Many artists come into the music industry, only to burn out soon after entering. However, if there exists a formula for pop music relevance, singer/songwriter Sarah Blaine seems to have it in the bag. This L.A. native boasts a nearly four octave vocal range along with over a decade of dancing experience and the natural good looks to tie it all together. If that isn’t already appealing enough, she has top-notch producers and coaches in her corner, ready to help her accomplish her vision of simple yet meaningful lyrics over undeniably catchy beats. Her debut single “Dance With the Devil” premiered on September 24th and already has critics raving about her potential. I had the chance to talk with her about the new single, her future plans, and the pressures of the music industry.
Photography Credit: Hala Mufleh
Art/design: DL Warfield
For the people that don’t know you, tell me a little about your musical background.
I grew up singing and performing a lot. I did a couple commercials, you know, a typical L.A. kid. Plus, both of my parents were singers so I’ve grown up in the industry to a certain extent. I had a fairly regular teenage schedule, but then I really came back into it full force.
Your debut single “Dance With the Devil” came out a few weeks ago. What’s the inspiration behind the song?
The meaning behind the song comes from the book Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill that was written in 1938, but didn’t get released until 2011. It’s really about overcoming the negative voice in your head, whether that pertains to relationships, reaching your goals, or whatever else it may be in your own life. My manager and I both read it and decided it would be a really good choice to write about. It’s delving into finding hope in yourself and overcoming whatever is holding you back.
What’s your song-writing process like?
Usually, I’ll get a track from the producers. I play enough piano and guitar to write, but I don’t play it well enough to record or perform. So usually I’ll get a track from them and I’ll hop on it and do lyrics and melodies. If I don’t do all the songwriting, it’s a pretty even split collaboration-wise. I’m not just sitting in a room. [Laughs.] I’m actually participating in the writing.
What has the reception been like for the song?
It’s been really great! There’s truly no one I can think of that doesn’t respond to the song. It’s pop music, it’s not for everyone, and I’ll be totally honest about that. For the most part though, people really loved the message and the EDM vibe that it has. I’ve been very blessed to have a good reception for a first single. Even if you’re into alternative rock or whatever, it has an undeniable catchiness to it. Whether you like it or not, it’s there. [Laughs.]
I saw on your website that you shot a video for “Dance With the Devil.” How soon will that be out?
It’s going to be in the next few weeks. I don’t know the exact date yet, but it’ll be fairly soon. I’m excited to put that out too. I think it looks really good.
Is this song release leading up to an album? Or are you just kind of seeing how it goes for now?
Right now, we’re about halfway done with an album. We are in the midst of writing the second half. There isn’t a release set, but that’s the plan.
What producers are you working with? Are any labels involved?
I’m not at this moment working with any labels. I have been working with Justin Trugman who is now a producer with RedOne Productions. I’m not affiliated with RedOne, but I was working with him. It was a really wonderful experience. He’s been a huge part of the music that we’ve completed. I’m about to start working with another producer named Matt Wong. The people I’ve been put in rooms with have been really amazing.
While working with different producers and other creative teams, how do you maintain your own artistic integrity and not give in to the pressures of the industry?
I think right now… there’s nothing wrong with it, I’ll clear that up…. I’m a huge fan of a lot of the girls with the grungier style, being a bad bitch, whatever you want to call it. I just don’t feel like I need to do that. I feel like I can stay classy and still be sexy and still be a good role model. I think that time will tell, but I feel confident that I can maintain that persona and stay true to myself rather then letting the music executives tell me who I am. I know who I am and I’m going to put it out there.
Your music is compared to Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and Katy Perry, rightfully so. What can you do to set yourself apart from these other artists?
I think those three particularly are not really dancers. That’s one thing. I feel very confident that my talent and ability will shine through. I know that I can be a good role model for girls and empower them, not that they aren’t doing that, but I think that there’s a place for me in the market regardless. I don’t feel necessarily that there has to be a competition. I feel like if you have good music and you have a good message that there’s room for you. I love them. I don’t feel like I need to knock them off their pedestal.
Which artists would you say have influenced you the most?
I’ve always loved Kelly Clarkson. I think she kicks ass. She is who she is and she has no apologies. And when she sings… it’s just insanity. And also, I think for me it would be my parents. My dad and I listened t a lot of the old standards and stuff like that. So when it comes to writing, even though it’s pop music, I kind of look to the old standards, simple melodies and simple lyrics. Things that really hit home with just a very simple message. It doesn’t have to be so esoteric…. I love metaphors, but it doesn’t need to be super out there. I find inspiration in things that are very common to everyone. No one is trying to decipher what I’m saying.
People that have heard the song, whether they’re fans, journalists, or music executives, are all going to be making predictions about you. I’m going to let you make a prediction about yourself. Where will you be a couple years from now?
A couple of years from now, I see myself touring internationally. I love performing live. It’s a huge passion of mine. I think big and I dream big. I don’t see any point in thinking small. I see myself at the top of the charts and hopefully performing for thousands upon thousands of people.
Are there plans in the works to tour soon?
There are plans. We’re kind of looking at all of the options. This Friday, I’m actually opening for Demi Lovato at the Dignity Gala for Redlight Traffic. It’s an anti-human trafficking organization. So I’m excited about that. I’ll also be doing some stuff around L.A. in the next couple of months. But other then that, we’ll see.
Do you do a lot of work with charities and other similar causes?
Yeah, my… I call her my bonus mom… she is in the Transformational Movement, so her and her colleagues are very involved in different charities like that so that is very close to my heart. Doing events like that is a huge deal for me. Using a platform for good is what it’s all about.
I’ll give you the last word. Anything you want to say to your fans? Anything that we didn’t cover?
I love my fans. [Laughs.] I love them very much. No I think we covered it. I’m just really excited and grateful to talk to you. The music video will be up in a few weeks. Any upcoming dates will be on my Facebook page, Twitter, etc. Thank you!
Connect with Sarah Blaine – Official Website – Facebook — Twitter
Purchase “Dance With the Devil” — iTunes – Amazon