Interview with Sarah Dokowicz aka” Sarah D…
Singer-Songwriter, Sarah Dokowicz “AKA” Sarah D only recently arrived from Adelaide, Australia. The big move to LA came about for Sarah to study and follow her dream to perform and carve a career in the music industry as an independent artist.
Sarah’s a fanatical D.I.Y hands-on type of artist and works hard to achieve her goals.
Since arriving in LA, she has worked with a number of industry professionals, including Jeff Silbar (‘Wind Beneath my Wings’), Alex Syntek
(famous Mexican artist), Nick Lachey (98 Degrees) and Wilton Felder Snr.
(Bassist in songs, including the Jackson 5’s ‘I Want You Back).
Sarah Dokowicz recently launched her EP ‘Over You’ and was co-written and produced by Andres Torres, the EP certainly has an upbeat tempo with an infectious melody that gets you to sing along while listing.
Sarah is setting the bar much higher for 2013 as she continues with the promotion of her EP and continues to work towards the release of her album soon.
The Interview…….
Hi Sarah,
let’s jump right in and ask, who is the real Sarah D. Tell me what drives you to perform your music and what ambitions do you have for the future are you a goal setter?
I’m a go-getting, ambitious, head down focused kind of individual. Though a quiet achiever at heart, I love to go out and meet new people and live life to its fullest as this is the biggest thing that inspires me. Music is often based on experiences and if I didn’t go out to experience the beauty of life I wouldn’t have much to write about.
There’s always been this spark inside of me that’s driven me to perform from a young age. I love to make people happy in a non-people pleasing way, just people loving me for my goofy self and I think I was lucky to discover performing as an outlet at a young age.
I’m definitely a goal setter. I set goals I want to achieve on the daily which I know will help get those steps closer to achieving my bigger goals. My main ambitions are to be the happiest and healthiest person I can be and from music, perspective to collaborate with a number of songwriters and producers on my list in the future. Additionally, I would love to travel the world sharing my artistry with those who believe in me and respect me for the artist I am.
Your recent EP release ‘Over You,” you collaborated with Andres Torres to co-write and produce the EP.. What do you look for in a producer before you go ahead and collaborate on a project with them.
The first thing I always look for is someone who I know I can have a good time with and this mainly comes down to each other’s personalities. If they’re open to your ideas and listen to your suggestions etc is a huge thing as without communication, it can be total chaos. I also look for someone I can trust and rely on. Andres was great as he was a friend before we started collaborating. I knew his ways and he knew mine and it just worked.
Putting aside the age of digital downloads and Internet notoriety. What are the main challenges you face as an DIY independent artist in the music industry?
I think the main challenge for DIY artists is definitely funding and having a generous budget to do everything as professionally as artists on labels. As we don’t have big machines behind us, we need to find the balance between funding ourselves while paying for a roof over our heads. This is why crowd and fan funding are so popular today and a great creative way to get your fans to be a part of your journey.
Like any artist who does not have the backing of a major recording label, T.V and National Radio appearances getting onto the world stage must feel like a point of light in the night sky. How do you face the challenge of getting your music out there into the hands of people in the none digital world?
Though it is challenging, the digital world does help get your music out on a global scale. YouTube is such a great source that is viewed by millions across the world which I use to help promote my work.
However, it’s not the only thing I rely on. I think as an artist is it so important to perform live and create a fan base in the area that you are in, create street teams that are super fans and will help spread the word, attend music showcases and conferences and network your butt off.
These are some of the things I do. The more you can show you have something to give the more willing people are to stop, listen and support.
What’s the worst and best experience you have had so far in pursuing your music career?
I don’t really see anything as a ‘bad experience just a learning experience. The biggest thing for me is just trying to get in contact with bigger radio stations or press publications is a challenge as I’m not represented by anyone, I do it myself and when the big machine isn’t behind you, it can be tough.
However, I have been so grateful for all the actual press and media I have accumulated in a short amount of time. Also moving to LA to pursue my dreams of being an artist has definitely been one of the best yet most challenging experiences.
Why did you choose to move to LA over say, London to further your music career?
I came to LA to study and since it is the entertainment capital of the world, I figured it could really be a great opportunity to take my career to the next level by completely surrounding myself in it. This wouldn’t be possible from where I am back in Australia.
Do you have a message for your fan’s?
I am just so grateful for all the positive feedback, support, and kind words I’ve been receiving about my work from friends and fans. It’s been quite the journey over the past year and a half and I only plan on growing and getting better at what I’ve set my heart on. I really appreciate each and every one of you and YOU are the reason why I continue to work as hard as I do!
Facts about Sarah Dokowicz aka” Sarah D…
what’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
I do a thing called object writing most mornings for 10 minutes, Half asleep or awake. I pick an object to write about and describe it in a story based on all my senses taste, touch, sound, smell etc. It helps me be more alert about my surroundings and helps me get inspiration for my songwriting.
favorite drink?
Water with lemon – So refreshing, especially after a great workout.
favorite color?
GREEN – something so calming about green!
favorite band, solo artist?
Kelly Clarkson and Jessie J – These ladies know how to use their instruments to their fullest and ar absolutely fearless.
a favorite place when you need to relax.
The beach. I was born and raised near some of the best beaches and it’s a place where I can always go to clear my mind.
favorite instrument?
Besides my voice I love the guitar. I’m learning it so soon I’ll be able to accompany myself while singing.
www.facebook.com/sarahdofficial
www.twitter.com/sarahd_official
http://youtube.com/thesassysings
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