Postmodern Jukebox frontwoman, Sara Niemietz has a incredible year ahead of her. On top of releasing her unique covers that we have all grown to love (whether solo or with her band) Niemietz is also currently on the road with Postmodern Jukebox on a massive international tour. Already a month into the tour, she has seen Dubai and Ireland, and is currently trekking through the U.K., with tour plans all the way through June. With even more plans to release new music and covers this year, there are no signs of stopping for Sara Niemietz.
We had the chance to catch up with the singer about her current tour, covers and plans for the rest of 2016. Read the entire interview and listen to her stunning cover of Meghan Trainor’s “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” below!
Interview by Dom Vigil
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for any readers who may not be familiar?
Hello there! I’m a sonic story teller. I paint pictures with sound and have a fantastic time doing it! In short, I’m a musician. Always have been and always will be! I started singing at four years old and haven’t stopped since. Some of my adventures have included starring on Broadway, working in TV and film, singing at the Grand Ole Opry, and writing original songs!
I want to first talk about your current international tour with Postmodern Jukebox, because it is massive! What about these tour dates are you most excited for?
Oh my gosh! It’s so much fun. We’re almost a month in and have been in Dubai, Ireland, and the U.K. I love the band – we’ve become a tour family. I’m really looking forward to each of the new places, since I haven’t been to any of them. I am very excited to see what Poland is like.
What can listeners expect from this string of tour dates?
They can expect the unexpected (however that works!). There is so much spontaneity and we often have surprise guests – so the show is always fresh. One thing that’s constant is fabulous musicians with a true love for jazz. My kind of people!
Postmodern Jukebox is different than any other groups because of the way you go about covering certain songs. When you hear a song, do you automatically know how you want to put your own spin on it or how you want to rearrange it?
The Postmodern approach to interpreting songs is fascinating. The arrangements are achieved in a number of ways, depending on who the singer is, but in my experience, I meet up with Scott Bradlee and we experiment and sing/ play through songs to see what happens.
When I’m working on a cover of a song for my own YouTube channel, I always come at it in a different way. If you’re not going to put your own stamp on it, it’s probably best to just leave it to the original recording. I like using guitars on piano-ballads or singing the words to a rap. Gotta mix it up, but stay true to the heart of the song. That’s always my goal.
What is the most difficult part about creating these unique covers?
Thankfully, it’s not difficult – it’s FUN. Any time I get to collaborate with a great musician it’s a real treat. We bounce ideas back and forth and it’s a lovely exchange.
On the flip side, what is the most fun or rewarding part?
The most rewarding part is getting to perform these new arrangements LIVE in a venue, rather than just in front of a camera. I feel the energy from the people at the venue and it becomes a party.
Of your most recent songs, your take on “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” is absolutely stunning! What about this song really stood out to you and made you want to create your own version?
I hadn’t heard this song until my mom hipped me to it! The first thing that got me was the old-school Otis Redding-y vibe, and then as I took in the lyrics, it really hit me. I love the message about being grateful for the moment and people in your life. “Make the most of the minutes and love with no regret” – how beautiful!
You also have released some original music, like your EP, Fountain & Vine, that came out last year. Can listeners expect any new original tunes any time soon?
Yes indeed! I have a new video coming out for a single from Fountain and Vine. It’s called “Out of Order”. I’m writing a lot on tour too, and can’t wait to share it when I get home. In the meantime, I have a lot of new music coming soon while I’m in Europe.
What would you like listeners to be able to take away from your original music, covers, or even your live performances?
I want them to take joy from it. Joy is contagious, it’s free, and it’s powerful. It’s what I feel when I’m singing and after coffee, it’s the next best thing to start the day off right. If my music can bring a smile or help someone’s day out, I’m happy.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank YOU for the awesome questions. You can follow me on social media to keep up with all my adventures while on tour, and to see all my new releases!
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1 Comment
The song cover of Like I’m Gonna Lose You , absolutely stunning and hits right to the core. This girl has an amazing talent, and we are the lucky one’s that she is sharing it with. Go Sara !!