Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Swenson.
Hi Sara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was looking for a new guitar years ago at Bentley Guitar in Parkville, and the gentleman selling them asked if I could sing. I shrugged, “I guess?” I played him the song “Landslide”, and his response was that I should play a local songwriter’s night. When I told him I hadn’t written any songs, he suggested I go do that, so I did! Those songs turned into many more. That performance turned into countless other shows. One album has now become five. Amazing how something (and someone) can grow from just a small prompting.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The music industry has changed tremendously over the past 15 years – how to market and promote, how to approach social media and algorithms, how to generate income in the era of streaming, where shows and touring fit into it, etc. In all of this, figuring out your presence through it as an independent artist without a management team is a significant task.
Adding in, as well, the other responsibilities of life through the span of my music career – I also teach; we’ve got two beautiful kids who have gone from the age of needing constant attention to the age of being involved in lots of activities; and my husband is very busy with his work and creative projects. There’s a delicate balancing act of keeping everything going in the right direction.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Someone recently described my music as feeling like a long hug from an old friend, which I think fits me pretty well. I’m a singer-songwriter, known for writing music that feels both universal and personal, mostly a mix of folk and Americana. My albums feature a range of production styles, from full band to just me and a guitar, exploring a considerable range of themes. I often play live shows with one or two other musicians along with me in venues with seats and good acoustics, keeping the vibe intimate.
I’m really proud of this new album I released in 2026 called “Taller.” It feels like my best and most interesting work yet, and the artist collaborations and people I worked with on it will always be special to me. I’m very proud of the remarkable and talented folks in the community that I brought together to be part of two separate music videos for my song “Your Town.” I’m also really proud of how my song “I Won’t Let You Feel Alone” found a place in a Children’s Mercy commercial. The way that has moved people will always mean a lot to me.
I think what sets me apart is the heart of the songs I write. I’m not writing them for maximum production impact. I’m writing them because they feel true and like points of human connection we can all use.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Songwriting, recording and performing – these can be intense emotional processes. You’re reaching pretty deeply – sometimes in joyful ways and sometimes very difficult ways – to embody these stories, whether they are about me or not. Going to those places makes it feel authentic but is also why I sometimes have to pace myself when being creative. You still have to maintain the emotional capacity for regular life even after you’ve tapped into those same stores creatively.
Pricing:
- https://www.saraswenson.com/store
- “Taller” Vinyl: $25
- “Taller” CD: $15
- “Taller” T-shirt: $20
- “Taller” Screenprint: $20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.saraswenson.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraswensonmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Saraswensonmusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/saraswenson
- Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sara-swenson/292936729
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4p2kdPbfMAhg916zwV1sTy
