he represented a record company, at which point I thought, ‘Yeah, sure!’. It turns out he represented the ABC and the rest, as they say, is history. We weren’t so much discovered as given a great opportunity.
How would you describe your sound?
It’s an interesting mixture of acoustic folk, orchestral and electronica. Folktronica, perhaps?
Who are your musical influences?
There are so many! My top five would have to be Pauline Scanlon, Phoebe Snow, Christina Aguilera (odd choice for a folk singer, I know, but vocally she is phenomenal), Luka Bloom and Kate Rusby. Each of them define to me what it is to be a singer and performer, not just in performing live, but also how important it is to interpret songs correctly.
Have you had many gigs recently?
Yes, Sunas is getting very busy with the summer festivals. We have had an absolutely fantastic year of music. With my own music, it’s been a little trickier, as there are so many musical elements involved that a live show will need to be planned well in advance. I will be playing one show next week showcasing five songs from the album, so we’ll see how I go.
If you could share a stage with any band in the world who would you choose?
The Rolling Stones! What a sound.
What are your career highlights so far?
Singing with Dougie MacLean was such an honour. He is the most gentle down-to-earth man. I owe so much to him. Performing in Russia for St Patrick’s Day a few years ago was pretty exciting as well!
If a crowd comes to see you perform live what will they go away remembering?
Hopefully the stories behind the songs, the way it makes them feel and the passion I throw into everything when I’m performing.
You’ve just released a new album (‘As Night Falls’). What can people expect to hear on it?
A lovely collection of old and new, acoustic and ambient, happy and sad songs.
What was the process like putting together the album?
Very fast and intense, but I loved every second of it. I only had six weeks to rehearse, record and master the album! It turns out I am very good at working to an insane deadline. I had such a fantastic team of amazing people helping put this together.
Where do you hope you end up in 2012? What are you short term goals? What are your long term goals?
I hope to be working as a full time musician in 2012. I have two musical projects coming up next year, so that will be a priority for me. Long term, I would love to continue exploring the old and new side to folk music while keeping the respect that they deserve.
Where do you play live so people can come to see you?
There’s are so many places, so the best way to answer this question is to direct your fine selves to www.sunasband.com for the latest gig updates!
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you and your career?
Don’t be fooled into thinking that ‘folk’ is a dirty word – it’s such a rich tapestry of music that you may find yourself liking it. South-east Queensland has so many wonderful musicians, come and see what we’re made of!
Do you have a website people can check out?
You can find me on the Sunas website, or at www.facebook.com/sarahcalderwoodmusic