About the Artist: ASCAP Member
Twenty-four year old Sarah Vanell has spent the last six years becoming a part of the Phoenix music scene. During this short time, Vanell has truly come into her own with her unique songwriting and style of expression. In 2005, Sarah entered the world of music with the soft-spoken and angelic debut album, Icarus. The soon to follow sophomore album Fickle would validate Sarah as a true songwriter in 2007, and as television producer Lee Hill describes, "...every note is deliberate, crystal clear. Her lyrics are thoughtful and her vocal range, playful. It's a magnificent combination." Sarah is already in the process of recording her next effort, Emotional Discharge, which is expected to release in late 2008.
In her upcoming album, Sarah explores her true potential and brings to life not only her own experiences but those who have never or no longer have a voice of their own. In particular, her new track "Sylvia" addresses the moment at which writer Sylvia Plath took her life and the pain leading up to her death. There is a definite change in attitude from Sarah’s most recent album Fickle. Her witty and often-times cynical lyrics are only a piece of what she offers listeners, and a vital one at that, but it is her unpredictable yet purposeful chord progressions that truly give them depth. Her recent songwriting is bold in its message and even more so in its delivery, highlighting her progression as an artist. She has not only turned over a new leaf in her writing, instead, as Sarah so poetically describes in her new track "Emotionally Discharged," 'this bush has stripped its leaves all over the place.'
Sarah has proven to the industry that she is here to stay. The immense growth she has shown in her writing from 2005 to now is fascinating and leaves audiences wondering "where will she go next?"
Notable Performances:
- Opening act for David Pack
- The Tempe Arts Festival (Fall 2006, Spring 2008)
- The Scottsdale "Sunday A'Fair" (every year since 2005)
- Grand Opening for SanTan Village Mall
What People are Saying:
"I have watched listeners being drawn in by Sarah. Her music is from her soul and audiences experience that same passion when she performs." -Bob Kyler (Project Manager, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts)"I listened to less than two bars on Sarah’s ’Fickle’ CD and had to have her on the show. Every note is deliberate, crystal clear. Her lyrics are thoughtful and her vocal range, playful. It's a magnificent combination. We prerecorded a song and some teases before the show and the entire crew was mesmerized while she performed, both in the studio and the control room. I've never seen anything like it before. I've been listening to "Fickle" and "Icarus" ever since, one set for the house and one for the car." -Lee Hill (Television Writer/Producer)
"Sarah Vanell is an up and coming star to keep an eye on." -Tara Kissane (Director of the Arts, Higley, AZ)