Q&A: Sarah Banker on Resilience and "Into the Heart"
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
COLORADO-BASED SINGER-SONGWRITER SARAH BANKER GETS VULNERABLE WITH HER LATEST PROJECT INTO THE HEART, a collection of songs centered around the powerful theme of resilience. "Into the Heart" was recorded at 9,000 feet elevation in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, a unique setting that significantly influenced the EP's introspective and strong sonic landscape. Working with producer Jeff Franca (Thievery Corporation), Banker has crafted a musical journey that is both "touching, sonically playful, and organic.
Banker's journey, which includes a background in cultural anthropology and a period of nomadic exploration, has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the power of perspective and the importance of authentic expression. In our interview below, Banker delves into the personal experiences and emotions that inspired this EP, exploring how challenges can be catalysts for transformation and growth.
LUNA: Into the Heart is described as a collection of songs centered around resilience. What specific experiences or emotions inspired this theme, and how did you translate them into the EP's narrative?
BANKER: The concept of resilience, for me, isn't just a buzzword; it's a fundamental aspect of the human experience, particularly in today's complex cultural landscape. We're constantly presented with opportunities to cultivate and demonstrate our inner strength. I see resilience as an energetic exchange: what we invest emotionally and mentally, we ultimately receive. This principle applies across all facets of life – our relationships, communities, professional endeavors, and, most importantly, our relationship with ourselves.
Into the Heart was born from a wellspring of deeply personal emotions: heartache, frustration, despair, and, most importantly, hope. These aren't isolated feelings; they're interwoven threads in the tapestry of human existence. The EP's narrative explores the transformative journey through these challenging emotions, focusing on the potential for growth and discovery that lies on the other side. It's about engaging with our experiences, cultivating curiosity, and fostering genuine connection with ourselves and others.
My goal is to illuminate how these experiences, even the painful ones, can become catalysts for profound resilience, strengthening our resolve and sharpening our discernment. Rather than passively accepting the narratives dictated by cultural conditioning, I believe we possess the agency to shape our own internal and external worlds. Into the Heart is an invitation to redirect our focus, to actively cultivate the world we wish to see, both within and around us. It's a testament to the power of hope as a guiding force, not just a passive emotion, but an active choice to build a future rooted in compassion, love, and acceptance.
LUNA: You've mentioned the EP is "authentic and transformative." Can you elaborate on the transformative journey you underwent while creating these songs and how you hope they transform listeners?
BANKER: My journey, like many others, has involved navigating the challenges of low self-esteem and a history of allowing myself to be treated with less respect than I deserved. It wasn't a singular moment, but rather a series of experiences that ultimately compelled me to make difficult, yet essential choices for my well-being.
FRIENDS emerged from a place of resolute determination: to uphold my standards in relationships and partnerships, even amidst heartache and frustration. It's a testament to the power of self-respect in the face of loneliness, a declaration that I would rather be alone than tolerate mistreatment. INTO THE HEART delves into the destructive power of self-limiting thoughts, the insidious fear of inadequacy that can stifle progress and creativity. It's a moment-to-moment practice, a conscious choice to prevent these thoughts from extinguishing my spirit.
OUR LOVE was born from a moment of profound faith-testing, a time when anger seemed like the natural response. Yet, amidst the turmoil, compassion emerged as the dominant force, opening up my world to forgiveness and removing the stifling burden of resentment. And COCKADOODLEDOO serves as a reminder to infuse playfulness and curiosity into my work and personal growth, to embrace the joy of discovery as I strengthen my resolve.
Collectively, these songs are an invitation to prioritize self-care, to cultivate self-love and compassion as the foundation for healthy relationships and thriving communities. I hope listeners find inspiration to nurture their own well-being, knowing that the love they cultivate within will naturally radiate outward. And above all, I hope they remember to approach life with a sense of playful curiosity, embracing the journey of continuous growth.
LUNA: The EP was recorded at 9,000 feet elevation in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. How did this unique setting influence the sonic landscape and overall feel of Into the Heart?
BANKER: Recording at that altitude demanded significant mental and emotional stamina, which, interestingly, mirrored the EP's themes of resilience. The mountains themselves became a powerful metaphor for that journey: the rugged terrain, the ever-changing weather, and the sense of being both small and connected within that vastness all contributed to the EP's overall feel of introspection, strength, and a deep connection to the inner self. Adding to this connection, most of the collaborators, including myself, live in the area, allowing the spirit of the mountains to permeate the project on a personal level. Pushing through those limitations, both physical and creative, led to a deeper understanding of my own strength. Ultimately, the mountains became a true collaborator, shaping not just the sound, but the essence of Into the Heart.
LUNA: Can you share some insight into your songwriting process for this one?
BANKER: The songwriting process for Into the Heart was a deeply personal and often unpredictable journey, with each song arriving at a distinct point in my life. I don't adhere to a rigid formula; rather, each song seems to possess its own unique life force, often emerging directly from the emotions I was experiencing in that moment. Some songs materialized within hours, while others required years of patient development.
