Sudbury, ON’s contemporary folk artist, Sara Gougeon has unveiled her new single, “Invisible Closet” from her upcoming album, The Long Road.
Sara shares,
“”Invisible Closet” is a gay anthem for the LGBT community and a message for family, friends and coworkers to respect the space of those who are not ready to come out yet. The term “Invisible Closet” expands on the idea of being “in the closet” (not having announced one’s sexual identity) and brings the element of transparency, where it’s clear to others that someone is hiding their identity. As the chorus exclaims “if you call my name and I don’t come out know that I first had to find it”. It’s about respect and allowing people to discover who they are before imposing who they might be.”
Check out the video below, and find out more about Sara via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello! My name is Sara Gougeon, I’m a singer-songwriter from Sudbury, Ontario. I’ve been drawn to music from a young age, at just 14 years old I packed my bags for Northern Michigan where I spent high school studying songwriting at Interlochen Arts Academy. Following high school, I was accepted to the prestigious Berklee College of Music. I’m currently at Berklee studying songwriting, music business and music production and engineering. I have one more year until I graduate, and I’m planning to move to Nashville in the fall of 2020 to meet and work with other songwriters, musicians, and industry folks.
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
I write contemporary folk songs about self-discovery, love, loss, loneliness, happiness, home, belonging, and the many curiosities about the future and where it may take you. My writing is meant to encompass life and draw from personal experiences, and ultimately give people something they can relate to.
I’m just 21 but I’ve written over 300 songs. This year I have been writing 2-3 songs every week. My philosophy on songwriting is simple, the more you write the better you get. That’s why I write constantly even if I don’t feel like writing or I’m not inspired that day. Songwriting is a skill and the more you practice the better you get!
I have booked a few shows for this summer between Sudbury and Manitoulin Island. I’m particularly excited for the release show for my single “Invisible Closet” at La Fromagerie, Sudbury on June 12th.
For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?
My live performances are very stripped down and intimate, especially since I usually play solo. I get the chance to be very honest with my music and my stories. My live shows are filled with sweet folkie melodies, but those who are interested in listening carefully will find depth in my lyrics.
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
Invisible Closet! I’m very excited about the release of this song, it’s been two years since I wrote it and knew that It had to be released. I love that this song is saying something that I believe people need to hear.
“Invisible Closet” is a gay anthem for the LGBT community and a message for family, friends, and coworkers to respect the space of those who are not ready to come out yet. The term “Invisible Closet” expands on the idea of being “in the closet” (not having announced one’s sexual identity) and brings the element of transparency, where it’s clear to others that someone is hiding their identity. As the chorus exclaims “if you call my name and I don’t come out know that I first had to find it”. It’s about respect and allowing people to discover who they are before imposing who they might be.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen will always be huge influences for me and for so much Canadian music. I have a high level of respect for artists who can stitch lyrics together with the level of sophistication that they do.
I also love Madeleine Roger, she’s an upcoming artist who I had the pleasure of meeting at Folk Music Ontario (Ontario’s annual gathering of folk musicians and industry people). A few other incredible Canadian artists I know from the conference include Kaia Kater, The Lifers, Benjamin Dakota Rodgers, Logan Mckillop, and Abigail Lapell.
I’m also a huge fan of Donovan Woods. I love that his music feels sweet and warm, and his lyrics are simple but tell stories and have great messages. He’s also just so genuine and funny!
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