Talented Busselton musician Sarah Strahan has earned herself a spot on the Fairbridge Festival lineup after taking out the festival quest which was held in Fremantle earlier this month.
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The Georgiana Molloy Anglican School Year 11 student was one of two songwriters to win in the 12 to 15 year-old category, Sarah took out the song craft division for her piece Powder and Crystals.
Growing up in a musical family has helped Sarah pursue her passion, her father is a classically trained guitarist who runs Sonup Studios in Busselton.
Sarah’s mum entered her in the quest, and said she was the most nervous she had ever been before playing.
“It was more challenging than all the others I had been in and all the artists were amazing,” she said.
When the winners were announced Sarah did not realise there were two categories in her age group and felt disappointed when she thought she had missed out.
“Then the judge said the song craft went to me I was really happy I did not know how to react, it is still sinking in,” she said.
Sarah said she was looking forward to connecting with people through her music at the festival and hopes to give the audience an experience they will enjoy.
She describes her music as similar to the style of Adele with soulful pop sounds that could be quite emotional, sad and filled with teen angst.
“Which I do not like - but it is true - I am trying to write different songs,” she said.
“Most of the songs I write come from personal experiences which I went through at the time, or others will be about the government, stuff that I have been moved by and think are wrong, so I write about it.”
As part of her prize pool Sarah will have an opportunity to attend a pre-performance workshop with John Butler and Mama Kin, as well as a recording session in Butler’s studio.
“I am really excited I love John Butler,” she said.
Georgiana Molloy Anglican School head of music Philip Watts said he was not surprised by Sarah’s success as she was a very talented songwriter.
“Sarah is always performing around school and at different concerts we have,” he said.
“She has performed publicly many times and seems very comfortable with crowd interaction and speaking to the crowd through a microphone.
“It is really interesting songwriting.”
Mr Watts will be taking their school band to play for Margaret River and Dunsborough primary schools in May which Sarah will be part of and hopes she will play a solo.
