By Eleanor Davies
The name Sarah Blasko needs no introduction in her native Australia, however Australia’s answer to Laura Marling is almost unheard of in the UK. Until now that is..
Bringing her edgy folk pop to Europe this summer the singing sensation has just released her third studio album, her first in Europe, and will be making her way across the summer festivals, including Virgin Media’s V Festival in Chelmsford this month.
“It’s my first time at V and I’m looking forward to playing, people are more relaxed at festivals,” the 33 year-old tells me. “And I think it’s a surprising experience, because people are either relaxed or drunk, it’s enjoyable and strange at the same time! But it’s great because people are much more eager to let go and dance, I think being outside helps too!” she laughs.
But just where has this musical gem been hiding all these years?
Well the answer is her hometown of Sydney. After launching her solo career in 2002 she has worked tirelessly and racked up nominations for Best Female Artist and Album of the Year at the ARIA awards (Australian Recording Industry Association).
And now she is ready to conquer the rest of the world, launching her album, As Day Follows Night, to rave reviews from music critics.
“I guess this is probably my most autobiographical record I’ve done so far,” she says. “My inspiration came from my own experiences and the record kind of got me through a certain time, I was influenced by a lot of blues and old jazz and musicals.”
However not only has she been working on the release of her album, but also supporting fellow Aussies, Temper Trap, on the British leg of their sold out world tour.
“Touring with them was really good, they’re a nice group and they’re all doing really well over here,” says Sarah.
“They knew of my music, and that I’d just moved to London, because they are fellow Aussies and I’m relatively unknown over here.”
And, like Sarah, the Temper Trap will also be wowing the crowds at V Festival later this month.
But what is it about playing live which gets the artist, and audience, so excited?
“Unexpected things can happen!” Sarah laughs. “It’s kind of where I started as well, you can interpret the songs and it’s just really wonderful when you get on stage and get taken over by the music.”
With her love of playing live, it is hardly surprising that Sarah is planning her own headline tour for later this year.
Playing in venues from Southampton to Glasgow, the length and breadth of the country will be taken over by the subtle sound waves of Sarah Blaskow come November, and Sarah can’t wait!
“I’ll be playing a lot of songs off my new album,” she says. “To a lot of people it will be an introduction to me and my music and will have a similar vibe to my record.”
And while Sarah does miss the familiarity of her hometown of Sydney, she’s happy to put in the time to get to know her fans this side of the pond, so there’s no getting rid of Sarah anytime soon!
“Next year I’ll be playing more around Europe because I am kind of new over here and hopefully making another album,” she adds.
Catch Sarah Blaskow on the Virgin Media Union Stage at V Festival in Chelmsford on Sunday 22 August. For more information on Sarah go to: www.sarahblasko.com.