The Sarah Borges Interview

Sarah Borges: Earlier this year, we came across Sarah Borges’ music. It’s like reviving the past with hints of the present! She gets candid about being the only woman in her band, her love for music, her latest record and more! If it’s good ol’ country that you dig, then this one’s a must listen!

Q. Your music falls under the genre of Alternative-Country, how did the marriage between Alternative Rock & Country Music come about?

Lots of rock music is based in country and has made the crossover; artists like Neil Young, Tom Petty and even the Pretenders have either been influenced by country music, or have included it on their records. We don’t feel like there has to be a separation between the two, so our music is really just a combination of the elements we like from both genres.

Q. Your music, in your own words.

Our music sounds like a band that grew up in America in the 70’s and
80’s. It’s passionate and danceable, and really sounds like all of our record collections mashed into one.

Q. Who were your major influences as a kid?

I loved musical theater, which definitely influenced my live stage show, but I also really liked classic rock, Tom Petty and the Beatles and
Stones, plus lots of the Indie rock that was coming out of Boston at the time: Throwing Muses, Morphine, Buffalo Tom.

Q. Your third album, The Stars Are Out just hit the shelves this month. Is it much different from your previous two albums, or is it along the same lines?

It’s pretty different. We’ve lost a lot of the twang that marked our last two records. This third record is more of a rock/pop album, and it’s a product of touring so much and seeing what kind of songs work in the live show and then trying to make a record out of them.

Q. Standing in front of three guys and being the only female in the band, do things get out of hand at times (ego clashes), or do the boys behave themselves?

We all do pretty well—I think they’re afraid I might cry or have a lady-tantrum if something goes wrong, so they mind themselves. We also have been doing it for so long that most of our problems were ironed out long ago.

Q. Who is the creative head of the band?

It used to be me, but now we’re all involved in arranging and writing most of the songs, and figuring out the set order. I think I still front the live show, but everyone is involved in all elements of our band.

Q. Who gets the last word?

Hmmmm…I guess I do, but I have to be sure I’m right, otherwise I know
I’ll hear about it for a good, long time, and when you drive together as much as we do, that’s not a good thing.

Q. Have you set yourself any goals from a musical point of view?

I’m always looking to write a record that sounds like what I hear in my head, and which is not concerned with others’ expectations and can be as creative and weird as it wants to be. I’m not there yet.

Q. Do you enjoy performing live?

It’s my favorite part of being in a band because it’s different every time. The audience’s reaction has such a big impact on the show, and we really try to get to know the crowd, so I look forward to that ever-changing element.

Q. What can one expect from a Sarah Borges concert?

It’s a very energetic live show—people should expect to dance, and possible be asked to sing. Above all, we want it to be a little vacation from real life.

Q. Any favorite venues?

We love the Continental Club in Austin, Texas. Every show there seems perfect. I think we’re happy to play anywhere we’re allowed!

Q. How about an India tour?

I’m fascinated by India, and it is top on my list of places I’d like to visit. If we can figure out how to make it work I’ll be there in a second!

Q. Any last words?

We have the best job in the world- making people happy, I’m glad and grateful for it, and can’t wait to get out and meet lots more people…