Sarah Harralson
"Sarah Harralson presents honest, bare-boned recordings that are authentic,” stated Music Connection Magazine after hearing her debut singer-songwriter EP, Finally Found, in 2014. Her authenticity lies in her lyrics based on true stories followed by melodies that will be stuck in your head hours after hearing it. An authentic storyteller and straight shooter, she is not afraid to tell it like it is in her music. This Knoxville native began writing songs when she was ten years old, her bluegrass musician grandfather being her biggest musical influence. She was surrounded by genres such as country, rock 'n roll, soul, and pop growing up, but the storytelling aspect of country is what ultimately drew Harralson to pursuing that genre.
Tell us about your upcoming holiday release and the inspiration behind it.
I’ve always had this alternate idea for the classic Christmas hymn, “Silent Night”. I came up with my own jazz version that really bring the song to life. People mostly remember “Silent Night” as a relaxing or slow song, but my version is more up tempo and makes you want to dance. I think it’s always fun to put your own unique spin on songs, and even though I am a country artist, I think my jazz version of this song shows how diverse I can be with music.
2021 is coming to a close. What are some of your favorite songs you have written or recorded this year?
I was definitely most excited about releasing “The Chance” this year, since that is a song that has been on my heart for a long time. I have written so many great songs this year that I am excited to record in the future. Some of the titles include, “It Can’t Rain All the Time”, “Whiskey History”, and “Heat Lightning”. I also loved finally releasing “Bottom of the Glass” and my own version of “Love on Lease” this year.
How do you decide which songs are worth recording or releasing?
There’s definitely some criteria to consider. If a song holds a lot of meaning to who I am as a person and artist, then I will record that for myself to release. It’s easy to be drawn to every song we write, but you really must connect with it as an artist. I also have songs I’ve written that I can envision would be great for another artist. In that case, I would demo the song to have it pitched.
What songs/artists are on your playlist right now?
Carly Pearce’s 29 album, “Stretchy Pants” by Carrie Underwood, “Doin’ This” by Luke Combs, and soon to be Adele’s new album.
Quirkiest song you’ve ever written?
Earlier this year, I was hired to write jingles for a LASEK eye surgery company. I never thought I would ever write so many songs about eyes.
Tell us about the production behind your new holiday release.
When I came up with the jazz version of “Silent Night”, I knew it needed jazz guitar in it, but I wanted to keep it simple, so I decided to only have vocals and jazz guitar. Scott Logan Reeves did a fabulous job playing guitar on the track, and I recorded all vocals and produced it myself.
What are you most excited about in the new year?
I’m so excited to share even more new music with everyone, record new songs, and travel to new places. I love seeing where music takes me each year.
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