We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sarah Mount. Check out our conversation below.
Sarah, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is by far the most important trait to me. It is crucial because it forms the foundation of trust, respect, and strong relationships, both personally and professionally. It involves acting with honesty, strong moral principles, and a commitment to ethical behavior, even when faced with challenges. With strong integrity anyone in any industry is unstoppable bound for total success.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I was born and raised in the United States, and now based in Southwest Germany I have made a reputation across the entire Denver, Colorado music scene for tireless work ethic and ability to play any style and at any position in the lineup – whether that’s pure ensemble work, like I have done with the Mannequin Entertainment, my solo work playing along to electronic music, or fronting a powerhouse group like my very own Sarah Mount and the Rushmores.
For the last fifteen years I have made appearances on stages all over Denver, Colorado frequenting prestigious metro area venues such as the the Ogden Theater, Bluebird Theater, Fox Theater, City Park Jazz, Gothic Theater, Levitt Pavilion, The Mission Ballroom, Dazzle, and Red Rocks Amphitheater. I am a consummate artist who paints and teaches music and art, and is one of the founders of the Colorado Musicians Union demonstrating deep commitment to not only performing at a high level, but advocating for other artists and musicians every day. Currently you can find me performing across Europe solo, with my husband and fellow saxophonist Daniel Steigleder as a couple, Doppelspitze Management, or with Élan Artists international.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I cannot remember the exact age, but very young. To master your craft as a visual artist and musician it requires an extensive amount of practice, and making yourself practice requires an even more extensive amount of discipline, determination, and patience. To conquer a challenging piece of music on or off stage, or creating with a strong execution of imagination can be a powerful feeling like no other. One that can only be accomplished through the time commitment of practice.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
This is something I think most if not every creative struggles with. Even after making a living off of my art and music for decades I still struggle from time to time. The artistic path is riddled with so many obstacles such as self-doubt, criticism, fear of rejection, time management, financial security, competition, and perfectionism to name a few. Even though these challenges exist I still feel that there is nothing better, or more worthwhile.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That one must be absolutely flawless at all times to deserve a place in the industry. Humans are imperfect creatures by nature, and chasing perfection is part of being an artist. While technical skill is appreciated, the connection through emotional honesty conveyed by the musicians are often what resonate most deeply with listeners. In my experience, it is entertaining to watch the chase of perfection in performance, people respond to authenticity and relatable moments of flaws for that is the true display of the human condition. You don’t need to be perfect to deserve some time in the limelight there is space for everyone.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
There are a lot of dark corners in the music industry where shady people conduct themselves in the shadows. I have a bit of a reputation for unapologetically calling them out in a big way. In these times I am typically accused of doing this for attention or relevancy when I get more than enough of these things in my time performing. In fact, I would love to save space on my platform for just the more beautiful aspects of being an artist alone, and it’s the last thing I want to do is use my voice in this way. It pains me to make these posts on social media calling out people whose actions require a response and reaction. Victims deserve advocacy and to have a say when their voice has been silenced. After going through so much it should not be up to them to cut open their wounds over and over again just to make a stand. I believe it should be up to the community to be the champions for justice. Change will never happen through silence and complacency, and I want to be a part of the change to leave a better path for the musicians behind me. Especially women in the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6QcYvreu9qFJHrQ4suZucS?si=eMxI4vNaQ_eBL74BEv3L_A&pi=u-BWarfR6aS_GH
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saxxy_sarah?igsh=M2pxZHY4NTdwemZp&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15VKTqbZjq/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Charla Harvey Photography
Philip Dehm Photography
Adrian Nina
