1.   Hello Ciara, how have you grown as a country artist in 2019?

The new EP is definitely a reflection of the growth I’ve done. 2018 was a really hard year for me… So I took all that energy and turned it into a project I’m really proud to give to everyone. For the first time in a long time, I called the shots on this one. Of course, I had everyone on my team who I could not have done it without. I just mean, this time I was the creative director. I wasn’t taking orders from anyone else except my intuition.

2.   How did you come up with the name of your latest EP “Country Enough?”

The title kind of has a double meaning. First — It’s no secret that (most) people are sick of the lack of female representation on country radio. For me, I was making the statement that “Yes, I am a woman. Yes, I deserve to be here… And yes, women are “country enough” to be on the Country Radio Charts. Second — I’m also addressing that the sound of country music is changing. I will always be a country music lyricist and songwriter… That’s where my heart is. However, I grew up in a household that listened to Garth Brooks and Motown music so you’re always going to hear a sound you wouldn’t hear from a lot of other artists…. But I believe in Country Music Songwriting. Therefore it will always be “Country Enough”.

3.   What is the background story behind your single “In Love Lonely or Just Drunk?”

If you’ve ever had a few too many drinks out and have ended up back at home thinking about someone from your past… This is a song you can relate to. Joybeth Taylor and I wrote this song about the kind of mind game we have in our head when we’ve had one too many of like “Damn… Do I love him? Am I just lonely and that’s why I miss him?” — And of course the usual culprit… “Am I just drunk?”

4.   Your music video for “In Love Lonely or Just Drunk,” is coming out this Friday, what is your process when creating a new music video?

Usually I have a director I give the song to and they give me back a treatment to begin tweaking THEIR vision of that the video could be. Of course I had Lauren Barocas who did an amazing job producing and editing this video… However for me this time, I got to direct what was all in my head. Who CAN’T relate to not hearing from a guy you thought it was going great with ALL DAY — So you decide to go out and make it look like you’re having a hell of a night… And sometimes that’s exactly what you end up doing!

5.   Is there something you wish your fans would take from your music video and latest EP?

I just hope everyone who listens gets to escape the drama of what happens when someone ghosts you…. and enjoy the good parts about being single through this video.

6.   Was there any other artists or producers who worked on your last EP?

Yes! *squeels* I’m really in love with everyone who was a part of this project. Heartbreak Mistake was featured, cowritten, produced and mixed by Nolan Neal. Meet My Ex I got to co-write with Leah Sykes and it was produced by Austin Bianco. In Love Lonely or Just Drunk was cowritten as I said above with Joybeth Taylor and produced by Austin Bianco as well.

7.   Is there anything else coming up with your music in 2019?

I’m already working on the next chapter of music to be released. There’s a lot of other things in the works along with that but I can’t announce it just yet.

8.   Is there anything else you would like to share?

Just thank you for featuring and supporting me! Creating something like music out of thin air and having people willing to put themselves out there to support you is the fuel that keeps me running. Without you I don’t know I could’ve held out this long. So to anyone who cares enough and loves the music enough to keep pushing with me… Thank you.

1.   Hello Sara, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician?

Hey there! Growing up, I always loved music but I was a really shy kid. My parents gave me a piano for Christmas when I was six and they started me in lessons. At 8 I started playing guitar and that’s when I really fell in love with singing. I also grew up as a bit of a tomboy, so I grew up playing music, fishing, and riding four-wheelers.

2.   What was one of the first country albums you ever bought?

Taylor Swift’s Fearless album. I was a big Swiftie growing up.

3.   What is the background story to your brand new single “Something Southern?”

Something Southern was the first song my co-writer Thomas and I wrote together. He’s from California and I lived in Louisiana at the time and we were talking about the differences in the two places. We got to chatting about how much I love the South and then eventually we had a song!

4.   What is your recording process when creating a new song?

I like to be involved as much as I can be during the recording process. The music is recorded first, then the vocals, and then we mix it until we achieve the sound we’re looking for.

5.   Is there anything else new coming up with your music in 2019?

I have another song recorded that we just filmed a music video for and my goal is to get that out as soon as possible! It’s called Ghost and should be a fan favorite.

6.   How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words?

Southern and sassy.

7.   What do you like to do in your free time when you are not working on your music?

Spend time with my friends, go out on the lake, or stay in and watch Netflix.

8.   What is one of your favorite quotes?

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”- Billy Joel

9.   Is there anything else you would like to share?

I’m originally from Louisiana, but I now live in Tennessee. Interesting fun fact, I was named after the Fleetwood Mac song “Sara”.

1.   Hi Alexis, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician? I have been writing and singing country music for so long it is hard to think about a time I ever did anything else. But before I began seriously pursuing country music in Nashville, I grew up in the small town of Huntsville, Ontario singing at local talent shows and in church. However, during a trip to Nashville in college with my best friend, I decided I needed to listen to my heart and pursue music full time. I wanted to be doing what I love: creating music, and performing full time – and I can truly say that I haven’t looked back since! 

2.   What was one of the first country albums you ever bought? One of the first albums that I ever bought wasn’t country at all. It was Avril Lavigne’s debut album “Let Go”. I spent weeks saving up my allowance, and then finally asked my mom drive me to the mall to buy it. I must have played that entire CD on repeat for hours on my walkman. I’m sure I still have it somewhere in my room!! 

3.   What is the background story behind your newest single “Bend the Truth?” I have always been a bit of a hopeless romantic with a big heart (maybe it was all of the Disney movies I watched growing up – who knows!?). When I fall for someone, those feelings are not easy for me to get rid of. While it can sometimes be great for writing songs, it isn’t always great when it comes to relationships. “Bend The Truth” is essentially about a relationship that I had where I knew I should have let go, but I kept going back over and over again.  It was obvious that both of us would be better off moving on, but neither of us wanted to admit it to each other. My heart was telling me one thing, and my head knew I should do the exact opposite – and that was the inspiration behind it all! 

4.   What are some of your favorite venues or events to play at? It is tough to pick a favorite venue or event that I have played at – each place is always different and has its own unique qualities about it.  I think anytime or anywhere my parents are in the audience… those are my favorite venues because I can always look out and see their smiling faces, supporting me. Plus they always clap and cheer the loudest

5.   Is there anything else new coming up with your music in 2019? Yes, I have lots of things happening with my music before this year is over!! I am currently in the process of picking the next few songs I will be releasing and I am so excited to share it with my fans! In addition to that, I also am playing a few shows out west! 019?

6.   How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words?  I would describe my music as passionate, honest, and emotional.  I write what I feel in my heart, and often times I write about my own life experiences. This shows a sense of vulnerability to my fans when I am performing, and a different kind of connection with the audience.  I think it also gives people a chance to see who I really am as a person, and that they are not alone in whatever it is that they are going through.   

7.   What is your recording process like when putting out a new song? When I am working on releasing a new song, my recording process is very involved. Aside from spending lots of time in the vocal booth, I also like to be a part of every other aspect of what the producer and musicians are doing. I love watching how it all comes together, and how many layers of instruments are put into a completed song. It’s magical and I absolutely love every second of it! 

8.   What is one of your favorite quotes? One of my favorite quotes is actually lyrics from an Eli Young Band song: “Keep on dreaming even if it breaks your heart.” It is something I have to remind myself daily, as the music industry has some pretty amazing highs, but some pretty rock bottom lows. It has definitely encouraged me throughout the years! 

9.   Is there anything else you would like to share? Make sure you go check my website, and all of my social media platforms because I’ll be sharing new music soon!!