Sarah McMonagle Tea On Tuesday Album

Sarah McMonagle

"Just sometimes, an artist comes along who's so fresh, so original and so impressive that it takes your breath away, and Sarah McMonagle fits that category... her songs come from her heart, and capture intensely personal moments- thus giving them enormous emotional power- they are also universally relevant. They touch you, and make you reflect on your own feelings, beliefs and experiences."
-Sue Jarvis, Capital News November 2009.

Since the release of her debut EP in 2007, Sarah's engaging lyrics and alluring melodies are being welcomed by acoustic music lovers across the globe.

With 2 successful radio singles, a Tamworth Independent Artist Recognition Award (TIARA), graduation from the CMAA College of Country Music in 2007 and twice a Toyota Star Maker Finalist in 2007 and 2008, Sarah exceeded all expectations. In 2009 Shock Publishing selected her song 'These Girls' for the TV hit series the Saddle Club.

The decision to release a full album of her original music was an easy one for Sarah who hit the studio earlier this year to record with producer Matt Fell. 'Myrtle Avenue' is the first single off Sarah's album 'Tea on Tuesday' which showcases twelve of her original songs.

Described as a record full of homespun stories with songs that say something different in a fresh way, 'Tea on Tuesday' is winning Sarah countless fans in the country and roots music world.

Tea on Tuesday Track Listing
1. Tea Boxes and Me
2. Tea on Tuesday
3. Plant Me Flowers
4. C'est La Vie
5. Come for Me
6. Myrtle Avenue
7. Drop the Anchor
8. The World
9. Losing Faith
10. The Biscuit Barrel
11. My Home Town
12. Every Vow

Sarah McMonagle has a very soulful, country feel, although only young Sarah's voice is extremely mature sounding. Every song on Tea on Tuesday has a warming feeling, perfect for all occasions.

Interview with Sarah McMonagle

How did it feel to hear your song played from a CD?

Sarah McMonagle: The day I picked up my CD's you couldn't wipe the smile off my face, I was proud and excited and just couldn't wait for my friends and family to see and hear the album.


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

Sarah McMonagle: I didn't really because there was never a moment where I said "I want a career in the music industry", it was just a natural progression that has led me here. It's very hard work though, I guess I didn't realise how hard because not only do you need to be a good singer/songwriter/musician but you need to have the ability to win fans with your personality, a business head for the finance side and very thick skin for the critics.


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

Sarah McMonagle: Yes I love to song write and the album 'Tea on Tuesday' is full of my original songs. Everything and anything can inspire me, there's a song about being haunted on the album and one about my Mum and another one about my Grandparents house, I read a lot of novels and come up with ideas from them too.


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

Sarah McMonagle: My top five are Patty Griffin, Troy Cassar-Daley, The Waifs, Gillian Welch and Sara Storer, I love them all for their songwriting and the emotion that they tell their stories with.


What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Sarah McMonagle: The next big thing is a move to Sydney in June and I will be releasing my next single to radio in March with a film clip too so I'm very excited about that. The album 'Tea on Tuesday' has been out for just over two months now.


Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Sarah McMonagle: Oh yes, lots of times, I think most artists and songwriters are very emotional people and we tend to have thin skin so it can sometimes be a rollercoaster ride.


Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Sarah McMonagle: I think performing live just because you can feed off the audience and really tell the stories of the songs and see the reactions.


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

Sarah McMonagle: I grew up singing at country music talent quests with my family, my Dad was the one that got my sisters and I into singing and it's something we did as a family. The career has just slowly grown step by step from there.


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

Sarah McMonagle: I'm a naturally shy person so I've really had to work on my confidence to help me come out of my shell as a performer. It's not enough to just get up and sing a song you need to really perform and connect with your audience and that is one of the things I have found very difficult mastering.


What's a typical day like?

Sarah McMonagle: I work by day as a financial adviser so I'm either stuck in an office all day or out on the road seeing clients. I try to go to the gym most days and then I normally come home at night and mess around on the guitar writing or finishing a new song, hours seem to slip by while doing that. Then about 9pm I get a chocolate craving and it takes all my effort not to go and hang out with the fridge. Then it's normally a gig on the weekend or shopping or movies with friends.


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

Sarah McMonagle: It would have to be when people react to my songs, like when they laugh at my silly stories or come up and say one of my songs made them cry or that a similar thing happened to them.


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

Sarah McMonagle: It would have to be Patty Griffin, she has one of the most emotive voices I've ever heard and I'd feel blessed to sing with her.


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

Sarah McMonagle: Yes I am single. I look for funny guys who make me laugh but can still be serious when the time is right and someone who doesn't get jealous that I spend time doing my music so hopefully they'd have some sort of hobby or mates to go to the pub with. Oh and easy on the eye is a bit of a bonus haha.


Do you have a website fans can visit?

Sarah McMonagle: Yes it's www.sarahmcmonagle.com or you can visit www.myspace.com/sarahmcmonagle to listen to some tracks off 'Tea on Tuesday'.


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

Sarah McMonagle: I think having some good friends or family, eating well, exercising, having a passion in something and not being afraid to laugh out loud.


What message would you like to say to your fans?

Sarah McMonagle: Buy 'Tea on Tuesday' you'll love it!

60 Second Quiz

>Full Name: Sarah McMonagle
Nickname(s): Sas, Scrozza and Sclub
Star Sign: Cancer
Music Talent: Singer/Songwriter/Guitar Player
Favorite Food: Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
Favorite Film: Cold Mountain
Favorite Actor: Owen Wilson
Pet: I don't have one, but I love my sisters dog Bella who's a Springer Spaniel
Describe yourself in 3 words: Silly, fiery and friendly
Best Feature: I'm going to say my freckles because after hating them all my life I'm finally starting to embrace them.
Worst Feature: My temper
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Prince Harry, he looks like loads of fun
Hobbies/Interests: Besides music I like making jewellery and jogging
First Job: McDonalds
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: Definitely Pub!!!
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: Lip Gloss
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: I think I run through what I have on that day