Meet the Makers: Sara Routh
We are extremely excited to fill our space with the sounds and harmonies of Sara Routh.
We’ve had the pleasure of collaborating and supporting Sara on her musical journey for several years now. Her spirit for life — the good and not-so-good parts of it — is captivating, challenging, relatable and encouraging. However, it’s the way she channels that into her music and her work with Girls Rock! Des Moines that is beyond inspiring.
We asked Sara to share a little bit about herself, music and what she does beyond sitting behind a mic below.
Let's start by introducing yourself. Tell us your name, hometown and 3 things you never leave the house without.
Sara Suzanne Routh from Norwalk, Iowa 😊
I never leave the house without:
my keys
water bottle
clean underwear
What motivated you to become a musician?
My parents hands down.
What does music mean to you on a personal and world level?
Music is a language all creatures can understand. It’s a rhythm. It’s a melody. It’s a story. It’s a drive. Music to me is life. It supports my survival.
Name 3 people that have influenced your music and/or the way you approach being a musician?
My parents (they count as one) - I grew up in the world of Jazz and Dixieland! Where “cool cat” was an actual language and putting on the best performance was the most important thing. As a child I would watch my parents share the stage and just be in awe of their awesomeness! I wanted to be just like them!
When I lived in Shanghai, I befriended a young guitar player by the name of Aishan Mahamut. A native of Xinjiang he was a prodigy and a huge show off of a kid. I loved him immediately. Over a quick amount of time he and I were like brother and sister. I was overwhelmed with his natural talent and we put a band together. He helped me find patience as a musician. Taught me a new language. Supported me with writing a musical and we wrote continuously together. I have not found another person in the past 8 years to create in the same manner as we did.
After returning to Los Angeles in 2011 I found myself sharing space with a producer by the name of Mick Flowers. He saw me perform a gig at a downtown punk bar and quietly found me through the crowd and asked if I ever just sang my songs instead performed them. I didn’t quite understand what that meant until we shared that space and he asked me to sing instead of yell my musical stories. Allow my voice (my best instrument) to shine instead the rhythm on the guitar. I enjoyed the challenge and extremely enjoyed his loyal wisdom. He eventually produced and recorded my first record “Road(s)” at his studio in Austin, TX. I haven’t vocally looked back since. Mick truly helped me find the artist I am today.
I also have to give a huge nod to my life partner, Brian. He can’t play an instrument of any kind, has terrible rhythm and can’t sing a lick, but his blood is full of love for music. He turned me onto super cerebral artists and we found comfort in many similar favorites. I have never had a partner who actually fought for my talent. He continues to push me to try new avenues of creative thought. Turns me onto new artists weekly. And supports my crazy dream of taking stage after stage singing the same songs gig after gig. Because that’s what true love looks like in my world.
When you're not performing, what else are you up to?
My family is magical and exhausting and the best and worst parts of my day! There is a lot of Candy Land and Paw Patrol in my day.
I also work with the local non profit program Girls Rock! Des Moines.
Can you share a little bit about Girls Rock! Des Moines? How can people stay up to date and/or support those efforts?
GR!DSM is a Des Moines local 501c3 which empowers female identifying and gender non specific folx between the ages of 10-16 through the use of music education, performance and creation.
We just finished our summer programming with two, two-week rock camps. Each camp followed with an amazing showcase of all their hard work set at Wooly’s in the East Village.
We have year-round programming so we are gearing up for our fall semester of workshops and events! Most of which are open to the public to join in!
You can find our calendar of events in our website or find us on the ever popular Facebook.
What can we expect to see when you take stage in The Side Garage?
Honesty, Sincerity, Humility, Fun & I trust not too bad on the ear drums.
