SARAH RABDAU- vocals/keys/songwriter , MATT GRABER-drums
Influences
Erik Satie, Chopin, David Bowie, Rufus Wainwright, Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, Nick Cave, Ad Frank, Bjork, This Mortal Coil, Cocteau Twins, Stevie Wonder, Arcade Fire, Debussy, Cyndi Lauper, Neutral Milk Hotel, The Smiths, PJ Harvey, Diamanda Galas, Radiohead, The Roches, Tom Waits, TV on the Radio, David Hockney, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Richard Serra, Gustav Klimt, Robert Rauschenberg
"Just who the hell does Sarah Rabdau think she is ..doesn't she know that artists aren't supposed to make music that we "critics" can't sum up in handy, tired little catch phrases?"-In Music We Trust
Sarah Rabdau’s songs can make topics such as lecherous fathers and emotionally conflicted assassins seem universal, and everyday heartbreak and longing seem unique and rare. While unapologetically claiming all the usual suspects of girl-at-piano influences, Sarah has crafted a sound that seamlessly bridges the pop and art rock scenes. Her steadily growing following has seen her share bills with the likes of Shivaree, Nicole Atkins and the Sea, HUMANWINE and Adam Glasseye.
Joined by bipolar drummer Matt Graber (Me and Joan Collins, Mascara), the duo’s live sound somehow evokes Tom Waits, Erik Satie and Nina Simone. With a voice that ranges from icy whispers to stentorian rage, Sarah’s singing has been compared to that of Bjork and the Cocteau Twins Elizabeth Fraser.
Her 2004 William Orbit-influenced release, Benevolent Apollo earned her an honorable mention nod in the 2004 Billboard Songwriting Contest, as well as a spot on CD Baby’s Ars Nova Compilation. With an arsenal of new material that is much more emotionally and sonically raw, Rabdau plans to release a very different sounding album this fall, which is produced by Peter Moore (Count Zero, Blue Man Group, Think Tree.)
TALES FROM THE STUDIO WITH Sarah Rabdau
Sarah RabDAU and Self-Employed Assassins perform 'Only a Year' LIVE at The Lizard 4/21/07
recorded so generously by Letters of Marque http://www.lettersofmarque.blogspot.com
Sarah RabDAU and Self-Employed Assassins's Friend Space (Top 12)
Sarah RabDAU and Self-Employed Assassins has 1298 friends.
haha. No way! I've somehow climbed up the ranks to be your main page photo for today. This ranks way, way up there on my all-time list of life accomplishments. Thanks, Sarah. That's definitely the highlight of my day.
That was a tight, good sounding set at the Lizard last night -- practice makes perfect, eh? Also, there was nice, amiable energy that went over well. Sorry I had to bolt right afterwards, but I'm looking forward to the CD. Congrats. -Bernie
Sarahhhhhhhhhhh!!!! A little birdie whispered something to someone and it got whispered to me....congratulations! We are so celebrating at the end of the month! Can't wait to see you and hear all about it!
Hey lovely, did you get my package? I sent it forever ago and I am not sure that I included a card. Well, if you got a box of unknown origin, it was probably me. Your inadvertent secret admirer. Sorry bout that.
Thank you for your continued support of Comedy Night, Industry Night @ the comedy club, Michael & Michael Productions Night @ the comedy club, and Open Mic Night @ the comedy club. Your man is still speaking voodoo.
Thanks so much! And I didn't get to tell you in person how FANTASTIC YOU GUYS WERE THE OTHER NIGHT! YOU ALL LOOKED AND SOUNDED INCREDIBLY HOT! Let's hang out soon. Xox
Sarah, i love your music.Im really excited for you! I have a very intense feeling about your next project. Something that is along the likes of VERY GOOD, And your going to start your huge journey soon :)
Ok. Since our BAND MEETING I've been racking my brain trying to come with photo ideas. I think I've got one. Picture this: You and me....standing in front of a brick wall. Jeans and t-shirts. We look really angry. You have both hands in your pockets. I have one hand in my pocket, and the other one is holding a Bud Light. Are you feeling this?
It was wonderful to see you on tuesday. As usual, your performance was delightful. I anxiously await the next time I will be able to see you. Yours is a voice I expect I shall never cease to adore.
Nice to finally get to meet at TT's last night! Your performance was spectacular - you have a voice to die for and really made the keyboards come alive. I know you are destined for greatness Sarah - very impressive on stage :)
You soooooooooooooooo TOTALLY rocked it last Friday, honey!!!!!!! It made me so ridiculously happy! Can you believe that's the first time i've actually caught your whole set? What a great show to see! So it turns out you're not only fucking lethally gorgeous and smart and a really inventive recording artist and you write interesting meditations about life and things, but you put on a goddamn killer show! OMG, i have SUCH a HUGE crush on you!!!!! please keep playing out and about!! i ADORE you!!!!!! xo, mika
I love your music, but I can't listen to it anymore, your new page crashes every computer I try and access it from, and its also very difficult to read. What a shame, I truly enjoy your music, but I just can't access your page like before. =(