Meet Sarah Segal-Lazar: Captivating Femme Fatale of Folk

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Photo Credit: Emelia Hellman

 Artist Sarah Segal-Lazar has a rich musical background, having performed in the vibrant dive bars of New York City before returning to her roots in Canada. With a career that includes composing for others and being aired on CBC’s As It Happens, her talents truly shine. Her songs have drawn praise for their captivating nature, and her unique style as the Femme Fatale of Folk keeps audiences coming back for more.

It’s no surprise that Sarah’s music resonates deeply with listeners around the world. You’ll find her performances to be not just concerts, but intimate journeys through stories woven with emotion. Her commitment to blending theatre and music has set her apart, making her shows an experience you won’t want to miss. With each note, she invites you to connect, sing along, and become part of the musical adventure she creates.

A woman playing guitar on stage with band members, live music scene, vibrant and engaging performance.
Photo Credit: Ezra Soiferman

Festival Lineups

If you enjoy live music, you should monitor festival lineups that feature Sarah. Her dynamic presence and award-winning music make her a sought-after artist at festivals across the country. Prepare for a delightful journey through her songs that are not just performances but immersive experiences.

To fully appreciate the magic of Sarah Segal-Lazar, attending one of her festival performances is a must. Whether it’s her soulful melodies or the intimate storytelling in her lyrics, you’ll find yourself lost in the moment, surrounded by fellow music lovers. So grab your friends, and don’t miss the chance to enjoy her artistry at a festival near you!

Notable Collaborations

Some of Sarah Segal-Lazar’s most notable collaborations have left a lasting impact on her musical journey. You’ll find that her partnership with established artists and producers has enriched her sound and brought her unique folk style to a wider audience.

The connections Sarah has forged with fellow musicians and producers, like Canadian folk luminary Matthew Barber, have been instrumental in refining her artistry. These collaborations have enabled you to enjoy her award-winning company, Sermo Scomber, and her powerful compositions that resonate deeply. By combining her passion for theatre and music, she creates an immersive experience that showcases her talent and creativity.

Interviews with Emerging Artists

You’ll love getting to know Sarah Segal-Lazar, the Femme Fatale of Folk, who blends her passion for music and theater into something truly special. Sarah’s journey, from sending songs to radio stations at just nine years old to lighting up dive bars in New York City, is truly inspiring. Now, with her award-winning company Sermo Scomber and her mesmerizing new album VALLEYS, produced by Matthew Barber, Sarah invites you to explore the crossroads of folk and country through her enchanting tunes.

Features on Established Musicians

Spotlights on artists like Sarah Segal-Lazar shine a light on the incredible talent emerging from Canada’s vibrant music scene. Her work has captivated listeners and critics alike, with songs featured on CBC’s As It Happens, showcasing her undeniable impact. As she travels between Montreal and PEI, you’ll find her melodies drawing inspiration from the landscapes around her, crafting relatable stories through folk and country sounds that resonate deeply.

Artists like Sarah Segal-Lazar epitomize the dynamic spirit of the music industry today. By sharing her journey, triumphs, and captivating sound, she inspires both emerging talents and established musicians. The blend of her theatrical background with her folk roots creates a unique voice, bridging gaps and fostering connections within the musical community. With each note and lyric, she’s making waves that invite you to join her on this musical adventure.

Album and Song Reviews

Any fan of folk and country music will be captivated by Sarah Segal-Lazar’s latest album, VALLEYS, produced by the talented Matthew Barber. Critics are raving about the collection, describing it as “simply mesmerizing” and “so gorgeous, they made the air go still.” This heartfelt blend of captivating melodies and soulful storytelling showcases Sarah’s unique artistry and her lifelong dedication to music. You’ll find each track resonates deeply, inviting you to explore the rich landscapes of her songwriting.


Woman with curly hair and gold hoop earrings looking upwards outdoors in vibrant environment.
Photo Credit: Emelia Hellman

How would you describe your music?

