Meet Sara Niemietz | musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Niemietz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, how do you think about risk?
Music is all about honesty. When I play a song, I’m telling a story. And there’s an aspect of storytelling that forces one to become vulnerable. I’m standing on a stage, under a light, and putting myself out there. This is me! Here you go!

Phew – that’s a big risk. Humans are sort of conditioned to be risk-averse, but that never brings about captivating art! I had to learn to push that old instinct aside and go for it.

Working on my new album, Superman, there were times when I thought – do I want to soften these edges? Maybe make a lyric less personal? Eschew the jazz chords I love? In the end, my collaborator Linda Taylor and I decided against it. I had to keep it true to who I am. Risk-taking has made this album my most representative work yet.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I can’t remember a time without music. I’m told my parents played jazz radio and old records when I was in the womb. Now, I don’t know about you, but I think Miles Davis makes a great wombmate. Bad puns aside, music is my life. It always has been.

A native Chicagoan, music has brought me to NYC (Broadway, Radio City Music Hall), over 40 countries on tour (Postmodern Jukebox), and to Los Angeles where I live and record when I’m not on the road.

The music industry is wild, sometimes wonderful, sometimes deeply trying. Like any business, there are plenty of aspects that have nothing to do with art, but I’ve always believed that if I’m keeping MUSIC first and INDUSTRY second, the two can coexist in a beautiful way.

Music is at the heart of every move I make. I love LEARNING and connecting with listeners. Here’s to the songs yet to be written!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m not really an itinerary person. I love to let adventures unfold and follow along. Part of the magic of LA is the people. There are ridiculously talented artists here and they are always up to something. I like to keep my ear to the ground, hear where friends are playing, and go support.

If my friend INSISTED I make an itinerary, I’d say, okay… get ready for some freeway time!
We’d get coffee at Coffee Commissary, because all days must begin with coffee.
Why not head over to Masa and get some proper Chicago deep dish?
If we’re already down that way, we may as well go to Dodgers Stadium and see a game. (I’m a Cubs fan, but hey – when in LA.)

Since we’re near downtown, let’s go to The Last Bookstore and maybe Grand Central Market.

Ready for more food? GOOD! We’d end the night at the Baked Potato for carb overload and some of LA’s best jazz.

The next day, my friend will go hike Runyon, because they want to get the “LA Vibe”. I will sleep off the pizza. Then, we’ll hit the beach! Sounds like a great weekend!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shout out to Linda Taylor!

Music doesn’t form in a vacuum, but sometimes it is born during a lockdown. Although Linda and I couldn’t be in the same room, our computers and the magic of Dropbox brought us together. We sent files back and forth and wrote songs while the world stood still. At first, it was just a creative adventure, but the collaboration led us to create an album. What a beautiful gift from a dark time. Linda – thank you for being brilliant and for all the musical lessons you’ve imparted!

Website: saraniemietz.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarapalooza/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/saraniemietz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaraNiemietzMusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/saraniemietz

Other: My new album, SUPERMAN, is coming out soon! Please pre order! https://shop.bandwear.com/collections/sara-niemietz-shop

Image Credits
Jeff Xander Photography