Music Spotlight: Sarah Mount

Professional Saxophonist

Interview by David R. Navarro

Sarah Mount’s sax has found its way into more bands than you can shake a reed at. She’s known across the entire music scene for her tireless work ethic and ability to play any style and at any position in the lineup - whether that’s pure ensemble work, like she does with the Mannequin the Band or the Denver Jazz Orchestra; or fronting a powerhouse group like her own Sarah Mount and the Rushmores. The Denver-bred saxophonist is a consummate artist who also paints and teaches music and art, and is one of the founders of the Colorado Musicians Uniondemonstrating her deep commitment to not only performing at a high level, but advocating for other artists and musicians every day.

The Heat Seekers: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Sarah Mount: The short version is I’m a visual artist doubling as a professional sax player who also dabbles in singing, influencing, music education, and modeling. And who also really cares about social justice while living in Denver, Colorado.

THS: What made you decide to be serious about the music industry?

SM: The music industry decided to be serious about me well before I became serious about it. My career actually started in a community band about eleven years ago, and I never expected it to become worth anything. I was just looking to play for fun, but then I started getting calls for gigs, and the rest is history.

THS: Which people or books have had the most influence on your career and why?

SM: My most influential people are my bandmates, and fellow local musicians. Playing with others who are better than you is incredibly powerful, and will lead you in the right direction.

While it’s mostly interactions that shape me, I do need to mention one book that was life changing. Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday and the Biography of a song. Learning the inner workings of this incredible singer, and what she had to face in her lifetime is extraordinary. In my opinion, one of the most raw talented, and courageous person to ever exist.

THS: In your opinion, what would you say is the #1 key to success?

SM: Being resilient, and humble will get you far in this field. It’s all about not taking anything personally, and making sure your ego is in check.

THS: Talk about the biggest failure you’ve had. What did you learn from it?

SM: To be quite honest, I can’t think of much in my career, but when I was in middle school I totally bombed a solo I had in a Star Wars medley. I had worked super hard on it, and in practice had it down well. It was humiliating, and I cried a lot over this, but I learned to self-soothe.

Things don’t go as planned especially in music, and I learned a lesson in bouncing back at an early age. successful thing you see there are probably even more moments of rejection.

THS: What advice can you give other individuals who want to follow in your footsteps?

SM: The best advice is to just be accepting of rejection. For every

THS: What does a typical day in your week look like?

SM: Usually I start my day heading to one of the four middle or high schools in the area to teach sax sectionals through a music outreach program, teaching private lessons, or working on a commission painting. Evenings are typically filled with rehearsals, gigs, or teaching a paint and sip class.

THS: What keeps you going when things get tough in the business?

SM: The passion, and joy of being a musician. I get to do, be, think about, and learn about what I love. Any industry can have its challenges, and music certainly isn’t stranger to some issues. If I ever need a raw reminder I just pick up my sax, and play a bit.

Alan Westman @artbyalanwestman

THS: Tell us about working with your significant other. Can you share any advice for other music couples?

SM: I have found this to be an incredibly rewarding experience with my significant other Daniel Steigleder. We are both sax players, so it’s really fun to talk shop all the time together. The support, intimacy, and love definitely translates outside of the personal relationship, and enhances the professional one quite a bit. We complement each other a lot, and this expands our love so much to work together.

The best advice I can give other partners working together is to understand that what ever strengths or weaknesses within the romantic relationship will likely be amplified in the professional one as well.

THS: What is a non-music related thing or experience that has helped you as a musician?

SM: I spent my 20’s in the middle of the Rocky Mountains in the Created Butte area snowboarding everyday in the winter, and doing whitewater sports in the summer. A decade doing extreme sports will really teach you how to be ferociously brave, and this really translates well to stage time.

THS: What projects are you currently working on? (That you can talk about).

SM: My ongoing projects are always exactly that, but I’m super excited about a few influencer campaigns I have coming up with a mouthpiece company, and fragrance one as well.

My band Sarah Mount and the Rushmores will be back in the studio again soon as well, and I’m always excited to release new music.

THS: What’s your all time favorite album and musician?

SM: I find this question impossible to answer because it’s constantly changing as I evolve, but at the moment I am very much fixated on Moonchild.

THS: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

SM: I can speak German! (Well, I’m learning fast at least).

THS: Where can new fans follow your career?

SM: 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

Adam Sheridan @damcoryphotograph