A Rising Star Feature
by Melissa Minners
Some time ago, I reviewed When You Dream, the debut album of Sara Jackson-Holman, a break-through artist who first received notice after posting on the MySpace page of a band she admired. The singer/musician/songwriter from Oregon
combines classical music
The story leading up to your debut album reads like a fairytale. How surprised were you when Expunged Records contacted you and decided to sign you to a record deal?
Very. So much that it's still surprising, how it all came about.
How did you decide on a career in music? What was the defining moment that made you want to become a performer?I've always loved music and performing, and expressing myself that way. The rather sudden opportunity to record my album was probably the defining moment for me -- it made a music career
Describe your sound / music style.I would say it's classical meets pop meets jazz
Tell us a little about your classical piano background and how it influences your music.
I started piano lessons when I was six years old, and have continued to the present. I grew up learning pieces written by Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, Kabelevsky, and I think this background is an integral part of my music and the way I write.
When some people write songs, they already have lyrics in mind and write the music around them. Some have the music and write the lyrics to fit. What is your song-writing style?
It depends on the song. Usually I'll think of a couple lines-- in class, at dinner, at work, walking outside-- and I'll write them down. I have pages and pages of lines that I look through when I'm looking for material. Generally the lines will set the mood and sound of a piece for me, and I build the chord structure accordingly.
Some of the songs on When You Dream seem very personal, especially To Anna. Were you thinking of someone specific when you wrote that song?
It was written for my childhood friend, Anna. We grew up together, and she asked me to write a song about us, and so I did.
Not very many people have the ability to mix classical and pop music. How did you find a link between the two?
I can't say that I actively sought to find a link between classical and pop music. As far as playing the piano goes, the structures and sounds of classical music are what I'm accustomed to playing -- they've been embedded into my mind and fingers, so they come through in my writing.
Of all the songs you have recorded, which has the most meaning for you and why?
They all mean something different to me, and some days I relate to the feelings in some of them more than others. I would say overall -- Let Me In. It is entirely autobiographical -- a small snapshot of my life at that time.
What sort of message do you hope to send with your music?
If there was one thing I would want people to take from my album, it would be to dream. See the beauty of life, of people, of the future, of the mistakes you've made, of the loves you have and have lost. Dream and do what you love.
Is there anything you would like your fans to know about you that hasn't been previously revealed?
I eat ice cream after almost every performance.
Any upcoming recording or touring plans?
Touring this summer (West coast... planning still in progress) and starting to write for my next album.I love Sara Jackson-Holman’s music so much, I can’t wait for that next album. Until then, if you have an opportunity, check out Sara Jackson-Holman on tour. If you have no plans to head out to the West Coast, you can always check out her music at her MySpace page - you won’t be disappointed.
To read more rising star features, visit the Rising Star Feature Archive.
For feedback, visit our message board or e-mail the author at talonkarrde@g-pop.net.
