Sarah McCulloch is a Country/Americana Singer-Songwriter whose sweet, yet sultry, voice pierces right through the lush traditional country production on her latest album, Sawmiller’s Daughter. The songwriter’s emotive and nostalgic lyrics showcase her knack for timeless storytelling that transports the listener right into the center of the narrative.
Produced by Jim Bickerstaff (Widespread Panic, Loretta Lynn, Chuck Leavell, Gladys Knight) and written entirely by McCulloch except for, “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal” written by legendary outlaw songwriter Billy Joe Shaver, Sawmiller’s Daughter is an evocative collection of stories rooted in strength, spirit and family. The album was recorded at East Avalon Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama and features widely acclaimed musicians including Pat Severs, Kelvin Holly, Clayton Ivey, John Willis, Bob Wray, Terry Feller, Stan Geberer and Donny Carpenter.
Sawmiller’s Daughter was what McCulloch was a labor of love. The production of the album was postponed due to COVID, as well as McCulloch’s divorce and a cross-country move back to South Florida after living in the Western New York area for over a decade. “Like so many songwriters, I played the adversity to my creative advantage,” says McCulloch, “This album was written and rewritten… the songs weren’t done until I had the experiences I needed to have for completion.”
Born in Miami, Florida and raised in the Everglades, McCulloch grew up on her father’s sawmill, surrounded by the remote property that is now part of the Big Cypress National Preserve. “My father was a force of nature, he was a pioneer who was always growing spiritually,” says McCulloch. “He taught me the meaning of hard work and perseverance.” The title track of the album pays homage to that sentiment as well as McCulloch’s unique upbringing and country roots.
On “Half Crazy,” McCulloch delivers a heartbreaker worthy of Patsy, replete with classic honky tonk ballad fills. In our interview, Sarah spilled on her many, many influences and the albums that she thinks are required listening.
Who are some of your musical influences?
The Trio – Linda, Dolly and Emmylou. I have learned from each of them individually and as the Trio. Lee Ann Womack’s singing is so, so good I think she’s the female George Jones of our time. And when I was a little girl, I watched Coal Miner’s Daughter over and over. I think I wanted to be Loretta Lynn. Her bond with her father was so like mine and her ability to write about her life’s story was so simple and beautiful. Lucinda Williams influenced me to just be my true self, no subterfuge, no smoke and mirrors. She was really brave that way and it paid off for her. She’s a big inspiration. I’ve had many influences but each of these women influenced me the most.
Name a perfect song and tell us why you feel that way.
“Pancho and Lefty.” It tells an interesting, remarkable story. It’s aching. It’s easy to sing and remember. Perfect.
Do you have any songwriting tips you can share.
Start with catchy lyrics first (usually). Work a little on it. Play it into your iPhone. Listen
to it in the car, making dinner, washing dishes, etc.., and you’ll know if it’s good enough
to keep going or scrap. A good song is one that begs you to keep chipping away at it. It’ll hook you in. Repeat the whole process until it takes shape. Don’t rush the process. The universe unfolds right before you and you’ll have the rest of the words before you know it.
Recent release you cannot stop listening to?
Can you tell I listen to a lot of women? Maren Morris’ “Circles Around This Town,” mainly because that’s the song my son wants to listen to. Yes, I am raising a Pop-Country fan. This is why he needs to listen to the aforementioned five albums, LOL. Seriously, it’s a cute song and tells her story of rising to the top in Nashville. Gotta hand it to her for all her hard work. We car-dance to it on repeat. 😉
What five albums would you make your kid listen to and why?
Each of these albums has a vibe that is rich with vulnerability. They taught me a lot
about songwriting and getting the message across in a simple yet really beautiful way.
Linda Ronstadt’s “Heart Like a Wheel”
Carole King’s “Tapestry”
Lucinda Williams “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road”
Emmylou Harris’ “Wrecking Ball”
Lee Ann Womack’s “The Way I’m Livin’”