As they unveil their second single, ‘The Lucky One’, you’ll discover the depth of their artistry, ranging from Kayla’s string talents to Sarah’s stunning vocals. Get ready to immerse yourself in their enchanting world and explore what makes The Songsmiths a must-follow in the acoustic country and folk scene!
What first got you into music?
Sarah: I was three when I started singing, my great aunt was an opera singer and realised that I had perfect pitch. I was training to be an Opera singer until I was about 12 and picked up a guitar, from there it was a pretty quick turn around into songwriting which is my passion in life.
Kayla: I have always been involved or around music since a young age; whether it was picking songs from the back of nanas vinyl records to learn to sing or playing drums in Dads lounge when he had band practice . Dad was always so supportive and watching him and his band at the time led me to pick up the guitar and learn his set list so I could start gigging with them when I was approx 14. I also loved the Jazz band and orchestra visits to primary school so during high school I picked up the Double bass and involved myself in that but over the years I’ve played a bit of everything. While guitar remains my staple and where I feel most at home – I don’t want to ever stop exploring and learning.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
The Songsmiths name is a play on our last name but also on creating music we like to take cover songs and flip them reimagining them into something new, for our original music we want to cover the range of country styles. Our first single The Long Way Round has a classic retro country vibe, The Lucky One is kind of a folk cross over. Our next single is going to be a country rock vibe – think Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton. Production wise we want to keep our listeners interested and treat each song as an individual.
What is your creative process like?
Typically we write together, one of us will bring an idea to the table and we work from there.
Sarah: I usually write the lyric and melody and Kayla is amazing at arrangements and progressions so we use our strengths and give feedback and tweak things as we go.
If we were to peek over your shoulder, what does your studio look like? What gear do you typically use?
We have our own studio which we renovated it’s functional at the moment but we are always adding to it. We have a blue velvet couch, some mid century furniture and persian rugs we wanted it to feel relaxed, Cozy and comfortable. Gear wise Kayla has a lot of guitars to choose from on the rack and walls, her main guitar is a Pink Paisley Fender Telecaster – Japanese reissue which was a 21st gift from her Dad. The most recent addition is a Gretsch hollow body which is really nice to record with. Kayla also has a few mandolins, acoustics, bass guitars and other bits and pieces as well as amps for different soundscapes and tones. In terms of mics, we have a growing collection but we just brought some BeezNeez microphones which are made in Australia and we are loving those at the moment for recording and used them on The Lucky One. For recording we use Logic which is easy to use and gets a good result.
Who are your main musical influences?
Sarah: I grew up as a theatre kid and listening to the country music that my grandparents loved – Patsy Cline and Linda Ronstadt so from a writing perspective I’m always chasing that perfect country song that’s a mix of simplicity with a modern twist. But I love Brandy Clarkes songwriting it’s cheeky and fresh and also blues bands like The Tedeschi Trucks – I’m pretty open to most genres.
Kayla: I always find this question difficult and I can never ever narrow it down. I listen to everything. I appreciate aspects from all genres, and am always listening critically to take away as much as I can – I think it’s important for your growth as an artist, working musician and producer to listen to a wide range of things and be open to adopting new ideas and sounds. At the moment though, I’m listening to a lot of California Honey Drops, Billy Strings, Chris Stapleton and Larkin Poe.
Do you enjoy recording and production?
Sarah: I love the recording and production process it’s where songs come to life and hearing what Kayla has in her head come to life is always exciting for me. She definitely does most of the work in that space because she’s so talented and can hear a song in its entirety while we are writing it.
Kayla: I love the process! and I also love Sarah’s patience with me during this process haha. I am so lucky that we have built a studio on our property so the process as a whole really does feel like home to me.
Was anyone else involved in writing, recording, or producing the songs?
We do most of it ourselves we are lucky that Kayla plays so many instruments and try to make the most of her skills – but we definitely outsource to our talented friends and colleagues when we can. We have an amazing drummer Josh Blaikie that we have worked with for years and he plays all our live band shows, he’s a great friend and a master at what he does; so he is a our go to for Drums and percussion. We also love working with Mark Stoddart a bass player from the mighty Waikato, NZ who has unmatched feel and groove – he slots in and puts up with all our silly nonsense like a champ. Mark played bass on our debut single”The Long Way Round” and we have him locked in for a few other releases too!
Our studio isn’t quite big enough to track drums (yet) So we did outsource tracking the drums to Simon Tester in Christchurch and Kayla went up for the day to sit in with Josh and Simon to get it all sorted and the quality of those tracks are awesome so we are stoked. We are looking forward to some collabs in the future with different artists.
What are your musical plans for the next 12 months or so?
We have one more release this year and a few live performances to announce. Next year we want to get out and play more live shows hopefully some festivals with our full band as well as a couple more singles before dropping the Album.
Which are cooler? Dinosaurs or Dragons?
Sarah: Dragons
Kayla: Dinosaurs
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Sarah: Yes – Opera usually!
Kayla: Nope!
If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be and your superhero name?
Sarah: Some kind of telepathic superpower would be cool.
Kayla: I’d like to be able to fly!
You are a new addition to a crayon box. What colour would you be and why?
Sarah: Some kind of rich blue it’s a colour I love our lounge is painted navy blue and it’s very calming.
Kayla: Definitely Forest Green – I love being out in nature, I think it’s important to ground yourself and appreciate the landscapes we have here in NZ. I love the West Coast and forest green is the perfect colour to describe and feel that.
