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New Artist Spotlight:
Sarah Buxton
Compiled by Kristen Scherer
© 2007 CMA Close Up News Service / Country
Music Association, Inc.
With a playful attitude and an irresistible rasp in her voice, Sarah Buxton
has a distinct sound. Lyrically, the singer-songwriter is dedicated to
painting a picture of her own life. Growing up in Lawrence, Kan., playing
piano and flute and writing music was dominating Buxton's free time. At age
12, she got involved with the Lawrence Children's Choir and quickly realized
she was a part of "something that was truly beautiful." Later, during her
junior year in high school she sang solo for the first time at the school's
talent show and here she knew she'd found her true calling.
"I stood backstage with that cordless mic, listening to the crowd," Buxton
said. "I thought, 'I love this, and why am I not nervous?'"
Growing up, she was seduced by the sounds of Faith Hill, Patty Loveless and
George Strait, but it was Stevie Nicks who captured her heart and inspired
her to begin crafting lyrics. After graduating and actually meeting Nicks,
she became more determined to make the move to Music City and chase her
dreams.
Buxton enrolled at Nashville's Belmont University and quickly formed a jam
band, the regionally popular Stoik Oak . The band spent three years
recording and touring before calling it quits. Buxton's music took a back
seat when she met and fell in love with a local guitarist. They were married
and moved to a rural cabin close the Cumberland River. After a lot of
housekeeping and some serious soul searching, Buxton came to realize she was
unhappy in the marriage and made the move back to Music City, set up in a
small apartment and began to pursue her dream in earnest.
She met with friend John Rich of Big & Rich , who encouraged her and told
her she could do anything she wanted to do if she put her mind to it. Buxton
signed with a song publisher and was soon co-writing with some of
Nashville's top tunesmiths, who spread the word about the feisty newcomer
with the amazing voice.
One of those co-writers, Craig Wiseman ("Believe," "Live Like You Were
Dying," "The Good Stuff") co-produced her self-titled Lyric Street Records
debut album along with veteran producer Dann Huff (Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts,
Keith Urban). Buxton co-wrote 10 of the album's 11 songs, including the
leadoff single, "Innocence," written with Dave Berg, Georgia Middleman and
Jeremy Stover.
"These songs are the pictures in my head," Buxton said. "They are my own
feelings and memories and they ring true for me today as they probably would
have if I had heard them when I was 8 years old."
IN HER OWN WORDS:
Who is your musical hero?
"Peter Gabriel . I love his sound but it's really about his authenticity as
a performer."
Which song would you secretly like to cover?
"I'd love to add Steely Dan 's 'Fire in the Hole' when I start touring with
a full band later this year. It's got the best steel solo I've ever heard."
What CD is on your stereo?
"I've really been into Steely Dan lately. I've been listening to the whole
catalog, starting with their last release and working my way up to the
first. Right now I'm listening to Can't Buy a Thrill ."
What book is on your nightstand?
"'The Devil and Mrs. Primm' by Paul Coehlo ."
Who is your dream duet partner?
"Lowell George of Little Feat , may he rest in peace. He's probably got one
of the sexiest and most soulful voices ever."
On the Web:
www.myspace.com/sarahbuxton
Photographer: Kristin Barlowe
Photo courtesy of Lyric Street Records.
Print out and have
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