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08 | iNarrabri Magazine
Feature
Interview by Chris Jollow
What is the Sarah Leete life story so far?
I was born on the Central Coast. I grew up
there. I went to TOCAL Ag College and then
moved up here at the end of 2009. I got a job
on a farm at Maules Creek for two years, then
got a job with a harvest contractor. I drank too
much rum and got pretty fat! Once I’d lost a
heap of weight, I started my own business as
a personal trainer. I’ve been singing seriously
since 2013 because I’d lost weight and I was
more confident within myself.
How did you become interested in music?
I always have been. There was always music
around with Mum and Dad even though they
weren’t musicians. When I started high school,
I began writing a few songs and I bought a
guitar and it just went from there. I kept singing
my own stuff, more so than just learning covers,
because it was easier writing my own stuff when
I’d taught myself how to play!
When things happen in my life, or in certain
situations, I write a song about it. It helps me
get it out there.
How would you describe your music?
Country pop? It’s more just for me to tell sto-
ries, but I like to have it relate to other people
as well, so most of the songs I’ve written are
with a country influence.
How long have you been performing?
I’ve done some stuff through high school. I did
a few bigger gigs while I was at college at the
Lostock Music Festival Shindig they run down
there but I didn’t really start getting serious til
2013. Since then, I’ve been playing around the
area. It’s been good.
Where have you played?
I’ve played pretty much everywhere in Narrabri.
I’ve played in Moree and Boggabri and I’ve
been playing a bit for the "Say No to Shenhua"
in the Liverpool Plains. I’ve got a friend involved
down there. I’ve done a solo at the Lostock
Shindig which was good.
What about the Baan Baa Hotel?
(Laughter) Yeah- I’m there most of the time! I
was doing gigs there before I started singing
professionally. I just kinda sit at the bar with my
guitar…
What’s been your most memorable gig?
I think they’re all different and, even if you play
the same venue twice, the crowd or the at-
mosphere can be totally different. Probably the
ones that have shaped me the most, or have
left more of an impact on my career to date
would be the "North West Battle of the Bands".
I won that in 2013 and I got to do a recording
over in Tamworth. That kicked me off and then
in April this year, I won the "Moree Superstar"
and not only did I win the Senior section of
that, I also won the CCMA scholarship for the
Country Music Academy next year, which I’m
stupidly excited about! Also, I have recently
been endorsed by Col Clarke which is great!
Funniest moment on stage?
Hands down would be the Golf Club! A fel-
low named...
(Name excluded and now owes
me a favour - Ed)
... had consumed a few too
many, did a rendition with me of “I Was Only
Nineteen” using his nose to sound like an
organ! That was very funny, but I’ve seen lots of
funny stuff - lots of weird dancing… it’s always
interesting!
What do you most enjoy about performing?
I like to put my own spin on covers and I
believe I do them well. Because I’m not that
well known (I’m not Taylor Swift yet!), I have
to do a lot of covers but I really enjoy playing
my own music. It’s hard for me to transition to
full originals, but I like it when I get to play that
here. I’ve played at the Rugby Club and people
really enjoyed them and didn’t believe I’d writ-
ten them myself. They always comment that I’m
a lot more comfortable when I’m singing my
own stuff! I’m really looking forward to putting
my own music out there!
What could you do without?
Owning my own business currently as a fitness
instructor, which has been really, really good
and it’s going to be hard for me to give that
up if I’m going to be singing fulltime next year,
it would be the early mornings after the late
nights! I’ve had gigs at Inverell where I don’t
get home till 2.30 in the morning to Baan Baa
and then I have to be in Narrabri at 6 a.m.
Next year I’m looking forward to sleeping in
after a gig!
How do you prepare for a gig?
Well, there’ll be advertising for bookings and
things like that, then I’ll assess the venue and
what gear I’ll need. Obviously, I need to identify
the type of audience. It can range, even if you
play the same place twice. A week or so before,
I’ll come up with a rough set list. I practise every
day. If I don’t I can lose my voice pretty easily-
especially because I am self taught and haven’t
had much training. I’ll make sure my covers are
up to date, maybe write a few new songs for
the occasion to put my own spin on stuff. Then
I’ll pack my stuff in the car, and make sure my
boyfriend, who does my sound, and I leave on
time. We’ll set up, generally half an hour before
I start. I don’t drink alcohol when I sing - you
get enough drunk people at the venue!
Who are your musical influences?
When I was growing up, there was a lot of Cat
Stevens. I’m talking every day! Mum and Dad
are big fans and I’ve seen him live which was
amazing. Fleetwood Mac - stuff like that. As I
got older and could control what I was listening
to, it was more Killing Heidi; I’m a real big fan of
Ella Hooper. Now it would definitely be Miranda
Lambert, Michelle Branch, Patty Griffin and I’m
really digging Kelsea Ballerini at the moment.
Anyone who is kind of speaking or singing their
mind with a bit of attitude.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
There’s a girl from the States. She won the
voice, but she’s not overly mainstream called
RaeLynn. She’s got some pretty cool stuff out.
I’ve been listening to that. Cat Stevens every
other day. I like the folk stuff.
When you’re not gigging, what do you do?
I drive from Baan Baa to Narrabri three days a
week for my fitness business. My mother- in-
law is helping me now, so it’s not every day,
which is good. My boyfriend and I are renovat-
ing a house, which is ongoing. I don’t really
have any down time - I’m just busy!
And finally, the big question-baked beans
or…
Spaghetti!
Oh... You were ready for this?
Yes I was, but I must say I don't mind the baked
beans with chilli sauce. Otherwise, spaghetti
every time... And the cheesy variety!
sarah leete
Exciting times lie ahead for this self taught,
local musician and song writer...
photo: john burgess