What would you bring along to an idyllic picnic?
We both love a good cheese platter so a lot of cheeses and grapes.
what’s your favourite board game
Sarah: Cluedo
Kayla: Scrabble
Blend of Acoustic Country and Folk
Some of the most captivating music you can encounter blends the warmth of Acoustic Country with the storytelling essence of Folk. The Songsmiths masterfully intertwine these genres, creating a unique sound that resonates with listeners. Their latest single, ‘The Lucky One’, showcases this rich fusion, drawing you in with heartfelt melodies and evocative lyrics that celebrate lifelong love, giving you a deeper appreciation for their artistry.
Insights into Songwriting and Instrumentation
While plunging into the creative process, you’ll discover the incredible touches Kayla and Sarah bring through their songwriting and instrumentation. Kayla’s multi-instrumental prowess shines as she transitions from guitar to the Mandolin and Weissenborn in ‘The Lucky One’, adding layers of warmth and texture that enhance the emotional depth of their music.
With years of experience, Kayla and Sarah dive deep into the songwriting process, drawing from their rich musical backgrounds. Kayla’s expertise with string instruments allows her to explore different sounds, while Sarah’s award-winning songwriting captures the essence of their shared experiences. Together, they paint vivid musical landscapes, inviting you to connect with their stories on a personal level, making every note resonate with emotion and authenticity.
Multi-instrumental Expertise
Now, as you explore the world of The Songsmiths, you’ll discover Kayla’s incredible multi-instrumental talent. Specializing in string instruments, she brings a fresh sound to their music by swapping her guitar for the mandolin and Weissenborn in their latest single, ‘The Lucky One’. This versatility showcases not just her skills, but also the rich acoustic textures that enhance the warmth and romance echoed in their songs.
Professional Musician Services
Background on The Songsmiths reveals that Kayla offers a range of professional musician services, elevating your musical experience. With a background steeped in live performances throughout New Zealand, she provides music production, live session work, tutoring, and session tracks, allowing you to tap into her extensive expertise.
A wide array of professional musician services awaits you at Songsmith Studios. Whether you’re looking for personalized tutoring to hone your skills or session work to create something special, Kayla’s experience with diverse genres and acts means you’ll receive tailored support. With countless hours spent collaborating and producing, your musical journey will be enriched by their dedication and multifaceted talents.
Accomplishments and Awards
One standout aspect of The Songsmiths is their impressive collection of accolades. Sarah has been recognized as an award-winning singer and songwriter, being a finalist in the MLT Songwriting and Gold Guitar awards. She also received the prestigious DAG Songwriting Scholarship in Australia, sponsored by APRA, and was nominated for the NZ Horizon Award. Together, Kayla and Sarah have made a remarkable impact on the New Zealand music scene, showcasing their talent through numerous performances and recordings.
Early Musical Influences
Accomplishments aside, your understanding of The Songsmiths wouldn’t be complete without exploring their early musical influences. Kayla grew up immersed in the rich music culture of Christchurch, NZ, while Sarah’s introduction to music started with opera in Dunedin. Transitioning to guitar ignited her passion for country music and songwriting, which continues to shape their unique sound as a duo.
As you explore deeper into their backgrounds, you’ll find that Kayla’s multi-instrumental skills and diverse experiences across a range of genres have greatly influenced her songwriting. Meanwhile, Sarah’s classical training in opera adds a unique layer to their musical tapestry. Together, their early influences lay the foundation for the heartfelt and authentic music that you hear today as The Songsmiths, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and innovative.
Songsmith Studios Overview
With a passion for nurturing creativity, Songsmith Studios offers a welcoming space for artists in Timaru, New Zealand. The studio provides a variety of recording packages tailored to suit your needs, allowing you to bring your musical vision to life. Kayla and Sarah, the talented duo known as The Songsmiths, lead the studio with their extensive expertise in songwriting, production, and live performance, ensuring a supportive environment for musicians of all levels.
Community Engagement and Music Tutoring
You can connect with your musical community through the vibrant activities at Songsmith Studios. The duo actively engages with local musicians and offers music tutoring, creating opportunities for you to sharpen your skills and collaborate with others who share your passion for music.
This commitment to community engagement extends beyond teaching; it fosters an inclusive atmosphere where aspiring musicians can grow together. Kayla and Sarah offer tailored lessons that cater to your unique interests and skill levels, ensuring that you feel supported and inspired. They also invite local artists to collaborate, creating a rich tapestry of creativity and musical innovation in the heart of Timaru.
Considering all points, you can truly appreciate the artistic journey of The Songsmiths, Kayla and Sarah Goldsmith. Their distinctive sound blends Acoustic Country and Folk, encapsulating the warmth of lifelong love and showcasing their incredible talents. From their diverse musical backgrounds to the intimate production at Songsmith Studios, you’ll find yourself connected to their heartfelt stories and passion for music. Embrace their evolution as artists and get ready to enjoy the rich experience they offer through their captivating singles.
Available on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music and all online streaming services https://ffm.to/2pkejd1
Credits:
Songwriters: Kayla and Sarah Goldsmith
Guitars, Bass, Mandolin and Weissenborn: Kayla Goldsmith
Vocals: Sarah Goldsmith
Drums & Percussion: Joshua Blaikie
Produced by: Kayla Goldsmith @SongsmithstudiosNZ
Mixed and Mastered: Kayla Goldsmith @SongsmithStudiosNZ
Photography Credit.
MD Photography https://mdphotography.co.nz
