How did you start?
I started classical piano lessons and writing songs at the age of 5.
Where are you based?
I am currently based in London.
Please give an example of your music writing process?
I like to travel to new places or new environments to find inspiration. My first trip to Paris, for example, made a great impression on me. I loved walking around the streets of Paris during the day and at night. I realised I liked Paris so much that it didn’t even matter if it rained! Despite even rain, I was convinced Paris was the most beautiful city I had ever been too. ‘Paris in the Rain’ I realised would actually be a good song title. I started to write the song from the inspiration of the city and from the new title. This time I wrote the melody first. (sometimes the lyrics come first or sometimes the melody and lyrics come at the same time) I wanted to make the melody very charming, romantic and with an impressionistic feeling. Once I had the melody I added the lyrics. I wanted to get some French words and phrases into the lyrics and try to be as charming as possible in English without sounding cheesy. It is always a challenge to find the perfect lyric without sounding too cliché. I enjoy the challenge.
What are you working on right now?
I am working on several new compositions including an instrumental feature for vibraphonist Warren Wolf for my upcoming performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
What is your gear setup?
I have an August Forester upright piano. A manuscript note book and Sibelius 7 for computer notation.
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
I like running, hiking and socialising with friends and family. I also like drawing comic like pictures. Everything affects the music. I think it is important to keep a balance in life!
How would you describe your music genre?
Coming from traditional jazz, swing and blues but offering new songs and something fresh and positive!
Do you know any music theory?
I studied Jazz Piano and composition at the Western Academy of Performing Arts and also Jazz Harmony and Voice at the Berklee College of Music in the USA. I’ve studied lots of music theory and I continue to study still.
What are your plans for the future?
Write great songs and continue to record albums and perform concerts.
How did you get into music?
My dad found me a blues piano teacher at the age of 9. I loved my teacher and the sound of the blues. I didn’t look back after that.
What are you listening to at the moment?
I am listening to a lot of Brazilian musicians. Ivan Lins, Ellis Regina and Tom Jobim.
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
Duke Ellington
Oscar Peterson
Ray Brown
Antonio Carlos Jobim
Bill Evans
When are you playing next?
June 18 France, Maisons-Laffitte
July 1 Switzerland, Montreux Jazz Festival
July 7 Germany, Klavier Festival Ruhr
All dates on my website or Facebook
www.facebook.com/sarahmckenziemusic/
www.instagram.com/mckenziequoiquoiquoi/
