Sarah Margaret, a senior at the University of Idaho majoring in modern languages and business with minors in marketing and music, has been writing songs since she was 11. Growing up in a small town outside Portland, Oregon, Sarah developed her passion for storytelling through music, inspired by artists like Neil Young, Maggie Rogers, and Bon Iver. Her music blends personal experiences with raw emotion, creating a unique sound that resonates with listeners.

Sarah’s introduction to music was shaped by her father, whose love for Neil Young’s Harvest album became a family tradition. She fondly recalls singing “Heart of Gold” as a preschooler, unknowingly setting the stage for her journey as a musician. This early exposure to storytelling in music continues to influence her songwriting.

“I think the purpose of music is to tell stories,” she shared, reflecting on her creative process. For Sarah, crafting a song often begins with a motif or a deeply personal experience. Her recent single, Cowboy Song, explores the complexities of independence and relationships, drawing inspiration from Taylor Swift’s Cowboy Like Me.

“It’s about deciding if someone or something is worth it,” Sarah explained. “I loved the idea of cowboys as these independent forces, yet there’s a longing for connection.” The song’s introspective lyrics and stripped-down sound capture the push and pull of personal growth and emotional vulnerability.

When it comes to live performances, Sarah combines heartfelt originals with thoughtful covers. Among her favorites is Heart of Gold, a nod to her roots, and an unexpected gem from Sesame Street: “If I Could Visit the Moon,” sung by Ernie. “It’s a sweet, pure lullaby,” she said. “It brings a calm, happy moment to my sets.”

Sarah also draws inspiration from Maggie Rogers’ Notes from the Archive, an album filled with raw, demo-like tracks, and Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago, which she admires for its authenticity. “I love when an artist sounds like a human,” she said. “It’s what makes music so powerful.”

As Sarah prepares to release her next single, The Birds, she continues to balance her studies with her passion for creating music. With her commitment to storytelling and her genuine approach to songwriting, Sarah Margaret is a name to watch in the indie-folk scene.

Find Sarah’s music on Spotify, including her EP and latest singles, and follow her journey as she shares her stories one song at a time.

Photo Credit: Ryan Beery (Safe Sax Photography)