Unplugged Lounge Conversations with Sarah Keane

Irish folk-pop artist Sarah Keane is known for her distinctive storytelling and strong vocals. Sarah Keane sat down with Sonic Sisters Magazine to talk about her journey into music, the women who have inspired her, and the personal experiences that shape her songwriting.

Can you share a bit about how your journey into music began?

Absolutely! So to be honest, I’ve been singing as long as I can remember. I was obsessed with the radio, always eager to hear new songs as soon as they would come out. I would dance and sing along in the mirror, and I had begun trying to write my own songs, but I was really struggling with just my voice. So when I was about 11, I realised I needed an instrument and started pestering my parents for guitar lessons. With three other siblings in the house, no one was too enthused about adding a guitar to the mix. I got my way, although I think they thought I’d quit soon after I started. However, they sent me to an amazing woman, Grace Kelly, and I haven’t stopped writing my songs on guitar since!

Who have been some of the most significant influences on your musical style?

As I said, I loved the radio growing up, so I think all of that ‘00s and '10s pop has had a huge influence on me. I loved Avril Lavigne, Rihanna, Shakira - all that kind of music! My mum also loves country music, which, while I didn’t appreciate growing up, I think has had an influence on me - I’ve developed that country twang and I love a good story!

And which female musicians or women in the music industry have inspired your journey?

It’s actually very inspiring right now to see a lot of outspoken women artists completely being themselves. I really appreciate when women are unapologetically themselves and don’t try to fit any particular mould too much. Right now, I think CMAT, Aimee Carty and Chappell Roan are doing that really well.

How do your personal experiences shape your songwriting, and what do you hope listeners take away from those connections?

Oh, they’re completely and inextricably linked! I think music is a great forum to be honest, one we don’t typically get day-to-day, besides. I feel so lucky to have this medium where I can make sense of my thoughts, so I try to be truthful and vulnerable in the music I share. I always hope listeners come away feeling a bit more understood from my music. 

Congratulations on your brand-new single “One for the Team”- what inspired this particular song?

Thank you! So this song is basically about how sometimes rationality has to outweigh how you feel - when you care about someone but the best thing you can do for both of you is walk away and take “one for the team”. It is a little bit sad, but also I think something a lot of listeners might be able to relate to. Sometimes love is not enough.

What song (not your own) has had the biggest influence on you and why?

I feel like the answer to this would change a lot based on when you ask me! But recently I’ve been re-listening to Kacey Musgraves' “Slow Burn” and I feel like it has gotten me through a lot of times where I was trying to rush things in life, and it reminded me that it’s okay to go slow.

Is there a song in your catalog that holds a special personal meaning for you? We'd love to hear the story or inspiration behind it.

I have a song called “Thunder & Lightning” that I wrote about not letting the fear of failure stop you from doing something you want to do, and that not trying is essentially failure in itself. Whenever I start to over think or get self conscious, that song is a good reminder not to!

What are some of the aspirations you have for your music moving forward?

I’d love for my music to connect with a wider audience and to continue to have the opportunity to write, release and perform my music!

What advice would you give to emerging female artists who are just starting out in the music world?

It’s tempting to try emulate someone else’s style but focus on finding your own and it will all come much easier! Also, you will come across people who may feel much more self-assured than you - that doesn’t mean they know any better. You know as much as anyone!

Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers?

Thanks so much for reading, and hopefully, see you soon.