We recently connected with Sara Stafford and have shared our conversation below.

Sara, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I was raised in a Penetecostal church and started singing in the church choir and in the choir at school. I had so much fun singing. I always had envied the people in church that played instruments but was mostly a male dominated area. Around the time I was a senior in high school, I made a group of new friends that sat around a fire and shared songs on an old guitar. Some would bring other instruments to the table too depending on the night like harmonica, tambourine or a cajon. The friend group was also from the same church but we were all looking for ourselves and found it and each other in music but this time outside of church walls. That is where my love for singing and playing guitar started. I sat down diligently every day teaching myself how to try and do it all. I started playing open mic nights and slowly gained confidence. Its fun living in a college town because you never know who is listening. I started to get a following and decided, when the time was right, to take it on more seriously. I took some breaks over the years trying to figure out things in life but always found myself coming back. I have now played stages big and small. I played bass and lead vocals in a pop-grunge band which I peacefully parted with to invest in my solo album journey. I have now opened for Shawn Colvin at the Historic Buskirk-Chumley Theater, shared the stage with Maggie Baugh while she also tours with Keith Urban, and opened for Mavis Staples and I’m With Her at our local Kurt Vonnegut inspired Geanfalloon Festival. I now am on an international tour playing songs from my first solo album titled Phoenix that released on all of your favorite music platforms such as iTunes and Spotify. I also play some of my favorite covers alongside my originals. It brings me so much joy to make music that can help another being, bring joy or a positive experience. I am having an absolute blast. I’ve gained and lost friends in the business and have learned to grow my own wings. It has all felt scary but in the best way and was all worth the risk.

Sara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a full-time mother, nurse, and touring musician. I started out teaching myself how to play music and grow vocally. I would learn a handful of cords and then practice every day. That lead to the ability to play more songs, build on that by learning how to play more instruments, and gaining confidence. As a nurse, I love to help others. I always want to extend hope and grace to my patients, loved ones and animals. I realized I have a way to reach and help others through music when I would play soft instrumentals to our babies in the NICU years ago. It was such a healing thing. My songs are true stories inspired by many things such as my upbringing, hope, healing, empowerment, and strength. I like to think of this album as somewhat of a lighthouse for others. I want my songs to relate to everyone in some way that is hopefully helpful or encouraging. Things do get better. I want someone to be able to say “I totally understand that” or “I’ve definitely been there,” and maybe not feel so alone in this world.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I have been part of the music scene for awhile and have played with and for a lot of other people. It has taught me so much over the years including teaching me about what I want for myself. I’ve enjoyed it all so much and decided I wanted to write music again and take it on the road. My drive with this album is to reach others and provide a place of hope and peace with these songs. I spent a couple of years in a tribute band as well traveling a lot and playing bigger stages and festivals. When I finally started focusing on my project and investing in myself like I had for others all those years, the tour and album made themselves! It felt like it was all finally coming to life.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I want people to interpret my music in a way that is helpful and healing for themselves when they listen. I want to let listeners know that they’re not alone in life, hard times come but joyful times also come and should be celebrated. That its ok to confront old trauma and conquer what mentally or emotionally has its fangs in your journey or energy pool. Its ok to be grateful and talk about things that once brought us down and hopefully heal.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sarastaffordmusic.com
• Instagram: @sarastafford4444
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/Ji32a1raUsLLaGKD/?mibextid=qi2Omg
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@SaraStaffordMusic
• Other: https://linktr.ee/sarastaffordmusic

Image Credits

Jacob Stieneker
Dylan Query
Katy Lengacher
Cora Shaw