Sarah McLeod

Sarah McLeod

Sarah McLeod is back with her newest single, Tell Your Story Walking.

Perfecting her edgy pop sound in clubs in New York, Paris, London, Italy and Brussels, McLeod is ready to show the world the entertainer she has become. McLeod has made the transition from rock chick to international dance music success and is now ready to unleash the culmination of her musical journey.

McLeod's love for pop music with gritty undertones has given a whole new direction to her music. She has been in the driving seat of all aspects of her career. She produced her record with New York producers Questionable Intent and was the mastermind behind her new music video, Tell Your Story Walking, which was filmed in New York.

McLeod has spent the past couple of years writing, producing and recording her own material all over the world and for other artists such as Missy Elliot. McLeod has recently made history along side Kylie Minoque as the only Australian to hold a US Billboard dance chart position for 19 weeks.

The Tell Your Story Walking EP and release of McLeod's new album in April 2010 will mark the re-emergence of Sarah McLeod as one of our most vibrant and talented artists in Australia.

Interview with Sarah McLeod

How did it feel to hear your song played all over the airwaves?

Sarah McLeod: It's such a high, you can't stop smiling. Especially when you're in a foreign country, you feel like telling everyone that walks by but you've gotta try and be cool :)


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

Sarah McLeod: Not really. I was pretty young when I started in the industry and I had heard it was hard but I didn't care, I was full of beans and ready to go.


Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Sarah McLeod: Yeah I write and produce all my own music. My inspiration usually comes from things I have seen or read or felt, musically these days I get ideas from samples and sounds that I can twist into something cool.


What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Sarah McLeod: Since I've been working in the American music scene I have started to listen to a lot of pop music, I LOVE Jay Z but also listen to a lot of old school singers like Billie Holiday. Lately I cannot stop listening to John Mayer's new record. Heartbreak Warfare is such a classically beautiful song.


What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Sarah McLeod: The touring will commence in the New Year, I can't wait for this! Then I have a second single to support it which is my favourite from the record. The whole album will be out around May I think.


Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Sarah McLeod: I have climbed some really huge obstacles. I have had moments where I had no opportunities at all. The phone stopped ringing and it seemed I had lost everything, but I never considered throwing in the towel, NEVER EVER EVER, you only fail when you give up.


Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Sarah McLeod: I love both, they are such different mediums. It's like saying to do prefer reading a book or watching a film. When I'm in recording mode, the concept of getting on stage and performing seems so daunting. It's like the studio persona and the live persona are worlds apart, I feel like I have to be two different people to pull it off.


What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Sarah McLeod: My cousin Dave had a Gibson Les Paul Custom, I used to go over to his place and play with it when I was young. It was like a shrine to me, I would just stare at it, I couldn't play it properly but I loved what it represented. I've noticed my niece doing this with my guitars now.


What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Sarah McLeod: Remaining confident and holding true to your belief in yourself against all odds.


What's a typical day like?

Sarah McLeod: It's always different depending on where I am. I just got back from my second home in NY, in which my days consisted of waking early, walk to Crunch gym on Lafayette to catch a class then shower there, stroll home via my favourite taco stand that made the best ice Chai lattes in the world (at a taco stand would you believe!). Then I would jump on my Triumph Bonneville motorcycle and ride across the bridge to Williamsburg in Brooklyn to begin my day in the studio, working on 4 or 5 projects at once.

Now I'm back in Australia and promoting the new record its a different angle. I wake and run with my dog Chachi, then I come home (via my favourite Chai place on Oxford St) to where we have an office set up for my record label "Roustabout Records". I have marketing and strategy meetings with my business partner and my manager and do a lot of interviews... and I drink a lot of Chai :)


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

Sarah McLeod: I love being able to pick up an acoustic guitar and sing, when a room was silent and then it is suddenly filled with warm live music, it feels like a really special thing to be able to do. Much cooler than throwing a record on... but there is a time and a place.


If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Sarah McLeod: I would love to write songs with Linda Perry. She was the singer from 4 Non Blondes and she is now one of the most successful songwriters in America. She is my inspiration.


Are you single? What do you look for in a partner?

Sarah McLeod: Yes I'm single again. I always look for the comfort factor in a partner, someone who is fun and chatty and really easy to spend time with. That's totally where it's at for me. Also it helps if they are creative, I find I really need to respect someone's creativity to really love them.


Do you have a website fans can visit?

Sarah McLeod: Yeah of course, go there right now! It's: www.sarahmcleod.com.au or my myspace is: www.myspace.com/sarahmcleodI have a facebook page too.


Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?

Sarah McLeod: Exercise, self confidence, love, good food and good wine.


What message would you like to say to your fans?

Sarah McLeod: Whatever you decide to do in your life, go for it with blind conviction and never give up and never second guess yourself.


60 Second Quiz
Full Name: Sarah McLeod
Nickname(s): Cyclone
Star Sign: Aquarius
Music Talent: singing, guitar playing, production
Favorite Food: anything from the ocean
Favorite Film: Superman 2
Favorite Actor: Marlon Brando, Liam Neeson, Christopher Walken
Pet: Dog "Chachi"
Describe yourself in 3 words: Naughty but focused, and a little odd at times
Best Feature: I can't tell you that
Worst Feature: my disturbingly large jaw
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Liam Neeson
Hobbies/Interests: I love playing Chess because it ignites my brain and makes me really sharp.
First Job: Selling hosiery at a department store
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: I'm definitely a pub girl all the way.
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: my sunny disposition.
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: Chachi.