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Artist Profile: Sarah Hethcoat

Singer Built Solid Foundation in Musical Theater

Feb 11, 2009 Melissa Kucirek

Sarah Hethcoat's music floats between pop and saucy rock. Hethcoat's sincerity and clarity comes across solidly and confidently on and off stage.

Northern California native and independent musician Sarah Hethcoat’s current EP Nobody Likes a Bully hints that there are many characters to this singer. During a recent phone interview, Hethcoat admitted that music “was always part of the bigger picture,” throughout her journey from musical theater to some of the more famous West Coast clubs.

Like most musicians, she’s been up through the early hours and lacks sleep; she’s convincingly cheerful and to the point—just like her music. Featuring songs that stretch from the somewhat sacrin “Daydream” to the raunchier, trendier “Got You,” to the fun California-like “I Hate You,” Nobody Likes a Bully is a collection of works that represents an approachable artist with personality.

“An artist might be a good performer, but you’re not always going to feel it,” Hethcoat, effortlessly sharing her story, said. “I’m selling a product. I’m selling a song. It’s something I truly believe in. I love to sing fun songs. I’m a live performer. I just try and make it my own.”

Team Performer - Independent Musician

Working as a team in musical theater, Hethcoat said, allowed her to find her own voice lay the groundwork for her musical journey.

“It was the absolute best foundation,” she said. “I knew the big picture that it wasn’t just me there on stage. There was the orchestra pit, the scenery, the director, all of it."

Songwriting 'Processing Out Loud"

These days, while on stage and in video, the strong synergy between her and her band and her audience translates the potent lyrics she’s arranged. While she’s not opposed to writing with someone else, the process is often on her shoulders alone.

“You birth this little song,” she said. “It starts out just me by myself on a piano. I process out loud. Songwriting is personal and private. I have to co-write with someone I trust.”

In describing herself as an artist, Hethcoat lists “honest, driven and committed.” As a person, she notes “fair, honest and tough” accurately describe herself. All noteworthy considering she's doing it all without the backing of a major record label.

“It’s not always just about talent, it’s your attitude, that you want to be yourself," Hethcoat said.

Upcoming Shows and Events

Sarah Hethcoat's schedule sees her and her band on the West Coast throughout February, including two visits to Hollywood's Cat Club, and another pair at Los Angeles' Kibitz Room at Canter's. She will continue to pursue live shows without the backing of a major record label. Visit www.sarahhethcoat.com for additional artist information and YouTube performance videos.

The copyright of the article Artist Profile: Sarah Hethcoat in Indie Music is owned by Melissa Kucirek. Permission to republish Artist Profile: Sarah Hethcoat in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.