Interview: SARAH DARLING, C2C Country 2 Country 2019, London

The UK loves American country singer Sarah Darling, and for good reason - I took some time to chat with the artist at C2C London (read about that here) regarding her unique style of country music, pre-show rituals, and the best experience she's had throughout her career. Enjoy!

Ciara’s Country (CC): Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me today!

Sarah Darling (SD): Absolutely!

CC: Welcome to C2C 2019!

SD: Thank you, this is my fourth year!

CC: How have you enjoyed this year so far?

SD: It’s great. I’m seeing familiar faces and it’s great to have grown with some of my fans over the last several years.

CC: You’ve become something of a regular at C2C over the years.

SD: It’s kind of crazy to think about that, but yeah, I’ve heard that!

CC: How does performing for a UK audience differ from back home?

SD: It’s very different actually. I find the UK audiences very attentive. Not to say they’re not attentive at home, but maybe because country is a newer genre, the stories and relatability of country music mean that people are really hanging on every word and listening. As a performer, you can’t give anything better than that.

CC: Your sound is quite unique in country music. I love how it was previously described as ‘Dream Country’ – can you tell me about that?

SD: Yeah, that kind of came about when I was recording that album – I was trying to find a title for it, and listening to the songs, some of which were about Wyoming and Paris, it just sort of have this dream ability to it. Fast forwarding to now, I have this new album that’s just been released called Wonderland, there’s definitely some transportive things that happen in that album now. It takes you to a completely different place which is really fun. I recorded it here which takes you to a whole new landscape.

CC: A new style of Wonderland Country… It’s great to hear you have a new album, what can you tell us about the similarities and differences to previous albums?

SD: It’s definitely different. I feel like Dream Country was deep and introspective and slower. Wonderland is more upbeat. It feels really happy. There’s a lot of songs about love and it feels like a good roadtrip album that you want to get in your car and drive to. That’s the best way to describe it. I think fans will get to hear a different side of me.

CC: What’s the main thing you want fans to take away from the album?

SD: As a creative, I think it’s really important to push yourself. I just want them to love it as much as I do. I’ve put so much into it, being away from home and I just want to share the stories that I’ve created here.

CC: I think part of your growth over here is definitely testament to how much time you’ve spent in the UK.

SD: Thank you. I can’t believe I’m on my second headline tour. It’s all kicking off.

CC: Do you have any pre-show rituals?

SD: It’s funny, I tend to take fifteen minutes by myself and just chill. I just go off into my own world and meditate and pray. It’s nice to just shut everything off for a few minutes.

CC: Well, festivals like this are a great stomping ground for up-and-coming artists – is there anyone out there you think people should start listening to?

SD: C2C is great – there’s a gentleman called Kenny Foster, and a woman called Ingrid Andress who I’ve become huge fans of. It’s the ones I’d never heard of that are actually my favourites. It’s great to see new talent.

CC: What’s one question you’ve never been asked in an interview but would love to be?

SD: Most people don’t ever ask me what my favourite song I’ve ever written is.

CC: I would have thought that’s a standard question!

SD: Or favourite venue! People don’t ask that. Or favourite experience – I’ll tell you this. That was getting to debut at the Opry and having my grandfather there. He was a big country music lover and he got to be there the very first time I played the Opry. If I think of what the greatest moment in music for me, that’s probably one I have forever burned in my mind.

CC: Was he a big fan of your music?

SD: He was.

CC: Well, what a lovely memory to have. Thank you so much!

SD: Thank you so much!

I hope you enjoyed my interview with Sarah Darling! Drop me a message in the comments below if you're a fan, and make sure to follow me on Twitter @CiarasCountry for plenty more reviews and interviews coming soon - thanks for reading!