Episode 205: Interview with Sarah Harralson

Sarah Harralson’s music is not manufactured—it’s lived. Rooted in personal experience, shaped by loss, growth, and resilience, and delivered through honest storytelling, she represents the kind of country artist who doesn’t just write songs—she shares pieces of her life. In Episode 205 of The Savoir Faire Audio Experience, Sarah opens up about her journey from a young songwriter in Tennessee to a Nashville-based artist building a career defined by authenticity, creativity, and purpose.

Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Harralson grew up surrounded by music in all its forms. Her grandfather was a bluegrass musician who often played accordion around her, while her parents introduced her to a mix of country, pop, rock, and soul. That blend of influences gave her a wide musical foundation, but it was country music’s storytelling tradition that ultimately captured her heart.

“I started writing songs at a very early age… I was only 10 years old when I wrote my first song,” she shares. That early start wasn’t just about talent—it was about necessity. Growing up in a household where her siblings were significantly older and eventually moved out, Harralson often found herself navigating emotions on her own. Music became her outlet.

“It was kind of like me and my mom… sometimes it felt like I was an only child,” she explains. That sense of solitude pushed her inward, and songwriting became a way to process feelings and experiences that she didn’t always have words for in everyday life.

Her path to Nashville was both intentional and strategic. After high school, she knew she wanted to pursue music seriously, but she also understood the importance of education—particularly on the business side of the industry. That led her to Belmont University, one of the most respected music programs in the country.

“I felt like I needed to learn more about the business side of the industry because I had no idea how that worked,” she says.

That decision would prove to be a defining advantage. While many artists focus solely on the creative side, Harralson built a foundation that allowed her to navigate contracts, production, and the technical aspects of recording. Over time, she evolved into not just a songwriter and performer, but also a producer—someone who understands every layer of the creative process.

“Being able to produce my own songs… it really helps me in the studio move things along,” she explains. That efficiency allows her to maximize both time and creativity, giving her more control over her sound and vision.

But her career doesn’t stop at music. Harralson is a true multi-hyphenate creative. In addition to writing and recording her own songs, she is also a children’s book author, a voiceover artist, and the host of the iHeart Media podcast Takin’ a Walk Nashville. It’s a reflection of her curiosity and her willingness to explore every corner of the creative world.

“I just love learning different things about the music industry… I love wearing different hats,” she says.

That versatility is not just a passion—it’s a strategy. In today’s music landscape, artists are expected to do more than ever before, and Harralson has embraced that reality. By expanding her skill set, she has created multiple avenues for expression and connection with her audience.

At the heart of it all, however, is songwriting.

Harralson’s creative process is fluid and intuitive. She doesn’t follow a rigid formula, allowing each song to develop organically depending on the moment, the collaboration, or the inspiration.

“I’m definitely a melody person,” she says, explaining that once she hears a melody, the lyrics often follow naturally. Sometimes she begins with a title or a concept, other times it’s a conversation or a shared experience with a co-writer. That unpredictability is part of what makes music powerful.

“I think that’s the magic of music… it’s not always the same formula when I sit down to write,” she adds.

Inspiration can come from anywhere—sometimes when she’s actively searching for it, and other times when it arrives unexpectedly. One of her most recent singles, It Can’t Rain All the Time, was sparked by a simple line from the 1990s film The Crow.

“I heard the quote at the end of the movie… and I thought, ‘That would be a really good song idea,’” she recalls.

What began as a concept eventually became something much deeper. Written in 2021, the song took on new meaning after the passing of her mother. What was originally intended as a general message of hope became a personal reflection of grief, healing, and resilience.

“It was very healing for me… a reminder that things are going to get better,” she says.

The music video for the song reflects that journey, capturing moments of loss while also highlighting reconnection and growth. It’s a visual and emotional extension of the song’s message—that even in the darkest moments, light will return.

That belief is something Harralson carries beyond her own music. As a volunteer with Musicians On Call, she has performed for thousands of hospital patients, using her music to bring comfort and hope to those going through difficult times.

“I play that song a lot in hospitals… it’s a great reminder for them that it’s not going to be bad all the time,” she shares.

Her impact in that space is significant. Having performed for over 19,000 patients since 2015, she was recognized with the Michael Solomon Volunteer Musician Award in 2024—an honor that speaks to her commitment to using music as a force for good.

Beyond the studio and the stage, Harralson’s life is also shaped by balance. While her schedule includes touring, recording, writing, and content creation, she emphasizes the importance of stepping back and recharging.

“It’s important that you don’t always have to say yes to everything,” she explains. Over time, she has learned that maintaining mental and physical health is essential for long-term creativity. Whether it’s spending time with her husband, traveling, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, those breaks are what allow her to return to her work with clarity and inspiration.

That sense of balance is especially important given the demands of life on the road. Harralson embraces the opportunity to travel and perform, often turning each trip into a full experience rather than just a show. Whether she’s performing in Napa Valley or another city, she makes a point to explore and connect with each place she visits.

“I love seeing new places… I want to make the most of it,” she says.

As she continues to build her career, Harralson remains focused on what matters most—authenticity, storytelling, and connection. With a new EP on the horizon and a creative short film tied to its release, she is pushing her artistry even further, blending music with visual storytelling in a way that expands her creative reach.

Her journey is a reminder that success in music isn’t just about talent—it’s about persistence, adaptability, and staying true to your voice.

Sarah Harralson is not just telling stories—she’s living them, and inviting others to find themselves within the music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u4bmswYM8I

🎧 To hear the full conversation with Sarah Harralson, tune in to her episode on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience, streaming now.