Check out our interview with New York City singer/songwriter Sarah Bernstein, who just released her new single, Loser of the Year.

A departure from previous works, Bernstein meticulously crafted a composition that authentically captures the essence of early 2000s angsty pop-rock, drawing inspiration from iconic influences such as Fall Out Boy and the Freaky Friday (2003) soundtrack.

Follow Sarah @SarahBernstein

Hi Sarah, please tell us a little about yourself.

Hello! I’m Sarah, and I’m a singer/songwriter in New York City. I’ve lived here for 11 years now, but grew up in Salisbury, Maryland. I’m also half German, so my Mama made sure I was raised there as well.

Describe your sound in three words.

Early 2000’s nostalgia.

Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?

My musical influences come from everywhere, starting with Disney music and a healthy middle-school obsession with Broadway. But I distinctly remember one moment in my childhood after seeing the 2003 Freaky Friday remake with Lindsay Lohan for the first time. I was like, that’s it— that’s who I want to be, and headed straight to the attic to get my own dad’s guitar. Turns out a vintage Les Paul is not a toy, so I’m sure he didn’t love that, but he did let me have his old acoustic. (I even have a Fender Medium guitar pick tattooed on my wrist… IYKYK)

Do you play any instruments?

Guitar (acoustic/electric/12-string) & piano.

Do you ever get nervous?

Always! Fighting my nerves on-stage has always been an uphill battle and I’m still learning how to outsmart them, but practice is the key!

Tell us about your new single, “Loser of the Year.”

It’s my favorite song I’ve ever written and recorded. Finally getting to share it with the world just makes my little emo heart so full.

What’s the story behind the song?

This single is actually adapted from a song I wrote in high school called “Only in My Soul”. I ran across it last year going through the archives of an old laptop. It wasn’t a bad song, and watching it now, I could clearly see where I was trying to go with it. But back then, I just wasn’t as skilled of a player or singer to pull it off.

Can you walk us through your creative process for this single? How did the idea come to life?

This process was all about illustrating that teenage vision I had for the song, but actually doing it right this time. First, taking what used to be about someone else and reclaiming the narrative as my own felt like a big step up. Then once I double-timed the guitar and came up with the “Loser of the Year” bit the rest was history.

Were there any specific experiences or emotions that fueled the writing and composition of this song?

In many ways, re-writing this song was a competition with my former self. The truth is… a whole decade later, I’m still writing songs on the same green guitar with no serious commercial success to show for it. But I’m also a whole lot better than I used to be, and that counts for something.

How do you usually start working on a new song? Do you begin with lyrics, melodies, or a concept?

I love this question because it’s such a chicken vs. egg dilemma. The lyrics support the melody and vice versa, so however a songwriter gets there doesn’t really matter in my opinion as long as the result is symbiotic.

As for the main concepts… not to get spiritual or religious, but they really do just come to me. Usually at the least convenient times, and absolutely never when I’m within reach of an instrument or writing utensil (…just ask my best friend Abby– she’ll tell you about the time I wrote a chorus on the basketball court during a game in highschool)

How involved were you in the production and arrangement of “Loser of the Year?”

I’m fully invested from conception until it’s sent to master– from there, it’s out of my league.

As for the arrangement, I credit the incredible musicians on this track for bringing my vision to life. I walked into the studio with two reference tracks— “Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down” by Fall Out Boy and “Ultimate” off of the Freaky Friday soundtrack. Needless to say, they completely understood the assignment.

Kenny Varga engineered the session, with Wes Little on Drums, Justin Ostrander on Guitar, and Luis Espaillat on Bass.

What is the most rewarding part of your work?

The reactions of others, and seeing them genuinely connect with my songs, has provided me a totally new sense of meaning. I’ve kept so much music to myself for such a long time because I thought nobody out there wanted to hear it. Now that I’m starting to think otherwise, it’s made me work so much harder.

What book should every entrepreneur read?

I’m not sure if it applies to entrepreneurship specifically, but I think anyone with a dream of any kind should read The Alchemist.

What advice would you give to your younger self, and why?

Practice is the enemy of nervousness.

How would your best friend describe you?

The world’s most emotional maid of honor.

What’s next for Sarah Bernstein in 2024?

My next single, “A Woman Like Me” is almost done and ready to release. This track is the polar opposite of “Loser of the Year” (both the production and the subject matter), but I can’t wait to have that counterbalance in my musical catalog.

If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?

Walt Disney, the original man with a dream.

What would be your dream holiday, and who would you go with?

Excellent follow-up question! My boyfriend Allan and I have a goal of visiting all six Disney Parks around the world.

Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?

So much can happen in five years! Whatever I’m doing, I hope to be fully supporting myself through my music. That’s what I’m working towards.

What do you think of social media?

I used to be afraid of it, or what people in my “real” life might think, but the past few years I’ve really embraced showing up on Instagram. I felt a little silly at first, but I’ve found a lot of joy in just trying to keep my “content” authentic and not worrying so much about every little detail.

Where can we follow you?

@SarahBernstein on Instagram, and @SarahWritesSongs everywhere else!

Quote: You can do hard things

Movie: The Parent Trap (1994)

TV Series: The Office

Travel Destination: Germany

Sports Team: Washington Commanders