Serious Songwriter: Sarah Harralson
Sarah Harralson
Location:
Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Tell us about yourself:
I am a country singer-songwriter originally from Knoxville, TN and have been in Nashville for seven years. My song, "Watered Down Whiskey" attracted my first boutique publishing deal with Raindrop Music in 2015, run by Scotty Schultz (drums, Shooter Jennings). After releasing two EPs as an artist and one collaborative album which I co-produced, I began working with my current producer, Johnny Garcia (guitar, Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood), who just signed me this year to a publishing and artist development deal under Busy at Play Publishing. I am also currently writing for other independent artists in Nashville.
Name of your most recent release:
Why are you a songwriter?
Songwriting is something I have done since I was a young child, and I could not imagine my life without. It is a gateway that allows me to express my emotions and feelings, and is very therapeutic not just for myself, but for others.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I'm proud of the success I've had with publishing and independent cuts so far in this town, but I'm most proud of figuring out that my mission as a songwriter is to help other people with my music.
Share the most interesting writing experience you ever had:
That would be the night I met my current publisher! Five years ago, my friend Justin asked me if I would like to write with him and a guy named Johnny Garcia. Being a young, starry-eyed songwriter in town, of course I said yes. So we knocked on the door of his publishing house that night and the first thing Johnny said to me was, "I thought I was writing with a different Sarah tonight." I was so worried I was getting the boot, but then he said, "Ah, that's ok, come on in and have a beer!" That night, we wrote "Radio Static", which would end up on my next EP and also created a way for me to begin working with him.
What makes you unique as a songwriter?
I love country music, but I also love an array of genres. That has helped me write different sub-genres of country, and also genres outside of country. I have always considered myself an old soul based on how I grew up, and I think that has helped me tremendously with the experience and stories needed to craft genuine and heartfelt songs.
If you could write with anyone (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
Brandy Clark, any day. She is so unique, that when you hear one of her songs, you know that it's her. Her lyrical craft is exceptional though, and the stories she writes puts you into the place of that song.
How can the Serious Songwriter community help you?
To connect with other writers as well as bring more attention to my own releases and songwriting
What can you help the Serious Songwriter community with?
Introducing more people and songwriters to the community
Fun fact about you:
Since living in Nashville, I have met a long lost cousin here through music! You never know what you'll find in this crazy town.