SaraBeth: Country on another level

Tulloch Institute Club, Perth, August 24

The familiar saying “everything is bigger in Texas” comes to mind when describing powerhouse country vocalist and Texas native SaraBeth.

Born and raised in Dallas, SaraBeth is a contemporary country singer-songwriter who is making her mark in Nashville as the sweetly southern artist with an edge.

The smart, beautiful and talented songstress is quickly winning fans across the US – and across Britain on tour right now – with her spirited vocals and energetic live performance.

SaraBeth introduced herself to country music over the past couple of years with the release of her debut album, Anything Is Possible.

She followed that up with her current project, a self-titled EP simply called SaraBeth, which was released in April.

She also made her first appearance in the Billboard chart earlier this year, which she said was “massive” for her.

“I was so excited by it; I never thought that would happen in my life. You know you have dreams and ambitions and you work really hard to get there,” she said.

“But there’s always something in your mind that tells you it might not ever happen. So you set your dreams high but keep a balanced view of it.”

Being born and raised in the Texas music scene, SaraBeth knows country music.

Her pride for her home state, coupled with her love for genuine, authentic lyrics, has influenced her style and kept her true to her roots.

On first listen, I say she sounds like a cross between Alison Krauss and Shania Twain, which she wasn’t the slightest bit offended by.

“I’ll take that!” she laughed, pointing out though that she more often is compared to the wonderful Sarah Evans.

“Sarah Evans is a massive country star in the States – probably not as wellknown over here but she is amazing. I suppose my voice sounds quite like hers.

“But my music is a little bit different to hers, too. It’s really all about having your own style.”

Never one to rest on her laurels, SaraBeth is already planning to record another album in addition to an EP of Christmas songs, for which she’s already recorded three tracks.

“Two of them are my own songs and I’ve also recorded Silent Night,” she said.

“Christmas is fun and you get to be as cheesy as you want, which I love.

“But it’s good to do new Christmas songs, too. I’ll probably do another two of my own and one more cover, I think.”

Currently in the UK for only the third time, SaraBeth is loving her biggest British tour so far, which takes her from the South of England up to Perth on Monday.

“That will be the furthest east and the furthest north I’ve ever been in the UK,” she laughed.

“It sounds like it will be a fun place to play.”

Texan singer-songwriter SaraBeth, who is playing in Perth on Monday.