Sarah Jane Scouten is a folk-country singer-songwriter originally from Bowen Island and currently based in a tiny village called Moniaive in southwest Scotland.
Her fifth studio album, Turned to Gold, dropped on Light Organ Records this past Friday. The album is lovingly deemed a road trip album, and features the deep level of introspective storytelling that Scouten is known for and has showcased over the course of her musical journey.
Read ahead to learn more about Sarah in her own words.
Q: Introduce yourself!
Sarah Jane Scouten: My name is Sarah Jane Scouten (like a girl scout) and I’m a folk and Americana songwriter living in southwest Scotland, but I grew up on Bowen Island. I started hosting folk nights at Café Montmartre on Main Street in 2009, then started making records when I moved to Montreal, then Toronto, then Europe. I’m excited to release my latest record Turned to Gold.
Q: How would you describe your music to a first-time listener?
SJS: I love heavy songwriters like Townes Van Zandt and John Prine, and a lot of traditional American and Canadian settler music. This latest record plays a lot with Tom Petty and 1970’s Emmylou Harris sounds. Guitars, lots of them. Pedal steel. Drums. A lot of harmonies.
Q: What is your favourite music venue in Vancouver?
SJS: Currently, I’d say the Fox Cabaret. I also love the scene surrounding The Wise Hall and The Heatley. But to be honest, I was most influenced by artists I saw at The Rogue Folk Club. Vancouver has changed so much. I used to go out to the Biltmore a lot when I lived in Vancouver and would go out to The Anza Club to play bluegrass.
Q: What was the last live show you attended?
SJS: I’m at an old time music camp in North Wales right now, and I saw a great square dance band last night! We also went to Long Road Festival in England a few weekends ago and saw Sierra Ferrell for the first time. It’s not all the time an artist is worth the hype, but she definitely is. Margo Price was there too and she never disappoints. Makes me think I should start wearing more tasseled one-piece bathing suits on stage..
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Learn more about Sarah and her latest record over at sarahjanescouten.com.
