I grew up listening to Amy Grant & Sandi Patty. I also cannot forget to give credit to Psalty the singing songbook, Charity Churchmouse, and the church mouse choir for giving me great direction in life and for letting me know there are Risky Rats in the world. My biggest influence in writing is God's word and life events. Other artists I like are Joy Williams, Bethany Dillon, Natalie Grant, Mindy Smith, Cindy Morgan, Rachel Yamagata, Nickel Creek, Jill Phillips, Carla Bruni, Natasha Bedingfield, Chris Tomlin, Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill, Weezer (the blue album's the best), Etta James, TobyMac-I guess those are the most current things that I've been listening too. As with any artist there is always change but I think that covers the current.
Sarah Valley is one of those people that lights up a room when she walks in it. Her smile is contagious and her energy is palpable. Her bubbly personality makes anyone feel instantly at ease and her life experience allows her to relate to many people from all walks of life. The joy that comes from knowing Christ radiates through her life. “This joy is more than just a happy feeling. It goes beyond circumstances and I want to share that joy with others through song,” says Sarah. “The more I learn about myself, or I should say the more I learn about Christ’s character the more I agree with Paul in Romans that apart from Christ there is nothing good that lies in me.” Sarah became a Christian at a young age but over the past few years she has gained a deeper understanding of her dependency upon Christ as she struggled with her calling into music ministry after graduating from college at Belmont University. In her opening song on her first full length album “Less of Me” Sarah sings, “I am close hearted, I am selfish, I often have a heart of stone in my chest. That’s why I need you.” Even as a young child, Sarah has always felt God calling her to use her voice for him but only recently has she known what direction to go. “I know that God has had to work on me so I could be used for his purposes because I was very “self” driven and that allowed no room for Christ,” says Sarah “I know that submitting to God’s will is a battle that I will face everyday of my life, but I pray that he will win a lot more than me!” Sarah recently adopted Colossians 2:2,3 as her mission statement for her music. ‘My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.’ Using her gift of encouragement, Sarah’s music reaches out to people from many different backgrounds and walks of life. “Jesus met people where they were, and I hope my music will do the same thing.” A native of Nashville, Sarah is thankful to have grown up in the music city. At a young age it afforded her many opportunities to mold her talent. She can remember always having the burning desire to sing and perform. Just ask anyone who saw her as a young girl rocking on her rocking horse and belting out the lyrics to Amy Grant’s “Sing Your Praise to the Lord” or “How Majestic Is Your Name” or singing “Tomorrow” from Annie at the top of her lungs. At the age of six she began singing on various Christian kids albums, something she continues to do today only now she has moved on to directing and contracting many of them. Sarah has sung on projects for artists such as CeCe Winans, Sandi Patty, and Erin O’Donnell and worked for numerous companies including Lifeway, Brentwood/Benson, Sparrow Music, Integrity Music and United Methodist Publishing House. Recently in 2004 she also got to try her hand at character voices when she teamed up with Disney and Music Theatre International to do the voices of Cruella DeVil from “101 Dalmations,” Gus and Drizella from “Cinderella,” and Bagheera from “Jungle Book.” She also landed her first professional stage job at age ten with Gaylord Entertainment working at Opryland Theme Park. “It had always been a dream of mine to perform at Opryland. I remember going there with my family and during one of the shows I remember turning to my mother and saying, ‘I’m going to perform on that stage someday,’ I couldn’t believe it when that dream became a reality,” recalls Sarah. This ignited Sarah’s love of performing. Since working for Gaylord Entertainment Sarah has done numerous productions for companies such as the Tennessee Repertory Theater, Circle Players, PBS and performed at Super Bowl Players’ Parties. She has also been featured on numerous television shows such as Nashville Now, Talk of the Town, TNN, Crook and Chase, Entertainment Tonight and Mornings on Fox17. Currently Sarah is also the director of the 4H Performing Arts Troupe for the state of Tennessee which allows her to teach other kids many of the things she has learned over the years. She is also involved in a children’s ministry at her home church FBCHendersonville called Worthy of Worship which teaches kids Bible lessons through drama and music. “He must become greater; I must become less.” A simple sounding statement but one of the most complex things to live out as a Christian. Sarah invites the listener on a journey through her album “Less of Me” as we glimpse into her life. “In my weakness I know that He is made strong, and I pray that I will always be transparent so that I can point others into the loving arms the Savior. Less of me and more of Him!” To read the rest of Sarah's bio visit http://www.sarahvalley.com/bio.php
Hi Sarah, Thanks for the sweet message, it was very kind of you ;) I really enjoyed listening to your music and your beautiful voice! I hope you have a awesome weekend. Kindest Regards Cesar
yeah definetly where in rogers are you playing? What day? Time? I def come. Maybe we go do something. Call me 4798779095 my work is 4792043164 im there till 5 or 530 cst. Wow im excited we get c each other! Saw lauren anderson and doug zigler at my wedding and saw josh webb last wkend other than that no one miss alot. Wonder if we have 10yr reunion. You live in hville? Im excited where do u gma and aunt live?
yeah definetly where in rogers are you playing? What day? Time? I def come. Maybe we go do something. Call me 4798779095 my work is 4792043164 im there till 5 or 530 cst. Wow im excited we get c each other! Saw lauren anderson and doug zigler at my wedding and saw josh webb last wkend other than that no one miss alot. Wonder if we have 10yr reunion. You live in hville? Im excited where do u gma and aunt live?
omg sarah!!! Yes im in bentonville/rogers. Where will u be at? Why dnt u stay w me i wont have my girls my ex has that weekend. Call me 14798779095 definetly get 2gether but u r more than welcome 2 stay w me
Can you believe I haven't read my comments since July! How are you?? How's life for you and Michael? Things are interesting here... God is faithful and sustaining us, but I wouldn't say it's easy. Emotionally and spiritually, we are blessed and thankful.
thank you, lady!!! so far, i cannot complain. i have been blessed to not have terrible morning sickness or anything! and now that i am in my second trimester, i am supposed to relax a little - so i think i am gonna try that out! how are you?? i sure hope everything is super! maybe i'll be seeing you this christmas at opryland?? i am DEFINITELY not making an attempt at being an elf this year! ha! take care!
I do know Natalie! We both tour the college circuit and run into each other from time to time. Tell her hello! And we'll let you know if we make it to Nashville!
I miss you sunshine!!! If I could afford it I would sooo pay you to come to TX and sing for us! lol How are you? I have good news for you, but you'll have to wait until my busted phone gets fixed for me to tell you! lol HUGS!
Welcome to Billy's Bunker (Music Reviews)! It's been busy in the Bunker.
The latest review is Adrian Belew's "Side Two," which CD is good evidence that brother Adrian has become a full bodied 21st Century composer with a syntax of instrumental meaning from the chrysalis of Nuevo Metal born.
Adrian Belew "Side Two" ~ 21st Century composition from the chrysalis of Nuevo Metal born . . .
