Sarah Clark: News

I sort of crapped out with music-related things recently. I tried to do one last open mic in Providence before I left, but the taxi never came and it was raining and so I gave up. And now I'm leaving to bike across the country with my friend Anna! Before I left I wanted to say that I've appreciated everyone's support with the new CD, I couldn't do it without you all, and that I hope to pick up the pace on things when I get home again. So enjoy the warmth!

The collaborative project I worked on with rapper Sun Zoo is done. We physically recorded one song for his new album, which you can hear at www.sun-zoo.com : )

The second album is done. Seriously, it's out being manufactured right now...in a very economical way. Sort of had to stretch the funds on this one since I spent most of the money I'd made on the recording. Good choice, right? Hope so. 8 songs, about 40 minutes long; the album has been titled, "Space to Breathe". I'm very excited about it, I think there's a lot of change evident but it's all just me and the music evolving (promise). I hope to see my Maine-based fans/friends Saturday (where CDs will be on sale...did that convince you to go to the show?)

Sunday was a tremendous day, everything felt fluid, productive, fun, and beautiful. I had an excellent time and Steve and I managed to finish the last 5 songs I wanted to get down right. That means 8 songs rough mixed now, "finished" by my standards. *cheers*
I had a moment of devastation Sunday night. It boiled down to the fact that I've never worked so hard on my music, but I've also never changed it. What a surprise then, to hear the final product: click-tracked, revised, and contemplated.
I'm glad. I've had few learning experiences like this one, and the more I listen to the CD the more I feel that it's probably the most sophisticated work I've ever done. If you want to understand the true range of everything I felt that night, then look up "sophisticated" in the Oxford English Dictionary. Yes, for those of you not turning to your dictionary, I did feel in my soul that somehow the music was, "Altered from, deprived of, primitive simplicity or naturalness." Even "adulterated". And this mixed with feeling it was, "subtle, discriminating, refined, cultured." Confusion.
I guess I'm trying to bring to light how transformative this album has been for me; the lessons I've learned, things I do and don't intend to repeat, discovering the depth of my emotion for my music. And, in fact, my simple, happy, straight-forward joy in having completed a second album at all. Never in my life, when I first played for the public, did I imagine I would end-up here and that it still brings me this much happiness is a gift and blessing. Sunday night was interesting, but without experimenting I never would learn what is most important to me about my music. And, ultimately, that's what I hope to keep bringing to you.

Going in Sunday. Not leaving 'til the job gets done.

Steve and I worked until midnight or so on Thursday; I think three of the songs are now on solid ground. It's exciting to be working towards an album that has so much invested in it, and I can only thank Steve for giving me this incredible opportunity to spend so much time in the Studio with such excellent guidance, but I also did not anticipate how long it would take to finish. I am heading to school which means things will be even slower, but I plan on wrapping things up this fall. I wouldn't do this if I didn't think it was worth it; it is. I might post some rough mixes so check back.

I've finished two recording sessions with Steve over the past two days. I won't lie...the first day I felt pretty crappy about things, but yesterday Steve and I started listening back and I was surprised that things had pulled through okay. We spent most of the day listening and talking, and that's when a new plan emerged.
I've never really thought critically about my music, it's a spontaneous thing. But maybe I'm at a point where that's not an advantage anymore. Steve had some really good things to say that I've never wanted to hear before because I was afraid of criticism. Yesterday, though, I really listened and rather than feeling threatened by his ideas I felt happy. If there is a way to make my songs more communicable or intentional, I'm not going to ignore it. Everything has changed in my mind from an instant of inspiration to a constant progression, and that's so much more gratifying.
So the new plan is that I'm going to spend time stitching my music this week and record again NEXT week. If then Steve and I decide some other steps would be advantageous, I will let you know.

August 22nd and 23rd. Those are the official first dates for recording this summer. Be proud of me, this is the ultimate pinnacle of perseverance...excuse the alliteration. Love from my music world.
PS- err...I figured any picture was better than no picture...

I found a picture for the website. It will get here...somehow...though I know you've grown fond of that smiling face. I was planning on uploading some "draft" songs for listening pleasure but since I hope to record by the end of the month, why not wait for the good stuff?
Ultimately, my plans are to crank out this second CD and get my butt to a bunch of open mics. So, hopefully see you around.

Well...new site! I don't promise incredible amounts of news, I'm in South Dakota right now. I started work on a second CD this February and plan to continue this summer.
Let me know how you all are, what you think of the site, and what you need! I hope to be creating a steady home for me and my music with Hostbaby, so come back and visit every once and a while
: )