Encore: Sarah Louise
Sarah Louise shares the personal journeys behind her chart-topping hits, the influence of Nashville and the Scottish Highlands on her music, and what’s next for her in 2025.
What inspired you to create your latest EP, ‘Sunflower Now’?
‘Sunflower Now’ is very special to me because it represents growth, resilience, and a full-circle moment in my career. The original version of ‘Sunflower’ touched so many people, reaching over 20 million views, which was truly overwhelming. That response made me want to revisit the song in a fresh way. The new acoustic version strips it back to its purest form, allowing the words and emotions to shine. I also wanted to celebrate the song’s journey and connect with my listeners more personally, and this EP reflects that.
Can you share the story behind your song ‘I Ain’t Got The Time’, which reached No.1 in the UK iTunes Singer-Songwriter Charts in 2024?
‘I Ain’t Got The Time’ is about taking back control of your life and walking away from things that no longer bring happiness. I wrote it when I was learning to set boundaries and focus on what truly mattered. The song’s upbeat, confident energy reflects self-belief and strength. Seeing it reach No.1 was incredible, knowing so many people resonated with its message of knowing your worth.
How did your experiences in Nashville and Knoydart, Scotland, influence your fifth original album, ‘Change Of Plan’?
‘Change Of Plan’ was shaped by two very different but equally inspiring places. Nashville, with its strong songwriting tradition, pushed me to grow as an artist. I immersed myself in storytelling-driven songwriting, working with talented musicians who encouraged me to explore lyrics and melodies in new ways.
In contrast, Knoydart was peaceful, remote, and surrounded by breathtaking beauty. That reflective space allowed me to process my thoughts, which you can hear in the more emotional, acoustic-driven songs. The mix of these experiences helped create a record that blends country energy with deep personal reflection.
Can you tell us about your upcoming single releases?
I have an exciting year ahead, starting with my next original release, ‘Doesn’t Matter’, on 21 February 2025. The song is about letting go of expectations and embracing life as it comes.
I’ll also be releasing a cover song every last Friday of the month, starting with ‘Dreams’ on 28 February 2025. I love reimagining classic songs and adding my style, and I can’t wait to share these new versions with my listeners.
Your music often reflects themes of nature and love. How do these elements shape your songwriting process?
Nature and love are two of the most powerful influences in life, and I find endless inspiration in both. Being in nature gives me space to think clearly, often leading to new song ideas.
Love, in all its forms, is something everyone can relate to. Whether it’s romantic love, self-love, or a love for life itself, I try to capture those emotions in my music. I want my songs to bring comfort and warmth, just like nature does when you take a moment to truly appreciate it.
What was the inspiration behind your covers album, ‘Dreamers Country’, released in April 2024?
‘Dreamers Country’ was a special project because it was created with my audience in mind. I ran a poll to let listeners choose the songs they wanted me to record, and that’s how the album came together.
It was wonderful to see which songs people connected with, and I loved bringing them to life in my way. The album is a celebration of my connection with my listeners, and I’m so grateful for their involvement in shaping it.
How do you pick what songs to cover and when?
Choosing covers is a mix of personal connection and audience feedback. I pick songs that mean something to me or suit my voice and style, but I also love hearing what my fans want.
I try to balance well-known classics with hidden gems, making sure each cover brings something fresh and new. The timing depends on what feels right—a song might match a particular season or mood, and that’s when I know it’s the right time to release it.
How did it feel to see your song ‘Sunflower’ gain over 20 million views?
It was absolutely incredible! I knew ‘Sunflower’ was a special song when I wrote it, but I never imagined it would reach so many people. Seeing how much it meant to listeners all over the world was truly heartwarming.
That’s why I decided to celebrate with ‘Sunflower Now’—to say thank you to everyone who embraced the song and made it part of their own story.
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