Life in Pop
Energetic Beats
Words by Sommer Brugal Photos by Will Bowling
In a city rich with Indie-artists, Americana musicians, and rock and rollers, singer-songwriter Sarah Dossey stands out with her electro-pop vibes. While she hasn’t figured out if her unique style is a good or bad thing just yet, she says her main goal is to have fun in her craft.
Dossey admits pop music isn’t considered a genre in Austin, and there isn’t a lot of pop music being made. But as Austin’s music scene continues to grow and change, so are the clubs and the bands they’re looking to book. “What’s happening downtown is a more club vibe, and it’s definitely a challenge for sure,” Dossey explains. “But I think you can either be afraid of the change or spearhead this new wave of music,” and she’s excited to be a part of the shift.
Today, Dossey creates music she describes as electro-pop, blending synths and interesting melodies, using multiple combinations of analog instruments. She says it’s not what you would hear coming out of Los Angeles but, instead, a reflection of her Austin roots and the current shift in styles.
In working on her latest album, Dossey used inspiration from the musicians and genres she’s always been drawn to, like Tom York, who she began listening to in college, and Norwegian and Swedish pop music. Heavily reflecting the folk music heard in those countries, she says her vocal melodies are intricate and different, a style of songwriting that makes sense to her.
Aside from her solo project, Dossey is also a member of Austin-based folk, bluegrass band Indian and The Jones, where she plays banjo. In writing music for the band, Dossey pulls from her love for Fleetwood Mac. She grew up listening to the duo, which is why she loves male-female vocal interactions.
Dossey’s latest album, which can be expected this summer, showcases her departure from her initial, mostly electronic sound. “I don’t see myself [in] the sexy pop genre,” she admits candidly. “I like the quirky and the fun, [and] I like things that are energetic and thought provoking.” It’s a shift that, she says, comes with a few connotations. But in the end, she is embracing her personality and being true to herself.
Show Me Love
For her eighth grade talent show, Dossey and her two best friends sang Robyn’s Show Me Love. It was her first experiment arranging vocals. “We did it acapella, and I arranged it all,” she recalls fondly. “I just naturally heard the harmonies, and I’ve loved that style of music ever since.” Her love and appreciation for a musician like Robyn still remains today.
Contact:
dosseymusic.com
@dosseytx
