Sarah Dooley
It’s not easy to make it in LA, nonetheless in multiple industries, but Sarah Dooley seems to have her toes dipped in two pools: music and comedy. Indiana-raised and Brooklyn-based, Dooley makes music for laughs. Her debut album, Stupid Things (2014), is full of Dooley’s self-deprecating and witty sense of humor interwoven into a pop and musical theatre hybrid, the title song being about all the stupid things you can do while a teen. Profiled on NPR and formerly #16 on the iTunes pop charts, Stupid Things was just the start for Dooley. Outside of the realm of music, Dooley’s released the book Are You My Uber?, and her webseries And Sarah was featured in the New York Times. Back in the musical world, her cover of “But Not for Me” was seen on an episode of CBS’ The Good Fight, and she’s released two more original songs, most recently “My Party”. The song is just a tease to her record Is This Heartbreak?, which is set to drop on October 23rd. We recently spoke with the multifaceted Sarah Dooley about her favorite aspects of performing, what’s next for her, and more!
How did you start making music?
I distinctly remember hearing “Extraordinary Machine” by Fiona Apple and thinking...ohhhhh I want to do that. In high school I had so many feelings and nowhere to put them and seeing this woman who was so unabashedly emotional--angry, sad, joyful--inspired me so much. I started writing songs obsessively--too many, really. I had a lot of catching up to do. And I’ve never gone back.
Besides making music, what's something you enjoy doing?
I’m an obsessive journaler which is a very sexy and youthful answer. I like making silly little comedy videos on twitter and instagram (follow me @iamsarahdooley heehee). I tried getting into drawing but I’m just, um...really really bad at it.
From where do you draw inspiration for your songs?
Many times I use songs to process real experiences I’ve had. My new song “Only Child” is about an actual only child who broke my heart a few years ago. I wrote it to be a reminder to myself that I deserve better. The weird thing is that I very very recently had my heart broken by yet another only child (someone please explain) and so singing and promoting this song feels all the more meaningful. It’s almost like my songs are letters I’m writing to myself in the future. Kinda spooky. Kinda fun. Other times I just improvise songs about otters and they turn into real songs. You never know!
What's your favorite part about performing?
I love the moment when I’m performing live but allow myself to experience songs the way I do when I’m alone in my bedroom. Sometimes it doesn’t happen 'til halfway through a set, but as soon as I really let my guard down and not think so much about the music being a “performance,” it feels like pure magic.
If you could perform in any venue in the world, where would you go?
The Colosseum. Just kidding, the acoustics are probably terrible. I’d say Joe’s Pub in NYC or Largo in LA. I prefer more intimate spaces and some of my favorite artists in the world have played gorgeous stripped down shows in those venues and I’d love to do something like that, mixed with a little comedy. I’m trying to take people on a real rollercoaster of emotions. Oh! Maybe Six Flags.
Who would you pick to be your partner in your dream collaboration?
This is too hard. I like thinking about the harmonies I’d want to do with Sufjan Stevens. I’m also obsessed with everything Margaret Glaspy and Donna Missal do. Or honestly...Weird Al and I could make a really touching, funny album I’m pretty sure.
Any plans for the future?
During this pandemic, the “future” to me means one hour from now. In which case I plan to heat up some soup. Feeling nervous about it but ultimately hopeful (it’s split pea). Besides that, I’m excited to be releasing a single the first week of September...it’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. It’s about throwing a party so that your crush will attend but then he leaves early. It’s called “My Party.” Get excited! And don’t forget to follow me on streaming platforms so you hear it as soon as it comes out….That’s what we call in the business a “subtle plug”.
