She’s not an accountant secretly pushing screenplays in
between coffee breaks. For a resident in the city of broken dreams,
the young Sara Bareilles has been experiencing a considerable
amount of success and recognition.
Since she began playing gigs in January, Bareilles, a
fourth-year communications studies student, has twice heard her
name announced as the winner of showcase competitions.
In May, the singer/songwriter captured her second consecutive
Mortar Board Award for Best Solo Entry at the annual Spring Sing.
More recently, she triumphed in Acoustic Live’s Battle of the
Bands in October.
For those eager to learn the secret of her success, Bareilles
will be bringing her soulful voice to Westwood Brewing Company
Saturday at 9 p.m.
“It’s been such an exciting year for me because of
the positive feedback and support,” Bareilles said. “I
was shocked when I won (Acoustic Live). There’s so much
talent, and I was very humbled by that.”
As a part of UCLA’s a cappella group Awaken, she has the
experience as a vocalist. The Eureka, Calif. native described her
keyboard skills as mediocre, but she makes up for it with pipes
that have industry professionals perking their ears.
“There’s been some interest, but everything is in
the preliminary stages right now,” Bareilles said.
“I’m trying to meet people and establish some
connections.”
With her foot at least in the door, Bareilles is a step closer
to becoming the full-time performer she has always wanted to be.
Her aspirations to be a performer make sense. She grew up with an
actress mother, a sister who sings, and a father who played piano
and guitar around the house. In grade school, Bareilles also went
through the community theater and choir routine.
“It’s been something I just always knew,”
Bareilles said. “There was never that pinnacle moment where I
went “˜Oh my God, this is it,’ but when I thought about
my future, I never imagined it being anything without music in it.
There was never a question that I wanted to at least pursue it and
see what happens.”
That pursuit will require Bareilles, a fan of Jeff Buckley,
Fiona Apple and Tori Amos, to take the next step as a songwriter
since a captivating voice is only part of the equation. However,
she says, songwriting cannot be forced.
“I read a poignant quote by Tori Amos saying (songwriters)
should trust their songs to end up being what they’re
supposed to be,” Bareilles said. “It can sound
contrived if you try to rush it. I try to take each song one at a
time and let it happen organically.”
Bareilles has gone from a nervous first gig at Molly
Malone’s, an Irish pub/music venue, to playing one show every
two weeks. She’s also ready to make a demo tape to send out
to record labels and producers.
However, Bareilles admitted that balancing schoolwork and
playing gigs can prove difficult, and after a year of studying
abroad in Italy, her main goal right now is to graduate in
spring.
“After graduation, I’m going to really dive into the
music scene and give it my all,” Bareilles said.
Sarah Bareilles performs at Westwood Brewing Company Saturday at
9 p.m.