Check out our interview with talented Singer-Songwriter Sarah Harralson who recently released her single “Blackout Barbie” and is about to release her new album, Outside the Lines next month (August 11th).
Follow Sarah @sarahharralson
Hi Sarah, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! I’m a country singer-songwriter in Nashville, TN. I have been here for 10 years and am originally from Knoxville, TN.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Authentic, Relatable, Country
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
My Granddad was a huge influence growing up as he was a bluegrass musician and always encouraged me to pursue music. My mother also encouraged my dream by paying for piano lessons when I was young. I started songwriting at the age of ten as it was a way for me to be able to express my feelings in the form of music.
Do you play any instruments?
Yes- I started with piano when I was 14, and taught myself guitar when I was 17, which is my main stage instrument.
Do you ever get nervous?
Of course! I think every artist should feel nervous at any level or stage in their career, because it means it matters to them. I mostly get nervous because I want to put on a great show for the audience. Once I start playing on stage, all of the nerves begin to disappear and I settle into my performance.
Tell us about your new single “Blackout Barbie?”
I wrote “Blackout Barbie” in 2016 with co-writer, Molly Fair. The song wasn’t completely finished, so I came back to it in 2020 and finished the song. I wanted it to be a part of my new project, Outside the Lines (which releases on August 11th), and I decided to have this be the last single to be released off of the album, and it came out on June 9th. I actually had planned the release before the news of the new Barbie movie this summer, so the timing worked out perfectly!
What’s the story behind the song?
“Blackout Barbie” is about the cookie cutter girls we know that look like Barbie dolls, and sometimes we envy them because we want to look like them, but in reality, their insides might not be as pretty, and they might be struggling themselves. The music video came out on my YouTube channel on June 11th.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I love on release day when the world finally gets to hear my music that is finished. When people tell me in which ways they relate to my music or how it made them feel, it makes me so happy that they were able to take something from my art, whether it’s comfort or joy.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Get Rich, Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffield-Thomas. This book made me see the business of my music career in a different light and helped me create the right mindset to find more opportunities out there for me.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Don’t let anyone steal your shine, and never give up! The road will be hard, but just like a strenuous hike, you have to get through all of the bumps to find the beauty. It was so easy when I was younger to believe in the rejections I received and doubt myself. But believing in yourself first is key.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
She Found the Bend in the Road
Sometimes I feel like my journey with music has been long and winding, and there have been times I was often met with disappointment. But I have found many different joyful surprises in the past few years with my career that were unexpected milestones. By that I mean, the dreams I planned for were presented in other successes such as finding success as a studio singer, being invited into The Recording Academy, and most recently having international success with the song “Hello, My Friend” with Barney Esville. What you want isn’t always what you get, and sometimes the surprises at each corner are even better.
What’s next for Sarah Harralson 2023?
My new album, Outside the Lines, releases on August 11th, which is available for pre-save now. I’m also super excited to announce my tour dates for it soon, which includes some international shows!
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love lima beans and salads
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza
How would you explain your fashion style?
A little bit of everything! Glitz meets classic meets vintage. Some days I feel like sparkle, others I feel like boots & casual.
What is your own definition of happiness?
To feel joy & satisfaction in life, wherever and whomever that may be with
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Johnny Cash. I’ve always appreciated his authenticity as a musician and would love to hear the stories behind some of his songs and lyrics. I love how he always did things his way and told it as it was.
Do you support any charity?
Yes, I have been a volunteer musician with Musicians On Call since 2015. We bring music to the bedsides of patients in hospitals who need music the most. People can donate on their website to keep the mission and music going!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Playing bigger stages nationally & internationally and releasing even more music for myself and other artists. I plan to also have an operating recording studio by then. Dream big!
Where we can follow you?
Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / TikTok
Website: sarahharralson.com
Pre-Save new album here!
Tv Series: Succession (so sad it’s over!)
Favorite Food: Mexican
Dream Travel Destination: Italy
Sports Team: University of Tennessee football. Go Vols!
Photo Credit: @photos_by_jad
