Sarah’s story

Raised in a family of accomplished classical musicians, Sarah was surrounded by music from an early age but found her own voice in genres like rock, pop and R&B. While her upbringing planted the seeds, Sarah actually tried not to be a musician, ​“because it’s such a tough industry… But I knew deep down that I needed to follow my passion.” Her career has included stints in eight bands, the release of multiple EPs and international radio play, as well as television and podcast appearances. She later pivoted to a solo career, recording her debut album with a triple platinum producer — an ​“amazing experience” that marked a key milestone. 

Sarah’s connection to music is deeply personal saying, ​“what I really love about being a musician is the freedom of expression… Artists often see things that others might not. We see the world differently, and I feel blessed to have that perspective.” 

Her plans for a second album were interrupted by Covid and a serious head injury caused by a global supermarket brand which did not comply with health and safety regulations, resulting in a lengthy lawsuit which Sarah won. Despite these setbacks, she has remained active, starring in stage productions and working on new material, including a single – Streets – nearing release and a long-delayed second album. 

Throughout all this, she has used support networks like Music Minds Matter, describing them as ​“an absolute godsend” during a period marked by both physical and mental health challenges.

Sarah has faced significant challenges navigating the music industry, many of which stem from accessibility issues related to her partial vision. While performing and rehearsing are second nature to her — ​“singing is easy… being on a stage — that’s the easy part” — the digital side of the industry presents serious obstacles. From applying to festivals with overly complex forms to managing the technical demands of uploading and formatting content across platforms, Sarah often finds herself at a disadvantage. ​“Some companies won’t accept a format that I’m able to provide because of accessibility limitations,” she explains, highlighting how digital inaccessibility directly impedes her ability to share her work. 

On top of that, the visual-centric nature of today’s music industry forces her to hire help for tasks others may do themselves, leading to additional financial strain: ​“I have to earn more money just to pay the people who help me manage what others might be able to do on their own.” As visuals are so critical within the entertainment business and when selling products, over the years Sarah has had to spend extra money on hiring quality control experts to do the final checks for her.

Sarah has also contended with physical inaccessibility at venues. When planning a launch gig, she discovered the venue lacked accessible toilets. This realisation led her to cancel the event, underscoring her commitment to inclusivity, not just for herself but for others in similar positions. Sarah’s advocacy work in the industry reflects a broader mission to challenge and change these norms. 

Music Minds Matter has been a crucial source of emotional support for Sarah via the helpline, helping her navigate the compounding pressures and setbacks she faces in the music industry. Dealing with repeated barriers — both digital and physical — has taken a toll on her mental health, leaving her at times feeling isolated and overwhelmed. ​“It has a stacking effect — knock after knock after knock. When you’re constantly dealing with these barriers, you start to feel beaten down. It’s exhausting, and it drains your energy,” she explains. In those moments, having someone empathetic and understanding at the other end of the line has made a meaningful difference. ​“There are times when I’ve just felt so low… and having someone understanding on the other end of the phone — just so you don’t feel completely alone in it — has been such a support.” For Sarah, Music Minds Matter has been more than just a service, it’s been a lifeline. 

Beyond emotional support, the organisation has also empowered Sarah to keep moving forward in an industry that can often feel isolating, particularly as a ​“female, partially sighted artist”. As the driving force behind her own career, she’s not only had to make music but also take on leadership roles, manage teams, and navigate the egos and challenges that come with that responsibility. 

Music Minds Matter has been a vital source of emotional grounding for Sarah, offering both practical support and a safe space to process the personal and professional challenges she’s faced post-Covid. Most importantly, the helpline gave her space to reflect during an overwhelming time. The support helped her regain clarity and reminded her that emotional wellbeing is essential not just for her own health, but for her ability to connect with her audience.