2/16/2005

MP3 Download:
Girl on Fire (from The Dreamlife of Angels)

Here We Go (Demo, Written by Johnathan Forman)

Sarah Masen has a way with her music, the emotional power behind each line, each note moves her listeners to feel what she feels. She has been a critical favorite for nearly a decade, and although it has never translated into commercial success she has built herself a loyal fan base; So instead of doing a normal interview we decided to visit several popular messageboards and allow her fans to ask the questions.

Allalom Productions: I saw Sarah with All Star United, Burlap To Cashmere, & Silage a few years back at a college here in South Florida (Palm Beach Atlantic). I remember her performance for a couple of reasons. First, she was pregnant at the time. Secondly, some rude people were loudly talking & disturbing the concert during her set. She actually asked the crowd to quiet down & listen to the lyrics. I said to myself, “right on, Sarah.” I admired her for her guts & determination to do that. I told her so later when I got her CD booklets autographed. - does she remember that concert?

Sarah Masen/Dark: Yes i remember that concert. I think i was a little irritated and
pregnant at the time with our first. Can’t blame them for talking really, as i remember it being a fairly large venue and i was so small and so was my guitar.

AP: Do you have anything new coning out in the near future?

SM: I hope so. I want plenty of my new songs to see the light of day, but
am not sure how yet. if i build it, it will come? Incidentally, this isn't an invitation either for ideas about how i could do that, because I’m not sure i need to recording right now anyway. So many kind amazing freshtastic people have thrown in ideas, interest, help and support, and no album. i regret being so frozen about it all.

AP: When did you first start to write/sing and what inspires you to write?

SM: I think i started writing when i was 16. Upon hearing of an interest I had to play the guitar, my grandmother (r.i.p.) gave me one that belonged to my uncle i think. I’m not sure how he felt about it. As far as inspiration goes, despair is a pretty good one. Fear is another. Those two can keep me pretty busy with the strum-strum. Love is somehow not separate from those two.

AP: How often do you go back and forth between the US and the UK, and do you go anywhere else?

SM: for a while there, we would go to the UK at least once, many times twice a year. Usually in the summer. Germany was on the map for a while as i was on a German record label. That was a whole lot of fun, i met some wonderful people there.

AP: What's the story behind "Girl on Fire"?

SM: I think there is a newer book out by some writers from ‘Sex and The City’ or is it ‘Sex in The City’ (Dave and i are total Buffy, Angel and West Wing fans other than that-total stone age) called “He's Just Not That Into You”. That book/title comes to mind.

AP: What would you do differently if you could go back and change one thing about your entire career?

SM: Wouldn't complain as much. I would have made myself suddenly older
with more wisdom and experience and coolness. i would have journaled
less. I would not have cut my hair. i would have eaten more food.

AP: Who are your favorite musical artists, and who are you musical influences?

SM: Right now my faves are: Leonard Cohen, innocence mission, Joni Mitchel,
PJ Harvey, Jane Siberry,

AP: Why so many label changes (just to clear up any rumors)?

SM: Well, my first label was bought by my second, so i didn't really have a say in the matter. As far as i can tell (though after repeated attempts to talk with the higher up) i was let go from sparrow as an act of mercy in a "i don't think she is going in the direction that would be a fiscally sound and artistically interesting but sell-able" way. The last label was bought out by a larger one (and again after repeated attempts to talk with someone who might tell me otherwise if there was
an alternative reason) leaving little room for fringe artists that were not bringing in cash. Basically, i am under the impression that ultimately the music i was making at the time wasn't a very good investment for their markets.

AP: Do you prefer being an independent artist to being on a major label?

SM: I don't know how to answer that. i think through the years I’ve come to enjoy the people i have worked with. or i have enjoyed that fact that I got to work with people. I couldn't have done any of my records with out so many people helping. that doesn't feel independent, but i know what you mean when you compare the two. I don't find myself listening to a lot of "major label" music these days. or days past really (unless I mention my thorough enjoyment of smoothe jazz, Sly and the Family Stone, and Burt Bacharach).

AP: Would you ever consider working with Charlie Peacock again?

SM: Absolutely.

AP: What happened to the "Apocalyptic Techno" album that was talked about on your website a while back?

SM: I recorded a bit with a friend and still hope it finds its way out there.

AP: Why don’t you record a live album?

SM: Okay.

AP: What, if any, influence does your husband's work and "ministry" have on your writing and performing and just overall relation to fans?

SM: He's the wind beneath my wings.

AP: How has becoming a mother forced you to change your career as an artist? What's the biggest lesson you have learned from having them? With three kids now in tow, is there really any chance until they are all in high school you will pick up recording and any sort of semi touring again?

SM: things have slowed down admittedly (heck, if things got slower the music might start subtracting itself from existence), but i am hopeful to keep on. Things come up and we take them. And i write and sometimes record and sometimes play out. I mostly feel like i don't know what I am doing with the kids, hoping i am taking good care of them, wondering if i am doing enough. That’s just the way i am wired i guess, and for the moment i figure I’m doing pretty good if can come through with the few things i have been asked to do with music whether it's the occasional show or playing for our church service or answering these questions. The kids have taught me that seasons always change.

AP: When you look at the Christian church, what do you see that is beautiful and right? And what do you see that is sad and full of pain?

SM: i think about the Anglican church in south Africa and archbishop Desmond Tutu with the truth and reconciliation commission. I am inspired by the east Jerusalem YMCA trying to keep Palestinians and Israelis talking and living together. i am encouraged by the growing number of churches that seem to be realizing that in the USA there are homeless and almost homeless families and individual falling through the cracks and in need of immediate help. I am saddened by the lack of dialogue in the church about the war in Iraq and by the name-calling liberal and conservative talk that isn't about prayerful growth and understanding and compassion. I am also hoping that the Church here will stop telling itself that politics have nothing to do with Christianity.

AP: Do you have any insight on why CCM labels have basically one or two market, target audiences they will promote to, and if you (the artist) don't fit in with those audiences, they dump you. Why is CCM nervous about promoting an artist a little differently, to some different crowds?

SM: Because CCM is a business that has to make money. And most people want
what the one or two markets offer.

AP: When is Mr. Dark's latest creation coming to bookstores (cyber & physical)?

SM: March 2005 - “The Gospel According to America”

AP: Any chance you've been converted into a big Philip K. Dick fan?

SM: Yes.

AP: What amount of importance is placed on art in your family? As one could imagine the home bursting with music and poems. But one could also see how three little ones can stifle such activities and pursuits.

SM: No stifle, more creativity. There is nothing as creative as figuring out how to get a two year old to stay in bed.

AP: Thank you so much for your time, your fans on the message board wanted you to know how much they admire you and your music, and they say thank you (especially Brenton).

SM: Well, it takes a village. Thanks all around. We are a beginning.

To learn more about Sarah Masen/Dark, please visit her online at sarahmasen.com.