Colorado based singer-songwriter Sarah Banker has just shared her highly anticipated new EP Into the Heart. The four-song musical envelopment is a breezy collection complete with elements of pop, soul, jazz, folk and more. The songs are upbeat, light-hearted and tinged with joy, an emotion so many of us are needing these days. The music is heart opening and filled with lyrics about love, dedication, positivity and transformation. The result is a must-listen to EP that is sure to make you smile.
We chat with the artist and musician all about her new music, creative process, life of exploration, and more. The result is an interesting and empowering discussion all about authenticity, vulnerability, compassion and self love.
Can you tell our readers more about the themes of the EP and why you named the musical collection Into the Heart?
The EP Into The Heart is a collection of songs exploring the power of living authentically and vulnerably. Each track dives into different aspects of our emotional lives, focusing on resilience and the strength we find when we connect with our hearts.
• 'FRIENDS' is a raw call for honesty in relationships. It came from a place of frustration with people who weren't being real—you know, the 'telling you what you want to hear' kind of thing. It's a plea for genuine connection.
• 'INTO THE HEART' is about our inner dialogue. It's a reminder to quiet the worry and embrace the beauty of the present moment. It's about shifting our narrative to one of possibility.
• 'OUR LOVE' celebrates the vastness of love—not just romantic love, but self-love and love for humanity. It's about how connection can break down barriers and create a more compassionate world. Especially now, we need that.
• 'COCKADOODLEDOO' is a playful anthem for rising above negativity and thriving. It's a reminder that we have the power to create positive change, both individually and collectively.
You had a unique recording experience where you made the music at 9,000 feet of elevation in the Indian Peaks Wilderness in Colorado. How did that place influence the music?
It felt like a whirlwind! One minute we were rehearsing, and the next, we were recording live at Jeff Franca’s studio high up in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The mountains are incredibly inspiring, but they also push you. Recording live with a band, especially at 9,000 feet, was a new experience for my musicianship. We captured a raw, authentic energy that I don't think we could have gotten anywhere else. The recording session was very fluid and productive, we recorded all four songs in one evening, and then Jeff and I worked together to produce the remaining aspects of the songs; asking violinist, Jukka Pawley and trumpet player, Gabriel Mervine to add their parts, which provided an extra layer of richness to the recordings. The entire process was very organic.
What is your favorite song on Into the Heart and why?
My favorite is definitely 'Into the Heart.' The message of that song—finding peace in the present moment—is something I constantly need to remind myself of. My husband, Brent, and I wrote it a couple of years ago, and it's amazing how often we find ourselves coming back to it. It's a daily practice to let go of the 'what ifs' and just be present.
Describe the EP in three words for our readers?
Love, Compassion, Resilience. Simple, but powerful.
You have traveled quite a bit and your curiosity has taken you many places in life. Do you have a favorite moment of exploration and how has that time impacted your creativity?
What a great question! While all my adventures have undoubtedly shaped my creativity, the most impactful was taking that initial leap and leaving my home, family, and friends back in 2014. I was incredibly scared and unsure of what would come of such a bold move. Honestly, not many people believed I would last out in the 'real world.' In fact, at my old job, they had bets going on how long it would be before I came back! Hopefully one of them chose 'never'. By taking that leap and following my intuition, I proved to myself that I am capable and worthy, no matter what. That realization has been the bedrock of my journey, constantly pushing me to keep learning, adapting, and growing, which has profoundly influenced my art and how I approach the creative process.
You have released music videos for many of the singles on the EP. Do you use the visuals as another way to convey the story of the music?
Absolutely! The visuals are a huge part of the storytelling. For 'FRIENDS,' I wanted to explore a more sensual, alluring, and vulnerable side. ’COCKADOODLEDOO’ was all about capturing that playful, quirky energy that can bring the joy and tranquility in those growth moments. But 'OUR LOVE' was the most important. The experience of holding the sign on the street, and
seeing people's reactions—the smiles, the honks, the thumbs-ups—it was incredibly moving. It reinforced my belief that our love really can change the world.
Who are some of the creatives that helped you along the way in the process of making the EP and what did some of them contribute?
This EP wouldn't be what it is without an incredible team. Scott Messersmith, formerly of the California Honeydrops, was a huge advocate for this project and played drums and percussion. Dave “Pump” Solzberg on bass, and Jeff Franca from Thievery Corporation produced it, which was amazing. Jeff really taught me the value of capturing a moment, imperfections and all. Jukka Pawley's violin added such elegance, and Gabriel Mervine's trumpet brought incredible energy. It was a collaborative effort, and I'm so grateful for everyone's contributions.
Do you have a message for your fans?
Yes, I do! More than anything, I want you to really hear this: trust yourself. I mean, truly trust the unique gifts you bring to the world. You are absolutely worthy of love, and it all starts with the love you give yourself. Be kind to yourself as you navigate this wild and interesting world we're all living in. That kindness and compassion starts from within, and it radiates out into your relationships, your community, and the world at large. The way things are right now is just one possibility in a world of infinite possibilities. Believe in the possibility of peace.. It's possible, and you can be a part of creating it. Believe it is. Live it. Be the love.
Finally, what is next for Sarah Banker?
I'm excited for the tour in Utah in May with fun shows peppered throughout the summer, and I'm currently working on new music for release later this year. Plus, to celebrate the EP, I'm hosting an Into the Heart EP Preview live stream at Stone Cottage Studios on April 16th. There is a lot to look forward to in the year ahead!
Connect with Sarah Banker: INSTAGRAM
