Sarah Goodwin If I Revealed Interview

Rockhampton turned Brisbane pop princess Sarah Goodwin releases her debut EP If I Revealed following a huge year of sweet pop releases, with her debut single "Waste My Time" being followed up with "Darker Shades" and "Look Forward" which were all accompanied by dreamy pop videos.

Born in the smaller town of Rockhampton in Central North Queensland, Sarah spent most of her childhood sitting in the front lawn writing down song ideas. Sarah was busy working two jobs and writing fifty songs before relocating to Brisbane and having her debut EP produced by Aria Nominated Stuart Stuart (Sheppard, The Veronicas and Dean Lewis) at Analog Heart Studios. Sarah explains, "If I Revealed is a revealing of who I am. Every single song on the EP reflects aspects of what I've experienced and the emotions behind that. The feeling of reading someone's diary and uncovering their secrets is the vibe that you will get when listening to this EP."

Sarah Goodwin wears her heart on her sleeve through these tracks so it's easy for them resonate with many people. Emotions and stories unfold that explore everything from her past relationships to new and exciting ones that have sprung into her life. This EP was written over a span of four years so there is many years of writing and reflecting that have gone into the EP. Whether it's a bop for the dancefloor or a song that has you day dreaming into the weekend, this EP has you covered and will have you hitting repeat.

Interview with Sarah Goodwin

Question: How would you describe your music?

Sarah Goodwin: My music is bright, uplifting and colourful. It has the feel-good pop vibes with lush vocals that can have you running to the dance floor or cruising in your car on a Sunday afternoon.


Question: How does it feel releasing your debut EP?

Sarah Goodwin: It is the best feeling in the world for me! I feel so proud that what I have made is finally out in the World. I have put so many years of work into this EP and it's been this building anticipation. In a way I can't believe it's finally out! Like it's real now! But I'm very excited and I can't wait to release another!


Question: Can you tell us about If I Revealed?

Sarah Goodwin: If I Revealed is a collection of stories and memories from my life. When listening to this EP, it's a little like reading my diary. You hear about my dreams, passions, heartbreak, friendships - The list goes on! It's a colourful EP touching on many subjects and I made it for that purpose to be relatable! The EP has some real pop hits that are dance worthy and some that are a little less tempo but still whisk you away elsewhere.

Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Sarah Goodwin: I love to promote happiness and joy through music. It's not so much a specific message that I want people to takeaway, but more so a feeling. I want people to listen to my music and feel uplifted. I want my music to take them back to happy times and reflect on good memories. I want them to just feel what I was feeling at the time of writing and connect with that.


Question: How has Brisbane influenced your music?

Sarah Goodwin: I feel as though moving to Brisbane made me grow up a lot and that made my writing style quite different. Moving away from friendships I've had for years really forced me to seek out new friendships and create a new circle of loved ones in Brisbane. The topics I write about now are more nuanced and reflective of me as an adult in her early twenties trying to make it in a bigger city. At this stage of my life there is so many changes and possibilities yet to come. Being in Brisbane has enhanced all of these exciting possibilities as there is more opportunities in a big city compared to a smaller country town where I'm from.


Question: What was your first performance?

Sarah Goodwin: My first larger performance was at the Forest Lake Christmas Carols in Brisbane. That had 6 thousand people there and that felt quite big for my first show.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Sarah Goodwin: Waste My Time is my favourite song to perform because it is my favourite song that I have written! It's bright, fun and just a real bop! There is such a good hook in the bridge that is so catchy and having that hook always helps keep the energy up.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?
Sarah Goodwin: If we are talking musician then I can't go past Delta Goodrem! Her album 'Innocent Eyes' was the first album I ever purchased and I remember learning every song back to back! If it could be anyone, then Colin Firth. He is so cute!


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Sarah Goodwin: My life experiences and the way I am feeling always translate to me running to the keys to write. I have to be feeling emotions to be motivated to write a song. Often the best songs I have written have been the ones that came about so naturally. That's how the song 'Look Forward' came about. I was with my friend all day and we just had the best time! I couldn't stop thinking about how much I looked forward to seeing her. So, I wrote the song 'Look Forward' and based it of my anticipation for seeing her again!


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Sarah Goodwin: I would say it is my passion for singing that has made me get into the industry. Ever since I can remember I was on the keyboard writing my own songs and singing Delta Goodrem songs at the top of my lungs. Without that passion I wouldn't be here! I love what I do.


Question: Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Sarah Goodwin: I think the industry often gets a bad wrap. But you know, in this industry, most of the musicians, publicists and producers I have met have been the nicest people I have ever met. I think that is what also keeps you going. Apart from the passion in music of course. There has been support when I have reached out and someone is usually willing to lend a hand. It is however a very competitive industry. It feels like you have to go around and around sometimes just to keep the momentum. It is tough! However, it is so rewarding when you see your music out there and you see the hard work pay off.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Sarah Goodwin: As an emerging artist, I still need that part time job to keep the money coming in so I can keep going to the studio and doing what I love. So often I will spend a few hours at work to make that music money! Then I come home and make some killer social media content! Social media has become a big priority since Covid hit so I've really been trying to connect with fans through those platforms. Then it's writing music and organising lyrics for the rest of the afternoon!

Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Sarah Goodwin: My favourite part of being a music artist is that I am doing what I love. I am writing music and sharing my stories, hopes and dreams with the World. It is an amazing feeling and I love every part of it.


Question: What's next, for you?

Sarah Goodwin: Next I am planning on returning to the studio to create more music! There is still so many stories and music that I have to share.


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

Sarah Goodwin: Facebook  
Instagram  
Twitter  
Spotify  


Interview by Gwen van Montfort