HELLO SARAH, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS SARAH TROMLEY IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
I’m complex. I’m a visionary and a lover. Just a 26-year-old woman navigating personal pain and growth with grace and positivity. Always knowing that I loved music, I had to find the lane that suited me best. Is it the label side? As an artist? There were many paths. So during 2016 I worked at Good Music for Kanye as an intern and that is where I found my foundation as an artist.
I definitely didn’t do things like any of the other kids from my hometown. I was always a little bit of an outcast in some ways, but I wouldn’t change that experience because it shaped me into who I am today. I’ve also had some great mentors who pushed me and supported my journey. I was never afraid of taking risks and I want to use whatever influence I may have to push another young girl along the way. This industry can be tough. But it’s up to you to fight for your dreams, because no one else will.
WHAT FIRST GOT YOU INTO MUSIC?
My dad always encouraged music—bought me my first mini red electric fender guitar in grade school. That creative environment led me into musicals and choir as I grew up. Artists like Taking Back Sunday, Adele, Bon Iver, and Mumford and Sons, even Lady Gaga really got me through hard times growing up. I related to those artists and their stories they told in their music. They got me through low points at a time when I felt I didn’t fit in or couldn’t celebrate my own value—I found a place of home with my music and a way I could relate to the world.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSICAL STYLE?
I’m a pop and RnB girl with edge. I love sultry sounds and more melodic tones. I sing from a place of honesty (lyrically). I aspire for my music to heal people and build communities of passionate dreamers. The style of my music explores heart break, loneliness, loss, love, moving on, and first-time experiences. All the ingredients to the perfect story and soundtrack to any full life.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS UPCOMING EP?
I really fell in love with the works of The Weeknd and Frank Ocean during the inspiration of this project. I had some fun playing around with more of a punk rock electric guitar on my song “in my life”. Those creative choices reminded me of music I listened to growing up like blink 182’s “I miss you”. I am already thinking of ideas for my next album. I can’t wait to experiment more with punk rock guitar vibes and use more Rhodes piano. I would love to do a song with machine gun Kelly and Travis Barker.
The EP is out on Dec. 4th and I’m so excited to share that with my fans.
WHAT’S YOUR PROCESS LIKE FOR MAKING MUSIC?
My process changes from time to time but also remains consistent in most ways. I’m intentional about my state of mind and surroundings when creating. I light candles. I also recall moments throughout my day: signs, words or phrases that have come to mind. I am constantly writing notes in my phone to reference back to in the moment.
Whom I work with is also very important to my process. Whether that’s a producer or engineer. I feed off energy and vibes. I love having a writing session where I get to tell stories and share feelings from a really honest place. That’s where the best songs come from. It’s very therapeutic for me.
WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR ARTISTIC INSPIRATION?
I draw inspiration from my travels, emotionally intimate relationships and lived experiences. Those moments inform so much of my mindset and creative process. I’ve both cried and laughed so much in my lifetime and I wouldn’t change those feelings for anything.
HOW IMPORTANT ARE INSTAGRAM “LIKES” TO YOU?
I’ve never been a huge fan of social media—I have a hard time with either showing too much of my personal life or not enough. I don’t let social media get to me—I’ve learned that moments in REAL LIFE is what truly matters. I’ve never been a fan of buying followers or likes. If people like me, cool. If they don’t, that’s ok. I’d rather have 1000 loyal fans than a million fake fans.
WHAT IS A RANDOM FACT ABOUT YOURSELF THAT YOU CAN SHARE WITH US?
Acting has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I’ve always wanted to be a cute Disney character. Specifically, Tinkerbell. Growing up I was in musicals and plays. I was a humble knife in the “Beauty and The Beast” musical in high school. From that point on, I knew that I would do whatever I could to build a career without ego. While living in Portland before moving to LA, I was in multiple episodes of Portlandia, an episode of Grimm, and in a short film directed by Chloe Sevigny called “Carmen” where Mui Mui designed the set wardrobe. I was so excited to be part of such a fashion focused project. I would love to get back into acting alongside my music.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE NEXT FROM SARAH TROMLEY?
Once the world opens back up and is safe for large crowds, I’d love to go on tour. The energy of the fans motivate my artistry. But in the meantime, I’m planning a virtual performance of my upcoming EP which will allow me to experience my fans from everywhere.
But definitely more singles, visual content and ultimately a full-length album sometime next year. The possibilities are endless and I’m learning not to limit my gifts.