Folk Femme Fatale, dancing at the crossroads of folk and country, hyperfemininity and garage mechanic.

If you could go open a show for any artist, who would it be?

I would love to open for CMAT. I saw her in concert last year and it was one of the best shows I’ve ever been to. I’d never even heard her music before. A friend invited me and I said yes on a whim. I became an instant fan. I think that the way that she and I do hybrid country are very different, but very complimentary. And she seems like a great hang.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

So, I think that the internet has made music much more accessible; it’s amazing that you can have fans all over the world, who only discovered your music because of some algorithmic fate. That said, art is meant to be reciprocal and the internet has, in many ways, created a feigned reciprocity. Social media makes fans and artists feel closer to each other, but when it comes to true reciprocity between musician and listener, the gap is wider than ever.

Intangibility often makes things feel less valuable. So streamed music becomes less valued by listeners than, say, an LP or a CD. We have infinite music at our fingertips, which is incredible, but it’s not something that we’ve literally invested in. I view Spotify as a tool for potential new fans to find me, folks who might otherwise never encounter my music. Speaking as both a maker of music and a listener of it, I think we need to find ways to support the artists that we discover online and fall in love with. Otherwise, music becomes just another thing that we all feel like we deserve to have, regardless of what we as listeners are actually giving back.

Are you creative in other disciplines?

I’m also an actor, director, and writer. I find I’m most productive when I have a bunch of different things to work on. I currently have a short film on the festival circuit called “Elvira,” about a chicken who solves crimes—it’s a comedy.

When did you start writing music?

I’ve been writing songs my whole life. My best friend and I had a band when we were nine except that neither of us played instruments and we just sang the songs we wrote in our living rooms. But honestly, I think some of those songs were pretty impressive for kids. I lowkey want to record them as a full pop album, the way we heard them in our heads when we were nine. 

Do you plan your music releases, or do you just finish a song and release it?

It’s tough for me because the second that a song is done, I want to release it into the world. I’ve had to learn restraint and patience. Part of that is working with a team that you trust, taking the time needed, and knowing that the best mashed potatoes aren’t instant.   

Would you have any advice for would-be artists or songwriters?

I think that making music professionally is less of a want and more of a need. It’s not always easy, but if you feel that it’s your calling, then like Nike said, Just Do It.

Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
I often make up little riffs in the shower. Sometimes they wind up becoming full-blown songs. That or jazz standards.

What historical figure would you love to see in 21st century life?

Oscar Wilde. We could really use him right now.

Which fictional character do you wish was real?

Hercule Poirot. Didn’t even have to think for a second about that one. I have a framed portrait of him and everything.

Are you a valuable asset on a Pub Quiz team?

I am. I’m actually wearing a lovely lilac scrunchie that came in the prize kit for the last pub quiz I did. It also came with a $100 gift card to the pub, but I let my other teammates fight it out for that. I had been wanting to get a scrunchie for weeks. I was ecstatic.

If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?

Your hair is dope—don’t fight it.

A person walking in a snowy forest wearing an orange coat.

Marking the 10th anniversary of her acoustic debut album Two If by Sea, Sarah Segal-Lazar celebrates the milestone with the release of “Anything But Age.” This fan-chosen track, now reimagined with a full-band arrangement, highlights Sarah’s evolution as an artist while preserving the heart of her original work.

Written a decade ago, “Anything But Age” resonates with new depth as Sarah reflects on the passage of time. The track was recorded live-off-the-floor during the year’s first snowfall, with Sarah and her band capturing the raw, cozy introspection of winter.

The accompanying music video, crafted from 8mm footage shot by Sarah’s grandfather between 1949 and 1958, adds a nostalgic layer. The vintage visuals create a story of family, time, and growth, aligning beautifully with the song’s themes.

Stream Anything But Age on Spotify single on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/485DgqIBwtqndUAlAFNd5S?si=1bfa28be31ea46a5

@SarahSegalMusic on all socials

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