Curb | Word Entertainment recording artist and songwriter Sarah Reeves transforms “Winter Wonderland” into a Christmas duet with soulful singer and “American Idol” finalist Clark Beckham. Together, the two artists trade vocals on the holiday standard. Listen to the elegant rendition of “Winter Wonderland (feat. Clark Beckham)”. Following Reeves’ Big Band version of “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” release of the timeless classic unwraps the next sampling of fresh holiday music leading up to the Holiday season. Earlier this summer, Reeves dropped a poignant original track, “Best Days.” She takes the position of the eternal optimist on “Best Days.” Her soaring range shines across a galloping melody as she stretches herself vocally while carefully harnessing a sonically textured anthem full of lush, stacked vocals.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Sarah Reeves. What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
I think one of my strengths as a musician is the ability to tap into deep emotions in myself which ultimately leads to the music I make and the songs I write. I always want to make music that makes the listener feel something and it takes more than just practical talent to do that.
Who inspired you to make music?
My dad was a big inspiration. Since I was a kid he always got me to sing with him at church and taught me how to play piano. My family is very musical so we were always singing and dancing around the house growing up.
Your latest release is 'More The Merrier'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
“More the Merrier” is quite possibly my favorite project of my career thus far. It is a timeless collection of Christmas songs both new and old that I hope you enjoy listening to as much as we enjoyed making it. I tapped into a side of my artistry that I’ve never known before yet it felt natural and effortless. The energy in the studio was electric as we brought jazz musicians in to bring these songs to life. I hope you feel the magic, the joy, a touch of nostalgia and warmth this holiday season as you fill your home with these Christmas carols.
As far as unusual things - we recorded this in the middle of summer so I got my producers ugly Christmas sweaters, we decorated the studio in Christmas lights and really tried to get in the Christmas spirit in the middle of the hot summer!
Can you shortly describe each of the tracks that are on the album?
More the Merrier
I wanted to create a “new classic”. This song is the title track and embodies the theme of this album. I hope this song brings people together. This is what Christmas is about - welcoming everyone, making traditions and priceless memories.
Holly Jolly
This is a fun one that we all know and love. I decided to do my own version of it without straying too far from the simplicity of this Christmas classic. Having a live jazz band in the studio made this one extra special to record.
Winter Wonderland
This is one of the first songs I play every year at the beginning of the Christmas season. It is simple, classic and I was so excited to record my own version. I asked my friend who is an incredible artist named Clark Beckham to join me on this song. He was the perfect addition. I hope this song brings a magical feeling of warmth and nostalgia this Christmas.
Sentimental
This is an original that has easily become my favorite song on the album. It is heartfelt, romantic, warm and causes me to stop and take in the beauty and wonder of Christmas time. The live strings add a layer of magic and I want to melt in these lyrics every time I sing it.
My Favorite Things
This one brings back special memories for me. When I was younger, I watched The Sound of Music countless times with my childhood best friends. When this song was brought up as an option to record on my Christmas album, it was a no brainer! This is one of my favorite songs to sing on the album.
Go Tell It On the Mountain
I chose this song because it is a celebration of Jesus’ birth, the reason why we celebrate Christmas. I had so much fun recording this song. We decided to add some jazzy, classic elements to it, as well as another chorus section to really make it come alive even more. I hope that this song reminds you of the joy of Christmas and what a gift it was to have our King Jesus come to this earth.
Snow Globe
This is the first original I wrote for this album. I’ve had this title in my phone for a couple of years but never quite felt like it fit anywhere until now. Sometimes I wish we could take the moments we experience with our loved ones and put it in a snow globe that we keep forever. I never want to forget the precious times we share around this special time of year.
Greatest Gift
This song is an original that perfectly wraps up this album. I never want to lose sight of the greatest gift of all. It isn’t tangible. It’s not wrapped under a tree. I can’t hold it in my hands, but I hold it in my heart. It is the gift of Jesus and His love for us. Nothing on earth compares to Him.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest musical trends?
I’m always browsing on Spotify and saving things that stand out and inspire me. I don’t chase “trends” so I’m not sure if I’m up to date or not. I just try to make music from an authentic place and create what I love. Hopefully that inspires other people to do the same.
What makes you different from others?
I’d like to say I’m different because I don’t follow the status quo or try to copy what everyone else is doing. There’s a lot of noise in the world right now and I think people can easily sniff out a trend chaser and copycat. I stick to what I’m inspired by and write songs from personal places. That usually translates to the listeners and helps them in whatever they’re going through in their life.
What’s an average day like for you?
Lately I’ve been spending most of my weekdays in my studio writing and learning production. It’s been a lot of fun to not just write lyrics and melody but actually make the tracks as well. It’s a deep dive but I’ve had my head down determined to get better at it.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.
I love my fans. At the end of my shows, I always go out to hug / meet people and hear their stories. I try to respond as much as I can to people who reach out on social media as well.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Embrace the process. Surround yourself with people who inspire you/make you better/tell you the truth. Listen to good music. Go to good shows. Work hard. Be kind to people and know that most doors open out of a relationship and a good reputation.
What are your plans for the future?
I just wrapped up my next album that releases in 2023. We are starting to roll out the album in January and there are 15 songs so it will be a busy year. I’m very excited to get this music out into the world!