Editor: David Mills
Singer-songwriter, Sarah Miles is a young woman with a killer voice, catchy pop melodies, some fabulous high heels, and a hint of twang. As enamored with the sounds of Nashville as she is with the sounds of Brooklyn, Sarah's songs are as youthful and lighthearted as her spirit...though her lyrics sometimes show a weightier, pensive side.
Well before iTunes sold her first EP, Solid Ground, in 2008, Sarah was belting out songs in her kitchen and making her way in the musical world as the youngest child ever to be admitted to the prestigious Westminster Conservatory Children's Choir. Experienced from years of singing in a cappella groups (around 8-Princeton High School & The University of Vermont "Hit Paws") and choirs (Prince High School Choir & Princeton Girlchoir) that toured Sweden, Newfoundland & Toronto, and graced the White House & the TODAY Show, Sarah started playing guitar and writing her own songs while she was in high school. She credits Mariah Carey, Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Diane Birch, and Carrie Underwood as just some of her many musical influences.
Tonight she will fall asleep with her headphones on...tomorrow she will wake up humming a new tune that needs to be heard.
We had a chance to ask Sarah questions about her music with answers to them below.
When did you start singing?
I practically started singing right out of the womb! Apparently my grandfather declared that I would be a singer one day when he heard my piercing cry as a newborn baby. That is the story my mother tells… but I actually started singing at the age of 5 when I auditioned for the Westminster Children’s choir in Princeton NJ. I was the youngest child to be admitted at the time and was too young to read the lyrics to the songs so I had to learn everything by ear. I went on to sing with Princeton Girlchoir, The Princeton High School Choir and then 2 different a cappella groups. (One in high school and one at the University of Vermont.) I started writing songs and playing the guitar while in high school.
Not Initially. I was always drawn to music and I loved to sing, but I was painfully shy when it came to performing. I think that is why I loved singing in choirs, because it was in a group setting and I didn’t have to sing by myself. When I did have my first solo performance with my high school a cappella group, I was terrified! I preferred to sing and play guitar in my room with the door shut. My parents would listen with their ears to the door to hear me. While in college I finally became comfortable singing in front of an audience. In fact I started to like it, and now I love it. I look forward to every show!
Do your parents and friends support you?
Definitely yes! I feel very lucky to have come from an artistic family where the arts are supported and loved. My great grandfather actually sang in a professional barbershop quartet during the depression. He toured all over the country with his group. Both of my grandparents are fine artists (painters), and my aunt is a professional violinist.
Do you write your own music?
Yes. I started writing songs while in high school. I wrote all of the songs on my first two EPs which I recorded during my freshman year of college. In my 3rd EP, “Catch the Light”, my song “Something About You” ended up as a finalist in both the Music City Songwriting Competition in Nashville, and in Mike Pinder’s Songwars Competiton. That gave me the confidence to keep writing. I had the opportunity to write with musician/producer Brian Cassagnol on my “Middle of Nowhere” EP, and really like the co-writing experience. Bouncing ideas around with another creative, musical person is so great, especially with lyrics. They are the toughest for me. Melodies and harmonies come much more easily. I have just recently written many new songs and am working on my first full length CD. This album will have many great co-writers; Matt Duke, Ingram Hill, Jason Spiewak, Chris Ayer and Steve Mandile. I am pretty excited about the quality of the songs that are coming along for this CD!
What goes into writing a good song?
My best songs are always based on real experiences. I have written a few songs about love and heartbreak and it’s through my emotions that these songs just seem to pour out of me. The melody is obviously important and I love harmony. You will hear it in most of my songs. Great lyrics are essential and one or two great hooks to keep the listener singing along.
During the summer of 2010 I had the good fortune of meeting musician/producer Brian Cassagnol. We started to collaborate playing live shows in NYC, and soon started writing together. We would sit outside by my parent’s pool just singing and playing guitars together. We focused on melodies first and came up with some phrases that turned into lyrics. We worked well together. He ended up producing the “Middle of Nowhere” EP, which then turned up in the hands of Rock Ridge Music, and they are currently managing me now. The EP was a turning point for me and I was really happy with the way it all came together. Brian is brilliant at arranging strings and all instruments for that matter, and I came up with all the vocal hooks and harmonies. My talented friend, Sarah Pierpont, ended up making the video for “Middle of Nowhere” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndruGQ90AVE). The song has done well on itunes and I am proud of it. Never Ending Chase is a favorite of mine as well.
Where have you performed?
