Sara Simmons Interview by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show
Lamitschka: Music has many new fans throughout Europe who may be
hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe yourself
and the music you play to someone who has never seen or heard you?
Answer:
Fun, traditional country blended with bluegrass. I’ve dubbed it American Grass.
Lamitschka: How was the last year for you? What were your highlights?
Answer: roller coaster. It’s hard to pick a specific highlight
because I love most of the process. Writing is therapeutic. Going into
the studio is home to me, yet I always push myself to be better and do
better. The people, the fans…they are truly
what make any of this possible for me. So when people buy the cds and
T-shirt’s it’s a great feeling to know they genuinely care and support
what I’m doing.
Lamitschka: What is your latest CD and how’s it doing?
Answer: “OH I NEED YOU” I think it’s doing good. I’m an
overachiever so I’ll always wish for more people to get the cd, but I’m
also pleased with where I’m at in the process.
Lamitschka: How did you choose the title for the CD? Is there a story behind the name?
Answer: I wanted to be able to share with people that I do need
them. It’s punny. I’m like that:) I can’t over emphasize enough how
much people buying the cd, sharing on social media, coming to the
shows…all of their support makes a crucial difference.
Lamitschka: Do you write the songs yourself? If not, how do you go about finding the songs for your CD?
Answer: I wrote all the songs on this cd. I heard Dolly say “it’s
good therapy” I like to say it’s “God therapy and guy therapy for me”
Lamitschka: Please tell us about the songs on your album (influences, etc).
Answer: Merle Haggard has been an influence since the first time I
heard him on the radio. Buck Owens, Loretta and Tammy Wynette, such
great singers and amazing songs!
Lamitschka: What is the difference between your last CD and your current one?
Answer: I worked to make this one a little more modern while staying true to my roots.
Lamitschka: Your current single is being played by radio. What do
you feel is special about this song that makes people want to hear it?
Answer: Oh I Need You is a fun, toe tapper. It’s country, mixed
with a bluegrass feel, so the American Grass brand I’ve given it seems
to fit. It’s about being in love, the feelings right when you fell in
love and staying in love.
Lamitschka: What will your next single be?
Answer: That’s up for debate. Currently I’m leaning towards Sauced, but who knows. It’s tough, I love them all.
Lamitschka: What kind of songs do you like to record the most?
Answer: Great songs. Story songs, doesn’t matter fast or slow as long as it’s good.
Lamitschka: What is your favorite song among all the songs you have recorded and what’s the story behind it?
Answer: Reason For Believing is on my previous cd. I wrote it
about my Grandpa in world war 2. It reminds me of home and how proud I
am to be a farm girl with supportive grandparents. I’m proud of who they
are/were and what a giant impact they made in
my life.
Lamitschka: How much creative control do you have over your music?
Answer: 100%. I am very hands on. Every song, every project. I’m a
perfectionist so listening to every instrument, vocal, you name it, I’m
there.
Lamitschka: There’s a lot of work that goes into a number one hit. What did it take to make it in your case?
Answer: I’ll let you know when it happens😎
Lamitschka: Do you have any interesting stories about how fans have been affected by your music?
Answer: I hope above all that my music is encouraging and can let
people escape from the day to day life. I’ve had a handful of
emails/people say the story songs I’ve written have made them tear up.
It works just as quickly for them to say my corny,
funny songs have been their favorites as well. I’m just thankful to be
apart of their lives.
Lamitschka: Who inspires you musically and how deep do your musical roots run?
Answer: My grandma and mom were the first to inspire me. Then it
would go to Merle Haggard, Bing Crosby, Bill Gaither, Buck Owens,
Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette
Lamitschka: What do you think about today’s music scene versus its post and where do you see it going in the future?
Answer: I’m sentimental and like good traditional. For me that’s
traditional country. I’m hopeful it will come back to its roots.
Lamitschka: What do you think about today’s music industry?
Answer: I think music is similar to clothing styles in a way. The
good trends always come back, and greatness never goes out of style.
Lamitschka: If you had the chance to change something about the music industry, what would it be?
Answer: That’s a tricky question. Everyone wants to have a place,
to fit in. However, I might start with removing drum loops and go from
there.
Lamitschka: As an artist, you so many tasks such as recording,
touring, interviews. What do you like best, what’s your favorite
activity?
Answer: I LOVE to travel. I enjoy meeting new people and hearing
their stories. Connecting with people makes this all possible.
Lamitschka: Are you doing anything to take music beyond its current borders or are you happy where it is?
