Sarah Jaffe Interview: SXSW 2010

Sarah Jaffe is a 24-year-old singer-songwriter from Denton, Texas. Her songs, deeply personal and inspiring, are folk confessionals. Her last name, Jaffe, is pronounced like Laffy Taffy -- fitting, because her songs and persona are just as sweet, if not more so, than the popular candy. Her debut EP, 'Even Born Again,' came out in 2008, and her live band consists of Jeff Ryan, Robert Gomez and Becki Howard. Spinner interviewed Sarah in anticipation of her performance at SXSW.

Please describe your sound.

Stylistically, I would probably just say folk. I honestly don't know how to answer this one, ever. I can't really hear it, but I know what influences me, and what kind of music inspires me. So maybe it's a little of those.

When did you start playing music?

I started playing my first shows when I was about 17. Coffee shops, open mics. After I graduated high school I moved to LA for a bit, then kinda came home to my folks with my tail between my legs. A couple years after moving back home, I moved to Denton, which was the best decision I've made thus far. The band that plays with me now formed about three years ago.

What are your musical influences?

As of now, I'm listening to a lot of current music -- Passion Pit, Empire of the Sun, J. Tillman, Grizzly Bear. But the staple influences that constantly inspire me are Fleetwood Mac, Edith Piaf, Bjork, Radiohead and Harry Nilsson. And just music that I grew up listening to -- James Taylor, Cat Stevens.

You perform under your own name. Have you ever performed under any other names?

No. It's always just been my name. Thought about a moniker for awhile, but nothing ever took. Although for a brief stint a few years ago some friends and I started a bit band called Tomahawk Molly. We played rockabilly, I guess you would call it. And maybe, I guess, I was Molly?

If you could tour with any band dead or alive who would it be?

Well, right now I've had the pleasure of touring with one of my favorite bands, Midlake. That's been a dream. They're also good friends of mine from Denton. But, um ... I wouldn't have minded touring with Fleetwood Mac.

What kind of practices or pre-show preparation do you do?

Hot Toddies, and lots of 'em. They are the perfect throat coat.

Do you ever do karaoke?

It's rare that I do. The last time I karaoke'd, I sang a duet with my friend John. [I sang ] the Ronettes' 'Be My Baby.' It was awkward. We held hands.

Can you describe your first performance? Was it good or bad?

My first show was at Club Dada in Dallas, which I think is no more. I sang at an open mic night. I was 17. My parents came very excitedly to chaperone and see me. And I remember feeling very giddy and proud of myself, as the next band literally set up their equipment during my set.

Andres Lara is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.