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SARAH MOUNT // Professional Saxophonist Cover Photo by Alan Westman @artbyalanwestman
Sarah Mount Sarah Mount
PROFESSIONAL SAXOPHONIST
“ I firmly believe my strong work ethic is what gives me an upper hand for the last decade. Being consistent, reliable, grateful, appreciative, caring, and having respect for the job, my bandmates, my audience, my client is what sets me apart.” –Sarah Mount
Loud&Clear caught up with Sarah Mount, a Performing Artist, a Creative, Musicians Union Founder and Educator based in Denver, Colorado.
When did you first get into music?
While I didn’t start playing an instrument until I was 9 years old, I like to think I’ve been into music since always. My dad was a very accomplished bluegrass bass player in his life, and I’ve been exposed to music since before I was even born.
Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I’m convinced that being a career musician is and was always destined to be, but the catalyst in this pursuit is very unique. It all started with a horrific accident where, as a pedestrian, I was struck and nearly killed by a truck in Aspen in 2011 while I was selling art at a festival. In my months of mending from shoulder and neck injuries, and a pretty serious traumatic brain injury, I found myself rediscovering my passion for music. It started as a method of healing recommended by doctors to help my brain, and blossomed into my current livelihood.some of the most special moments for me where I can help someone in their healing process.
How has your music evolved since you first got started?
This is a difficult question to answer! It’s hard to take an objective perspective on this, but my personal taste in music is always evolving, and I believe it is reflected in my playing as well. For example, at the moment I have a real affinity for world indie music, and I find a lot of inspiration while listening that I use for my own playing. I’m always looking to be a better player than I was yesterday, and that’s all I can really ask for.
Do you write with other artists?
Absolutely, and always! Whether it’s a session job where I record some parts for a song, or writing horn lines for a project the process is 100% collaborative.
What projects/bands are you currently involved with?
This number is ever changing, but at any given time I am closely involved with about twelve bands or so including my own solo projects. Currently, I am working hard with my band Sarah Mount & the Rushmores, my electronic duo with my best friend Sam Goodman, and my love and fellow saxophonist Daniel Steigleder to name a few. I am also working with a number of agencies for special events, namely Mannequin Entertainment who keeps me extremely busy.
If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other, drives you to stay in this tough industry? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?
I love the question because it is so easy to let some of the not-soideal aspects of this industry get to you as a musician. I am driven by passion and joy. It is incredibly fulfilling to see the looks on the faces of those in a crowd dancing along to your original music, and equally as satisfying playing everyone’s favorite cover songs at a wedding knowing everyone there will treasure these moments for years to come. It’s a privilege to both make a living as a creative, and carrying these moments and memories around.
Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?
I firmly believe my strong work ethic is what gives me an upper hand for the last decade. Being consistent, reliable, grateful, appreciative,
What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Other than the endless energy this vocation requires, I would say my biggest challenge is on the technical side of music. Music theory, fast and hard passages, sight reading, and some of these skill sets are very tricky. By the time I feel as if I have mastered one thing, I have also discovered about five others that need the same amount of work. I love this challenge of both mastering something, and simultaneously finding that I will always find something that needs to be mastered.
A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?
While I don’t necessarily agree with this concept, I do understand what it’s about, which is substance and intent. It is not a coincidence that the most impactful, and profound art is typically created by someone who has had to endure a lot of adversity. Anguish can be used to fuel some very beautiful things if used correspondingly.
How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?
The internet has changed so much it’s hard to discuss all of the ways, but my favorite impact has to do with reach. My music has been to more countries than I’ll ever be able to visit myself in my lifetime, and I think that is just about the coolest thing ever.
If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
Some of my least favorite aspects of the music industry are issues surrounding low payout from streaming services, competition with AI music, poor mental health, rampant and widely accepted drug addictions, gigs getting cancelled, getting ripped off by labels and mangers, expensive tours, predatory behaviors in a male-dominated field, and extreme schedule expectations.
I’m sure you have shared the stage with many talented artists, maybe even celebrities. Please share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us.
I have been lucky enough to share the stage big players like Joel Cummins from Umphrey’s McGee or Allen Aucoin from the Disco Biscuits to name a few, but one of my favorite stories is when I got to perform for Tyra Banks about four years ago.
I was playing a hip-hop show with a former project at a local venue Ophelia’s opening up for legendary Kool Keith, and in walks this very beautiful, tall, unassuming woman who finds her seat in a dark corner. We all immediately noticed, and had a great debate amongst the band with the notion of ‘is it really?’. Her face and stature was a dead giveaway, but she was dressed down and we asked ourselves what would Tyra Banks be doing in Denver on a Sunday anyway. After going back and forth in the green room for the better part of an hour there was enough doubt to write it off. Turns
SARAH MOUNT @saxxy_sarah What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why? Kind of Blue, by Miles Davis
This album has gotten me through a lot in life, and I fall in love with something new every time I listen even after all these years. This is arguably my top desert island pick.
Little Ghost, by Moonchild
This band is just one that speaks directly to my heart, and I’m absolutely in love with all their albums. Really enables me to get in touch with my own sense of wholesome adoration.
Choose Your Weapon, by Hiatus Kaiyote
Similar to Moonchild, this band really speaking to my emotional side, but also brings such a unique sense of complexity and musicality that I have yet to find elsewhere.
Mama’s Gun, by Erykah Badu
The lyrical content, and the way it’s deliberately delivered is so beautifully sincere. I find a lot of reliability, and intensity in her music.
Evil Empire, by Rage Against the Machine
Another one chosen for brave, unrefined, loud lyrical content speaking out against the injustices of the world. Many of the issues we still struggle with to this day. The anger and courage is real, and has helped shape my own endeavors against the wrongdoings in my own community.
What is the best advice you have received?
Be resilient, and don’t take anything personal. Even things that are meant to be taken personal. Most people don’t even like themselves.
What’s next for you?
Forging ahead playing gigs, writing and recording music, teaching the youth, and living out my dream come true one day at a time!
How can fans-to-be gain access to your music and follow your career?
I’m very active on social media, and keep it up to date. Please follow me through these links: Facebook: @denversaxophonist Instagram: @saxxy_sarah Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2vTJ2Fq02dv7xHEgEoKud0?si=jWLDecAwThu7iT5MUBlcog https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6QcYvreu9qFJHrQ4suZucS?si=-GAbn65TR1KznSeQdymJAA https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6QcYvreu9qFJHrQ4suZucS?si=-GAbn65TR1KznSeQdymJAA
