Meet Sarah Belkner | Song writer, performer and music producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Belkner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always wanted to sing and create since I can remember. Anytime I saw someone perform as a kid I just knew that was what I wanted to do as it enthralled me so much and this excitement would wash over me. The fact that you could do that as a career has always felt like such a ‘crack the code’ moment. To actually do what you love for a living is really a great privilege. I remember when I was a teenager my brother took me over to his friends house he was dropping something off too and he was there just working on some music in the middle of the day and I thought that seemed like such a great way to spend your time. I can’t remember why I was off school that day but realising that’s what that person had been doing all day while I was at school was very impressionable. I now know it’s not always like that – at home creating music all day ha ha but it is sometimes and when it is it’s fantastic.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love to write songs that slightly skirt the edges of usual topics and it is also continually the thing that helps me totally make sense of the world and feel better about things. I have released an EP and 2 albums and am working on the next lot of songs. It’s such a great feeling when you realise you are starting the next batch. Like most musicians I have had to do many things alongside my own music, but in the last 10 years or so I can proudly say this has also all been music. Touring as a keyboard player and backing vocalist with other musicians has been something I never expected to do but such a pleasant surprise in my career. I love being on stage so to realise doing this with other people also satisfied this was a huge revelation. I really love bringing other peoples music to life. It is not always easy, juggling touring and being a mum and trying to still be committed to my own musical releases is a lot to do at once but I feel like every year I work it all out a bit more.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Sydney has so many great places. You have to go to the beach of course. North Bondi or Bronte, both have little ocean pools perfect for kids, I go there with my toddler a lot. Food and drink anywhere in Newtown/Enmore is great. Continental Deli is a favourite or Cow and Moon gelato. There’s too many to name though. Catching a show at the State Theatre or the Enmore theatre which are probably my two favourite venues here. The Opera House is of course iconic and a must. Jumping on a ferry and getting on the water gives you the best view of the harbour and the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ll do a shoutout to my parents! My dad is a working musician and showed us that having a creative career can be practical and sustainable. And my mum introduced me early to classical music which lead to my love of orchestration and arranging that has helped in my work as a producer and arranger for others. Together they supported whatever we wanted to pursue. There was a lot of music lessons and before and after school orchestra and choir practises and they were there for it all.

Website: www.sarahbelkner.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmbelkner

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahbelkner

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/sarahbelkner

Image Credits
Stephanie Simcox