Sarah McLeod Interview

Sarah McLeod returns to the Australian scene with a new single, a new album and plans for some exciting new shows.

Our Manly: Firstly, thank you for taking the time answer a few questions for Our Manly and letting us know how everything has been going for you.

It’s clearly been a busy time for you, with the release of new single ‘Double R’ this week and the hype beginning to really ramp up around the upcoming release of your album ’Madness’.

With all this going on around you, I was wondering if after working so hard on your new material… how does it feel to finally set it free?

Sarah McLeod: Its so hard for me to let go of my work, I feel like once I set it free it is no longer mine and I kind of turn by back on it and think ‘you're on your own now... go, be free... be who you want to be'. And I go home and write something new.

OM: I’ve read that you made a conscious decision a while ago to be more meticulous about your work; especially after the relatively quick release of your previous two albums.

In what ways do you feel that this sense of discipline has helped you to grow as a songwriter?

Sarah McLeod: The main thing that I focus on a lot these days are the words. Words were always very secondary to me, it was always melody and rhythm and then words.

I really pushed myself this time to make sure that every line added meaning and depth to the song, every beat was a chance to unravel the script and no lines should be throw away, or they are just a waste.

OM: It also sounds as though you’ve been all around the globe in the past couple of years. Are there any places that have had a big impact on you and, if so, why?

Sarah McLeod: New York made the biggest impact on me. The fashion, the eclectic nature of it’s inhabitants, the music.

I lived in Soho and every time I walked out of my door I was inspired, and I love the way the city is always moving to the rhythm of the underground subway.

OM: Both of your previous two singles have been huge hits on the club scene. However, it seems to me that they aren’t classic dance songs and that your voice still brings a natural rock element to them.

Have you been surprised at just how strong the reception has been from the dance scene?

Sarah McLeod: I have actually; it was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t think my style would gel with the dance scene but perhaps its uniqueness is what makes it appealing.

OM: The new album ‘Madness’ is the first in a trilogy… with ‘Love’ and ‘Freedom’ still to come. Are the following two albums already written or are you still working on them?

Sarah McLeod: The next two albums are sketched out but not fully completed. This feels good to me because the track-listing is already done but there is freedom to completely override the entire record if that happens…and knowing me it will!

I love the fact that I can write songs as I’m touring and keep it all really fresh.

OM: ‘Madness’, ‘Love’ and ‘Freedom’ seems to read like three distinct stages people may experience in their life. Is there a certain amount of the autobiographical to be found in these albums?

Sarah McLeod: Totally. I got the idea from a book called ‘Wonderland Ave’. It was the concept that you're only really living when you're living dangerously.

The phrase was ‘Madness Love Freedom Death’. This resonated with me in a big way. I had the phrase tattooed on my back years ago… except I left the death bit out so I wasn’t in danger of a self fulfilling prophecy :)

OM: What’s the writing process like for you? Do you finish a song and say ‘That’s it!’ Or is there always the danger of succumbing to ‘Chinese Democracy Syndrome’, where you just keep refining and refining until they finally come to take you away?

Sarah McLeod: Ha, ha, ha, you’ve been talking to my manager haven’t you? I am very close to the old Chinese Democracy Syndrome. I find it very hard to let go.

On Madness I was rewriting chorus’ right up until the eve of the final mixing. I can never relax; I need to always be creating. It’s a curse. I think I've already lost my mind.

OM: And finally, what are the plans for the next few months? Can we hope to see some live shows coming our way?

Sarah McLeod: Yes. We start the tour in October. I can’t wait. I haven’t played in Australia for years! It’s going to be me, a drummer and a DJ and it’s gonna be AWESOME!

To find out more about Sarah fans can visit any of the following sites:

www.sarahmcleod.com.au

www.myspace.com/sarahmcleod

www.facebook.com/sarahmcleodofficial?ref=ts

www.twitter.com/SarahMcLeod1

For more information contact:

Simon Forman – Perfect Pitch

9474 1066

simon@perfectpitch.com.au

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