Bio
Sarah started writing songs when she was just a kid. Her first known song entitled “Snow” held heavy lyrics including: “I hate snow. It’s so cold.” Thus began a lifelong journey for Sarah of writing, singing, and playing music often influenced by her parents’ 70's music collection laced with an edgy and often haunting alternative rock sound of today.
In high school and college, Sarah played in cover bands to make a living and gain stage experience. Her true love continued to be writing songs. She released a self-penned 10 song collection entitled “Stories” recorded in Grand Rapids with top notch area players. Gaining moderate local attention, Sarah began working on her second release “One More Gift from the Cat Gods”, a CD that never materialized. Eventually disenchanted with the music business, Sarah turned her attention to other interests for a number of years all the while quietly penning away new songs on the side.
After a chance meeting in Ann Arbor connected Sarah with rock guitarist Patrick Thomas, the two started playing music together. Patrick's rich background in music started at 16 when he began acquiring high school work-study credit for playing gigs around town. He has recorded with producer Jack Douglas of Aerosmith and John Lennon fame where Patrick also worked with Geoff Michael, the engineer and co-producer of "Dark Sunshine". Patrick also played with the band Black and White signed to Atlantic Records and has toured with a renewed version of Humble Pie.
Sarah and Patrick eventually decided to record Sarah's songs and their new vision "Dark Sunshine" at Big Sky Recording in Ann Arbor owned by no other than Geoff Michael. The intent was to record simple guitar and vocal tracks. However, Sarah and Patrick quickly realized these songs were coming together in ways they never dreamed~ dark, personal pieces that inspired them to work even harder to get the sound they wanted. Patrick, Sarah, the musicians, and Geoff worked to create the exact sound they desired by striving for raw, emotional intensity without turning “Dark Sunshine” into an overpolished gem.
With contributions from skilled drummer Chuck Mauk who has played with numerous bands including the notable All Hail Me; bassist Rod Capps of the successful Annie and Rod Capps folk group; and drummer Billy Adams of Sponge, Sarah and Patrick completed the story of “Dark Sunshine” which quickly hit airwaves across the country. Radio stations nationally picked up the first single "Free" with other songs from the CD also gaining airplay.
Currently Sarah and the Band are planning the release of their newest CD "This Side of Madness" in the Spring of 2012. The new CD infuses rock, blues, and edgy ballads for a slightly heavier sound than "Dark Sunshine". Sarah and the Band look forward to sharing these songs through their known energetic live shows throughout 2012.