OUR LOVE, for instance, arose from a moment of profound vulnerability. I was huddled in the corner of my apartment, grappling with the loss of my father and the simultaneous revelation that he wasn't my biological parent. In that moment of intense emotional turmoil, the phrase 'love will get me through this...not just mine, but our love' resonated deeply, becoming the song's core message.
FRIENDS came about during a conversation with a friend about the frustrations of modern dating. We were both tired of the games and the lack of genuine connection, and I wanted to capture that feeling of wanting to find real friendship within a romantic relationship.
INTO THE HEART was born from a conversation with my husband, a fine artist, during a period of shared self-doubt. We were both searching for a way to break free from the cycle of negative thoughts and find a path forward.
And COCKADOODLEDOO emerged from a moment of pure, uninhibited playfulness. I was simply experimenting on my guitar, swaying around my living room, allowing the music to flow freely.
Ultimately, Into the Heart is a collection of deeply personal stories, each reflecting a unique emotional landscape and a testament to the transformative power of vulnerability and creative expression
LUNA: Working with Jeff Franca (Thievery Corporation) on this folk-pop EP is an interesting collaboration. How did his production style complement your vision for Into the Heart?
BANKER: Working with Jeff Franca on Into the Heart was a truly transformative experience, and his 'no nonsense' approach to collaboration proved invaluable. His production philosophy centered on capturing a raw, authentic moment in time, mirroring the life-inspired essence of the EP's songs.
Initially, I'll admit, his approach challenged my own perfectionist tendencies. The recordings felt raw and seemingly imperfect. However, through our collaborative process, I came to appreciate the profound beauty inherent in those so-called 'imperfections.' It was a powerful lesson, mirroring the very essence of life itself, where true beauty often resides in our vulnerabilities and authentic moments.
Jeff's production style complemented my vision by stripping away any unnecessary artifice, allowing the emotional core of each song to resonate with unfiltered honesty. He created a sonic landscape that felt both intimate and expansive, capturing the raw emotion of the songs, while also allowing the natural reverb and sounds of the recording location to shine through. The result is an EP that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable, a testament to the power of authentic expression
LUNA: Your journey from cultural anthropology to a nomadic life with your guitar is fascinating. How have these experiences, particularly your time in various natural landscapes, shaped your songwriting and perspective?
BANKER: My transition from cultural anthropology to a period of nomadic exploration with my guitar has profoundly shaped both my songwriting and my worldview. Cultural anthropology provided me with a critical lens through which to examine the diverse tapestry of human cultures, both past and present. It illuminated the constructed nature of our own cultural norms and roles, revealing that these constructs are not fixed, but rather fluid and malleable.
My travels offered a firsthand immersion into a multitude of perspectives, fostering a deep appreciation for the validity of diverse belief systems. This experience shattered any preconceived notions of a singular 'truth' and instilled in me a profound respect for the richness of human experience.
Now residing in the Rocky Mountains, I still carry with me the profound impact of my time spent in remote natural landscapes during my travels. Removed from the constant noise of societal conditioning, I was able to question the ingrained narratives that had shaped my own life and begin to consciously reprogram them, both personally and creatively. The vastness and solitude of these environments fostered a sense of clarity and connection, allowing me to tap into a deeper wellspring of inspiration.
Ultimately, these experiences have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of perspective, the fluidity of cultural constructs, and the transformative potential of nature. This informs not only my songwriting but my approach to life itself, encouraging me to continually question, explore, and create from a place of authenticity.
LUNA: What artists have been inspiring you lately?
BANKER: Gillian Hills, Wings, The Surfaces (Where the Light is), Gustav Holst (The Planets), Lake Street Dive
LUNA: What specific message or feeling do you hope people take away from Into the Heart?
BANKER: My deepest hope for Into the Heart is that listeners walk away with a profound sense of their own inherent creative power. We are all, in our own unique ways, co-creators of our collective experience, actively shaping the world around us.
I want people to feel empowered to cultivate the world they desire, both within themselves and within their communities, and to experience joy while doing so. This is a time of significant transition, a moment of immense potential. We have the opportunity to consciously build a reality that fosters contentment, love, and genuine connection.
Be the love.
Into the Heart is an invitation to embrace this power, to recognize that we are not passive observers but active participants in the creation of our shared reality. It's a reminder that even in the midst of uncertainty, we possess the ability to shape our own experience and contribute to a more harmonious and loving world, and to find joy in that creative process.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for this spring season?
BANKER: This spring season holds a duality of intentions for me, both personal and artistic. As a human, I'm eagerly preparing my vegetable garden for planting, anticipating the late April/early May arrival of spring in our mountain climate. There's something deeply grounding about connecting with the earth and nurturing new life.
As an artist, I'm incredibly excited for my May tour in Utah, along with a series of vibrant shows along the Front Range. I'm also deeply immersed in creating new music for release later this year, a process that feels both invigorating and inspiring. And to celebrate the release of Into the Heart, I'll be hosting an intimate EP Preview live stream from Stone Cottage Studios on April 16th, which will be available on YouTube and Instagram.
My overarching intention for this spring is to cultivate growth, both literally in my garden and metaphorically in my music and connections with my audience. It's a season of renewal, and I'm embracing the opportunity to plant seeds of both vegetables and creative expression that will blossom in the months to come.
