Last year we caught Dead Sara absolutely tearing it up at The Echo with a show that left me breathless and relieved. It was a clear reminder that rock n’ roll remains far from dead. The band gave us a sneak peak at some of the new songs at the show but now the true wait is finally over as their sophomore effort, Pleasure to Meet You, is due out Tuesday, March 31 on Pocket Kid Records.
At the helm of Dead Sara, is the profound and radical lead singer Emily Armstrong, a strong voice that instantly commands your attention, respect and adoration. Armstrong cuts straight to the heart of the matter, the music, and with that she opens up the space for the listeners and fans to rock out to our heart’s content – free of gimmicks or distraction.
We checked in with Armstrong to get a little insight on the making of the new album, how to maintain in today’s current music industry landscape, the joys of Disneyland and more. Read on!
GG: Your new album, Pleasure to Meet You, is due out later this month, what was the best part of the writing/recording process and did it vary at all from the first album?
EA: Writing new songs is always the most exciting part in my books. Recording this record was a bit different from the first. We rented a house in Malibu and set up a studio. We wanted it to be different than doing it in a studio but it was so much more work. All though we got a unique experience we probably won’t be doing that again…
GG: Do you consider the writing/recording process a labor of love or does it come naturally/easily?
EA: The initial spark of a song from some kind of inspiration is truly a magical thing. I find sometimes that after that you got to put more of the “work” into it to have it complete. Some of them finish easier than others and some, you just got to be patient.
GG: How do you feel you have grown as a band?
EA: Going through the ups and downs together and coming out on the other end closer than before really shows something. The more experiences we have together the tighter a unit we become.
GG: What do you hope fans take away from the new album?
EA: The next chapter of Dead Sara. I don’t want to say it’s gonna be better or worse, but that it’s just another phase of us as a group. And of course that I’m extremely proud of it.
GG: The first single off the album, “Mona Lisa” is already rockin’ the airwaves/internet…what was the inspiration for the music video? Any behind-the-scenes shenanigans?
EA: We let the director come up with the concept and we just elaborated on it and it came down to just throwing a party with our friends who came dressed up as we asked – we were stoked about that. It made it easier to do on no budget.
GG: You guys have begun to release tour dates in support of the new album, with more dates TBD…what do you hope fans take away from the Dead Sara live experience?
EA: Inspired. Anytime I go to a show and leave just feeling out of my head, that’s a great experience to me. That’s what I would want for people to take away as well. Just feeling inspired in anyway
GG: You guys have several awesome exclusives on your PledgeMusic page from signed drum heads to an original painting by Siouxsie. You also offer a Day at Disneyland with the band for those that pledge $350…what’s your favorite ride and/or favorite thing to do/see at Disneyland?
EA: I always hit up Frontier Land first for some reason! Then I end up at California Adventure on the roller coasters. Ending with Hollywood Tower of Terror.
GG: March is Women’s History Month…who are some of your favorite influential women, musicians or otherwise, who have made a significant impression on you?
EA: It would be my mother and her two sisters. My aunts and mom were always ones I looked up to as they have a natural grace and a love for life that is very inspiring. One of my aunts actually taught me my first chords on the guitar…so there you go.
GG: What advice would you give for up and coming artists, especially women, who are developing their sound and trying to get into the music industry?
Stay true to you. It’s the one thing you you will look back on and feel the best about not changing for anyone. Integrity is important, keep it.
Interview Feature by Emily Saex
Dead Sara – “Mona Lisa”
Pleasure to Meet You Track Listing:
Suicidal
L.A. City Slum
Mona Lisa
Something Good
Lovesick
Radio One Two
Mr. Mr.
Greaser
Blue Was The Beautiful You
Feel Right At Home
For You I Am
Dead Sara North American Tour Dates:
3/16/15 – Dallas, TX – Trees (*All Ages)
3/21/15 – Columbia, MO – Rose Music Hall (*All Ages)
3/22/15 – St. Louis, MO – Fubar (*All Ages)
3/24/15 – Louisville, KY – Zanzabar (*21+)
3/25/15 – Nashville, TN – Mercury Lounge (*18+)
3/27/15 – Atlanta, GA – Vinyl (*All Ages)
3/28/15 – Charlotte, NC – The Chop Shop (*All Ages)
3/31/15 – New York, NY – The Studio @ Webster Hall (*16+)
4/03/15 – Columbus, OH – The Basement (*All Ages)
4/04/15 – Indianapolis, IN – Birdy’s (*21+)
4/06/15 – Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room (*All Ages)
4/07/15 – Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s (*All Ages)
4/09/15 – Kansas City, MO – The Riot Room (*21+)
4/10/15 – Denver, CO – Marquis Theater (*All Ages)
RELATED CONTENT:
Dead Sara Made a Ferocious Return to the Stage Last Night at The Echo
20 Of The Most Inspiring Women In Music
9 Best Ways to Celebrate Women’s History Month Through Music
