Sarah Carton - Raw (EP) + 10 Questions

London electronic singer, songwriter and producer Sarah Carton releases her debut EP ‘Raw’, out now.

Having already cultivated a strong reputation for her stirring spoken word, ethereal vocals and electronic production style, Sarah’s new EP looks to further explore her distinctive sound and deliver a stunningly personal and sensual collection of diary-entry style offerings.

Featuring two new singles ‘Fire’ and ‘The Edge’, alongside folly sounds, crunching beats and soothing interludes, the entirely self-produced six-track EP establishes Sarah as a daring and inventive emerging British artist.

Already championed by the likes of Notion, BBC Introducing, Clout, Wordplay and many more, Sarah names Lykke Li, Kate Nash, Banks and The Streets as her biggest musical inspirations. Drawing from her combined influences, Sarah thrives on being able to experiment with her music and the concepts and emotions she’s able to portray, totally owning her own brand of dreamy indie-electro.

Speaking of the EP, Sarah says, “‘Raw’ grew from a collection of phone notes around a difficult relationship. Writing and producing it was a kind of therapy for me. A means to untangle experiences that had previously been so messy in my head. The process helped me find clarity, acceptance and empowerment”.

Sarah sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I started writing songs when I was about 10. They were very cringe and kind of a mix between Kate Nash and Avril Lavigne (I was obsessed with them both). My dad bought me an acoustic guitar and I spent most nights after school teaching myself chords on YouTube and writing.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I have so many influences it’s a proper mix. I think The Streets was the first music I listened to that really grabbed me and made me think ‘I want to make music like this’. That and early Kate Nash was the music that made me start experimenting with spoken elements and poetry in my music. Then I was obsessed with Lykke Li when I was a teenager and that ethereal sad girl music.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I’ve just released my debut EP Raw which is mad. Raw’s an experimental alternative-pop EP that came from a series of phone notes and folly sound recordings created while I was dealing with some difficult emotions over lockdown.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I’m still trying to figure that out as I like the idea of my sound being really fluid and constantly evolving. Right now I’d say it’s quite ethereal, stripped back and beats/ bass heavy. It’s a bit dark at the moment.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I had my first experience of a crowd singing my music back to me last week at the EP release gig. I think that feeling is difficult to top. It makes you feel so connected.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

I think just go at your own pace and take it easy on yourself. I think comparing yourself to other artists is a really dangerous game, as is trying to make music that sounds like ‘x’. I think just try to be authentically you and make the work that speaks to you.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

I’m mad for Coco & Clair Clair right now.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Still listening to Fontaines DC Skinty Fia a lot as I have been all year really. Also loving Lykke Li’s EYEYE and Eliza’s A Sky Without Stars.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Basically just try to look after myself as best I can. Making music is pretty relentless and sometimes you feel so exposed and drained. I just try to spend time with the people I love and take care of myself. I started pottery courses quite recently and that’s been amazing. Just making things with your hands and having a few hours of not checking my phone or worrying about promoting music has been bliss.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

A huge hoodie, my north face puffy slippers and a lemon & ginger tea.