I started doing shows in Burlington VT while attending college at University of Vermont. I played at Radio Bean, Parima and Necters. My friends and sorority sisters would all show up to cheer me on, so it was a lot of fun! I eventually branched out to NYC venues. I played at the Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall, The Red Lion, National Underground and even at the Museum of Sex Café! I’ve also opened for Ingram Hill and Matt Duke. With them I played all along the east coast at venues like; The Pour House (Raleigh), Jammin’ Java (Vienna, VA), Evening Muse (Charlotte), Ram’s Head Tavern (Annapolis, MD), Brighton Music Hall (Boston), World Café Live (Philly/Wilmington), Stage One (Fairfield, CT) and The Grape Room in Philly.
So many musicians and singer-songwriters inspire me and have inspired me along the way. I listen to new and old music all the time, but here is a short list; I grew up listening to James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Mariah Carey, Ben Folds, The Indigo Girls, Shania Twain, The Dixie Chicks, Billy Joel and Madonna. In high school, I fell in love with Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles. I still love them. In NYC I have played alongside of Chris Ayer, Mieka Pauley, Ingram Hill, Matt Duke, Caleb Hawley and Delta Rae. They are all incredibly talented and I am inspired by them. Lately I am obsessed with the Civil Wars. My list keeps changing and growing. This is the tip of the iceberg.
Where was your first performance?
It was at Small World Coffee in Princeton NJ. They had no sound system, so I brought a small amp, my Taylor guitar and a mic. I was so nervous; the place was actually packed, as it was in my home town. All of my friends and family showed up. My sister’s boyfriend, played the bass alongside of me, but looking back, I think he was more nervous than I was! He poured some liquid courage into his coffee to calm his nerves, but I don’t think it helped him….at all. Even so, for my first show ever, I was pretty proud! I caught the performing bug. I wanted to do it again as soon as the set was finished.
If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would love to plan a European tour as well as a US west coast tour. There are so many places I have not played yet and I am ready to go!
Who would you love to perform with?
To open for Ingrid Michaelson or Sara Bareilles would be a dream come true.
Upcoming performances:
April 26 - Live From Loews, Loews Hotel, Philadelphia
What are the goals for your music in the future?
Right now I am concentrating on my next album. I am more excited about it than I can even express in words. It will be my first full length album and the quality of my newest songs feels better than ever. (I’ve just started the pre-production process with NYC producer, Dave Pittenger.) My previous EPs have allowed me to grow and evolve as an artist and songwriter, but now I feel totally ready to let out who I really am creatively speaking. I just feel more confident in my sound and I’m not afraid to put my thoughts out into the world. I had the opportunity to collaborate on some of these new songs with artists I really respect like; Matt Duke, Ingram Hill, Chris Ayer, Todd Carey, Amy Dalley, Steve Mandile and Jason Speiwak. The end result has been rewarding and I feel lucky to have worked with them. I wrote some of the songs on my own as well; the writing process is always cathartic for me, especially when I write about personal experiences. The album does not have a release date as of yet. I hope it will be out by the end of the year. As far as goals, my hope is to get my music out to as many people as possible and to gain more exposure and more fans along the way. It’s a journey for sure, and I love what I am doing. I am happy making music 7 days a week….that’s all I want to do.
I want to write music that speaks to people in a relatable way. To write songs that make people happy or sad; Songs that people will want to sing along to in the car with windows downs and the volume up! I know how music makes me feel and I want others to feel the same way.
Advice for others doing what you are doing:
Know in advance that patience and hard work are the key ingredients to any success in the music business. It may sound like a fun to hit the road and play gigs all over the place, but it really is not that glamorous unless you are Taylor Swift. Stay true to who you are as an artist and don’t be afraid to speak your mind if you feel someone on your team is trying to change your musical style. Lastly, immerse yourself with other musical people that you respect. Hang out with other talented musicians for inspiration and growth.
Is there anything else you want readers to know?
My independent music career has actually been a long road; almost my whole life. Although I just graduated from college last year, I’ve been writing music and performing since I was in high school, and I started singing when I was a little girl. People sometimes think music careers are made overnight, but most of the time they take time to grow. I am still growing as an artist. I feel incredibly lucky to be pursuing what I love and what is in my heart and soul. I cannot imagine doing anything else with my life.
Sarah appears to have a very bright singing/songwriting career as she has great vocals. You can find Sarah at the following urls.
Website: www.sarahmilesmusic.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahmilesmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMilesMusic
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/swils21
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/rockridgemusic/sets/sarahmiles
Download Link: www.rockridgemusic.com/assets/MiddleOfNowhereMP3.zip
Rocky Coast News is pleased to have Sarah Miles as our latest "Musician Spotlight", where we highlight, promote up and coming musicians that have amazing vocals, sound, style and/or who are able to play an instrument well singing.
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