Tomorrow in my favourite city Stockholm

Hello and happy new year!

I am on my way to Stockholm, and just wanted to say that I have got a little last minute show, opening for Nicolai Dunger, a wonderful Swedish singer-songwriter, at Mosebacke in Stockholm. This is such a great place, I can’t wait. So if you love good music, and you are in Stockholm tomorrow (Jan 7), come to Mosebacke!

Here is to a great new year with lots of art and music, and lots of love for all……………..and more money. hehe it’s all about the money! : )  (but mostly about the music…..)

XOXO

sarah

review: Shakenstir (uk) 4/5

http://www.shakenstir.co.uk/index.php/reviews/last-reviews-of-2009/reviews/13644/

Sarah MacDougall ACROSS THE ANTLANTIC (Copperspine Records). Release Date: 25 January 2010.

MacDougall is a Swedish-born alt country/indie folk singer/songwriter based in Canada. This album is her first official release and has been produced and engineered by her. “I wanted to write an album that sticks in your head and grabs a hold of your heart” says MacDougall. “And I also wanted to prove myself as a producer and audio-engineer, because I am incredibly passionate about sound!”

Well, congratulations Sarah, you’ve nailed it! Listen to the firt track ‘Ballad Of Sherri’ and you will see exactly what this lady is on about. It opens sounding like something coming out of an old valve radio, then about the middle-eight it opens out in modern audio style. It’s upbeat with a monster melody, a great vocal quality, and dare I say it, a sense of fun. Glorious! ‘Ramblin’ is contemplative, gently rolling love song with country guitar wailing away in the background, and an expressive vocal up-front. There’s a bar-room vibe on ‘Cry Wolf’ which bounds along in true country style. ‘Across The Atlantic’ goes reflective and emo with perhaps the most moving vibe on the record. Beautiful. ‘Hundred Dollar Bills’ has a retro feel that mixes dark and light perfectly. ‘Biggest Mistake’ has a pronounced beat – a real foot-tapper. ‘I’ve Got Sorrow’ moves at glacial pace with gorgeous multi-layered vocals, while ‘Crow’s Lament’ has a distinctly retro, continental feel. Finally, ‘Goodbye Julie’ completes the album on a sad and thoughtful note, and is a standout here.

4/5

Review in Country Music People Magazine January 2010 issue

Translation of the French review

http://withmusicinmymind.blogspot.com/2009/12/2009-sarah-macdougall-across-atlantic.html

“It is not so easyto find a good album of folk song / country / americana which does not fall in clichés associated to these musical styles. Swedish exiled in Canada Sarah MacDougall is THE discovery of alternative folk song / country of this end of year, simply. She possesses the charming voice of a fallen angel, Lucinda William’s depth, maturity of one Joan Baez and the freshness as well as the spontaneity of her young age. This author / composer / producer and guitarist has everything for her. Across The Atlantic is the second Lp of the attractive young lady who follows upon already very promising sound first album Headed for the hills ( 2005 ) and in Ep I don’t want to be alone anymore (2008). Her music is at once light and serious, brilliant and poignant, in summary, it is a true beautiful experience to discover and to listen to Across The Atlantic.

Ballad Of Sherri begins on an acoustic sound mono which makes dream of a demo taken on the deep to take finally its flight on a dishevelled rhythm. The more melancholic tune is absolutely sublime. An ideal opening. The beauty of the folk song / country ballad Ramblin ‘ sets in the throat. A very moving piece which rings as a classic of the years of 70’s. Warmer and joyful dancing Cry Wolf country is a small jewel as we would more like to listen to it. The melody is wonderful. Across The Atlantic invites in the journey through this attractive ballad restful, simple and splendidly sung by Sarah. I’ ve Got Your Back is one of these blazing torch songs only the Americans of which have the secret deciphered by Sarah. On a lighter and moved note, Hundred Dollar Bills is a subtle and elegant comic sweetness. Acceleration of considerable tempo on the jewel whom is Biggest Mistake. The heartbreaking I’ ve Got Sorrow continues in the lineage begun withsublime ballads by the piece Ramblin ‘. Of Crow Lament summarizes perfectly Sarah’s universe: a piece country well-balanced which can please a little attracted public parce particular musical genre. A tour de force. The closing piece is made in the most beautiful way by means of a magnificent haunting ballad: Goodbye Juliet.

First album was released in a official way, Across The Atlantic impresses from part the maturity of her creator. Amazing.”

Gnomes and trolls….

…..are all around us this time of year…..at least according to old swedish folk-lore. There is about half a meter of snow here in Malmö right now, which is, in my opinion (as someone who is hardly ever in a hurry or driving) VERY LOVELY!!!
I am really loving walking around in the snow, and can’t wait to get out there today…I am just concluding some emailing and listening to the speeches from the Cop15 summit in Copenhagen on the TV. It seems so sad that no agreement has been able to be reached. This is the future of our planet that we are talking about!!! There is a lot of frustration in the air right now in this part of the world. On a positive note, there is at least consensus finally that something needs to be done in order to avoid catastrophy. I feel pretty powerless, but also hopeful for the future…that people around the world can come together for a greater purpose…I guess we will see what happens, but all of this reminds me that I have to do everything I can to take my responsibility, and to figure out how I can make my own lifestyle sustainable. It is a challenge to be a musician who makes very little money who travels a lot, and still trying to be environmentally friendly. But we all are a part of the puzzle of this world..

Anyway, enough of my climate meditations. : )

I also wanted to give a warm HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all you people out there.

This has, in many ways, been the best year of my life, and I want to thank all of you who have made it such a good year for me. I have met some of the most incredible people, and I am so happy that so many people, from Russia to Europe to Canada,  have embraced and supported my music, come out to my shows, played my music on the radio, and encouraged me to continue down my artistic path. Thank you! It really means so much, every little nice comment or everyone who buys my cd.

I am so looking forward to this new decade….

Thank you for a wonderful year!

Love Sarah