Interview: Sarah Teibo
MOBO nominated gospel artist Sarah Téibo released her debut album 'Walk With Me' last year and is just about to make history as the first gospel artist to headlining at the iconic Hard Rock Cafe London. LTTM spoke to the talented singer to find out more.
Tell us a little bit about this new album of yours?
'Walk With Me' is my debut album and was released on the 8th of May 2016 on all digital music platforms. It's an 11-track album which ranges from soulful, infectious numbers such as ‘New Day’ which charted at Number 3 on the StepFWD Christian Charts, to bouncing up-tempo tunes like ‘Steal My Joy’, the first single from the project. On the album, I fuse my uniquely soulful yet contemporary style and powerful lyrics to produce a new and exciting sound which some music critics have described as ‘fresh, urban yet classic’.
Which is your favourite track on the album and why?
'I Long For You' is my favourite track on the project. This song is an open and honest letter to God admitting that sometimes life gets so distracting and consuming that I struggle to give him all the attention he deserves. It talks about my desperate need for him and simply how I long just to be alone with him. The feedback I've had from people who've listened to it, is that the message in the song resonates strongly with them as well.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
If given the chance, I would absolutely love to work with Jonathan McReynolds. I love his approach to song writing in which his interpretation of melodies and uncommon use of lyrics make every song he writes a classic in my books.
Do you prefer playing live or working in the studio?
I enjoy working in the studio as every musical moment gets perfectly refined, but prefer singing live as I get to interact with the audience, the energy in a live performance is completely different - empowering most times - and I get to experiment with some creative stuff on the spot.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I'm a very soulful singer and my style crosses R&B, Jazz and Soul with an infusion of Gospel. My earliest memories of music come from listening to Motown classics with my Mom from the age of three or four. This was more or less my introduction to music and has to a great extent informed my taste and style in music
How would you define success in your career?
I genuinely do not consider myself a success as I'm just starting this journey. I do know that I've achieved some milestones along the way - for which I'm eternally grateful - but I'm very much a work in progress.
What is your favorite album of all time?
'Songs In The Key of Life' by Stevie Wonder, with my favourite track on the project being 'Have A Talk With God'.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?
'Holy Ghost' by Kim Burrell.
What does the next year hold for Sarah Teibo?
Being the workaholic that I am, I plan to continue promoting my album, touring the country and probably releasing a single or two from my next project.
