The other week, I had a chance to catch up with one of my favorite new acts to come out of the awesome state of Vermont – Sarah Wallis. I have been following her progress since the beginning of the year so I jumped at the opportunity to ask her a few questions after her recent gig in Harvard Square for their Oktoberfest celebrations.
First, how was Oktoberfest? Were you able to check out any of the other artists playing?
Great time in Cambridge at Oktoberfest. There was so much great music going on, I didn’t get see it all! It was a great time, lots of fun people.
You’ve had a killer year so far on Sonicbids, having booked 18 gigs already. What’s the method behind the gigs you submit to or try book?
Well, first and most importantly, I think it’s important to have great music and really want to get out there and play! Otherwise, there’s no point in putting your name in for anything.
I really check out the gig. I look for places that I might like to play, and are a good fit for my style, within reasonable driving time. Then, I check out the rest of the story: I check out the venue or sponsor, other people who’ve played there, and I read the comments. I even go to their websites and keep in touch with promoters.
Another thing I do is to use my EPK! Not just for Sonicbids gigs, but all the time. When I want to connect with a venue, it is SO easy to drop an email with my EPK that has it all. I also try to keep my EPK up to date – best advice – have your EPK looking great because you never know who has searched your name and music!
I know you’re gearing up to play Indie Week in Toronto next week, and then have a showcase at NACA’s Northeast Conference in November. Are there any other festivals or events you’d like to book in the coming year and do you have any tips for other artists trying to book similar gigs?
Yeah, it was so cool to get an email that I was in the final round for the Planetary Group concert in China. I would absolutely love to rock a festival like that. While I didn’t get the China gig, I did get my CD translated into Chinese to be distributed there. I’m really looking forward to showcasing NACA and booking colleges this fall—such great venues, high energy, and it’s about the music!
I’ve read comments from people who doubt the credibility of Sonicbids – it’s been so very good to me. If you put together a kick-ass EPK, an honest agenda, and a good sound, you’ll get picked up on Sonicbids. It’s not a scam, you’ll get the gigs if you’ve got the goods, ya know?
Oh, and it’s okay NOT to get selected, there is a lot of talent out there, but at least you got heard and seen, and there will be a next time!
Congrats on your first CD release this past February! Your self-titled album has gotten great write-ups in Seven Days and Verbicide. Is it too soon to ask if you have any new recordings or projects in the works?
I totally do. I’m getting back to the grassroots of Vermont! More boot stomping, upbeat kind of songs, ya know? I’ve been working in the studio and hope to have some tracks for you very soon. I’m scheduled to get back in the studio as soon as I get back from Toronto.
As a fellow Vermonter (at least by association as I went to the University of Vermont), I gotta ask: favorite local venue, artist, and while we’re at it, local Vermont brew?
The Skunk Hollow Tavern in Hartland, VT is very special. It’s a super old Inn as well as tavern. I also really look forward to Art in the Park in Rutland, super close to my hometown. It’s an outdoor art show that I’ve successfully rocked 2 years in a row now!
It’s hard to pinpoint one local artist that I hold above the others. There are so many talented people around and I think we’ve all influenced each other. I respect every musician I cross paths with, and I think that’s what keeps Vermont music so alive and real.
Vermont brew is the prime brew! I’m always talking about The Alchemist. And of course, Long Trail and the Trapp Family Lodge – those would be my top three. In order.
Be sure to look at Sarah’s EPK and view her calendar dates here so you can check out a live show. You can also follow her on Facebook.
It’s also worth noting that The Alchemist is the only brewery in Vermont I’ve gone as far as to buy a T-shirt. If you’re ever in Stowe, VT, they’re definitely worth the visit.