Answer: I hope so. I like bluegrass, southern gospel, traditional
country music. I always strive to blend them and push the envelope to
each genre in a respectful way.
Lamitschka: What was your big break that got you into the music business?
Answer: Determination and determination. I don’t think there was
one single moment but a bunch of small moments that lead to finding the
right people to share my vision and goals with.
Lamitschka: What inspired you to become an artist?
Answer: My mom has done so much along the way. I look forward to the day I can start giving back to her.
My love for animals. I hope to be able to give back someday (soon I
hope) to no kill animal shelters, rescues and help by doing concerts,
being a spokesperson, whatever to help find each one a safe and happy
forever home. I also want to take care of my
family.
Lamitschka: What inspired you to become a songwriter?
Answer: Current songs I hear on the radio inspire me to write. I want to give people more options.
Lamitschka: What drives you?
Answer: Oddly enough, people who tell me I can’t do it.
Lamitschka: What’s unique about you that will differentiate you from other artists?
Answer: I love traditions. I love dobro, banjo and steel guitar. I
work to have all of those incorporated in my songs. I feel they are a
staple of who I am
Lamitschka: What has been your greatest challenge in music business?
Answer: Getting people to return emails and phone calls.
Lamitschka: What moments in your career stand out in your memory as highlights and achievements which you are proud of?
Answer: Farm Progress Show in Decatur Illinois. It’s in the
Midwest and showcases farmers. I feel privileged to have been a part of
something so close to my heart.
Lamitschka: Who is your biggest critic, yourself or others?
Answer: People who don’t know me. I read people judge you within
the first 7 seconds of seeing you. That’s not much time to make a first
impression.
Lamitschka: When you get time off, how do you like to relax?
Answer: Hiking, being outdoors, family
Lamitschka: Is there anything in your life that you would change if you could?
Answer: I always like to be busy with music. Other then that, even
though I may not be a household name everywhere, I’m truly blessed to be
where I am and have what I have so far.
Lamitschka: What hopes and desires do you have?
Answer: write with legendary songwriters, tour more, give back my family and community.
Lamitschka: What has been the biggest disappointment in your life?
Answer: Not knowing what I know now when I was younger.
Lamitschka: Many European fans travel to the United States to
attend the several of the music festivals for the opportunity to see so
many of their favorite artists, bands and celebrities. Will you be
participating and how will the fans be able to find
you?
Answer: I look forward to meeting them! You can always check out the latest on the website www.sscornlickers.com
Lamitschka: Is there any place you haven’t played that you would like to?
Answer: Yes, Italy, Switzerland. I’m excited to see it all.
Lamitschka: What can your fans expect to see when they see you in concert?
Answer: I’m goofy and fun. Sometimes corny. You will always get
genuine great songs and a stellar band. Whether that means acoustic or
bringing everyone with me. You will always feel like part of the
family.
Lamitschka: When you’re on tour, do you have time to play tourist?
Answer: Not much. I like to find the favorite local coffee shop and farmers markets. Those are always fun.
Lamitschka: Many music fans today get their information about
artists online. Do you have your own website and what will fans find
there?
Answer: sscornpickers.com
Lamitschka: Tell us about the fan club and how people can join it.
Answer: CampS is the fan club. You can join it by going to the website www.sscornpickers.com
Lamitschka: What’s the best compliment a fan has ever given you?
Answer: Gosh, that’s hard to narrow down. Above all I am humbled
when people say they love the songs I’ve written and how proud my family
must be.
Lamitschka: What’s your favorite song that you wish you could have recorded?
Answer: These are getting hard. How do you pick just one favorite
Merle Haggard or Tammy Wynette song? Let me think… Always Wanting You
is a great song! Or Till I Get It Right. Really, that’s hard. There
are so many greats.
Lamitschka: What message would you like to send your European fans?
Answer: Give them a Big Warm Friendly Hello and that I look
forward to seeing them! Thank you for your support and let us know when
you come visit. Well come say Hi if we’re in your neighborhood.
Lamitschka: You have a new love in your life? Can you tell us something about it?
Answer: I’m looking forward to getting a dog
Lamitschka: Fans are always hungry for good road stories. Do you have one you can share with us (come on don’t be shy)?
Answer: Hahaha! Yes, we’ve left without the drummer. Oops
Lamitschka: Describe what a perfect day is like for you.
Answer: Warm and sunny! Being outdoors with friends, fans, and playing to a sold out stadium.