User:Sarahlourichards7/Sarah Lou Richards

Sarah Lou Richards stands at the hands of Americana tradition; a singer/songwriter and compelling bedrock artist with energy, emotion and the work ethic of a new generation.

Richards was born March 7, 1982 in Hudson, Wisconsin and at the age of nine, moved to Madison, Connecticut, where she was raised on her father’s music junkie flair and her mother’s vintage record taste.

She attended the Hartt School of Music in West Hartford, Connecticut. From there, Richards returned to the Midwest on a scholarship to study scores and compositions at the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire. In 2005, she graduated with a major in Music Education and an emphasis on vocals.

Richards took what she learned during recitals and performances, to educate young, aspiring musicians. For nearly two years, Richards taught K-5 on the East Coast, only to find the classroom wasn’t a perfect fit.

With just enough money set aside to pay for a couple months of rent, Richards crossed the Tennessee state line, determined to make a name for herself using her journal of song titles, hooks and lines.

After only a year of building on her songwriting and balancing three part-time jobs, Richards penned “Emerald City,” a five-song EP that independently sold more than one thousand copies. Her first debut musical set on iTunes delivered a sneak peek into Richards’ carefree view of life and wry sense of humor.

Taking inspiration from artists as diverse as mainstream acts like the Dixie Chicks, Miranda Lambert, and Bonnie Raitt to alternative singer-songwriters Ryan Adams, Brandi Carlile, Patty Griffin, and David Wilcox, Richards has crafted a debut cache of self-penned tunes that show off her talent not only as a vocalist but also as lyricist.

In 2010, she released “Ruby Red Shoes,” a full length disc produced by Henry Paul (BlackHawk/ The Outlaws) capturing the fragrant nuance that marks Richards’ artistry and on-stage talent.

The breadth of Richards’ personal and professional life infuses a positive spirit, yet fierce intellect. Her music showcases one who is not afraid to be a real sinner and a quiet saint.

Today, she continues to embrace her growing fan base at a directory of honky-tonks, watering holes and music venues across the country. Her homemade success earns endless recognition as it comes alive without the benefit of a recording contract or publishing deal, but has stemmed solely from Richards’ pure passion for song and voice.

.