Moving to Nashville from Lawrence, Kansas to attend the prestigious Belmont University, Sarah Buxton quickly learned how to stand out from the crowd in a sea of music students. A lover of many genres, Sarah sought to combine her musical influences in her work, from Stevie Nicks, Joni Mitchell, and Patty Loveless, to Diane Warren, Stevie Wonder and The Bee Gees. Sarah’s songwriting and vocals were a definite standout. Showcasing a raspy, rangy voice, with intense power in one moment, and immense restraint in another, it wouldn’t be long before Nashville would take notice.
Performing at Belmont’s “Best Of” show at the famed Ryman led to her first publishing deal at only 19 years old. While writing and singing demos, her infectious personality and powerhouse vocals caught the eye of key players in the Nashville community. An introduction to legendary producer, Dann Huff, turned into an integral mentorship. Huff saw something in Sarah he knew had to be spotlighted. After a showcase in his home for industry executives, Dann helped gather tastemakers to Sarah’s first true showcase at The Basement. It was there she shined, and was immediately offered six record deals, eventually landing with Lyric Street Records and their leader, Randy Goodman. By this time, Sarah had long been crafting her songwriting chops and had been signed by legendary songwriter/publisher, Craig Wiseman. She was collaborating with the cream of the Nashville crop.
While writing and recording for her solo album, Sarah got a break no one saw coming. Huff and Wiseman had been coproducing her record, and Dann fell in love with one of Sarah’s songs “Stupid Boy”. Also, producing Keith Urban at the time, Dann decided to play the song for Keith as an introduction to Sarah, in hopes he would love her music and want to have her out on the road, as a possible opener. Keith did love the song, so much so that he wanted to cut it himself. Not wanting to let such a big opportunity pass her by, Sarah agreed to let Keith have the song, but she decided she would keep it on her own album, as well. Not only did Keith cut it, but he released it as his next single and the song went all the way to number two on the charts.
In 2010, Sarah released her album, titled Sarah Buxton, and “Stupid Boy” was brought to life a second time.
Unfortunately, during that time, the label was having hardships, and it wasn’t long before Lyric Street went defunct. Fortunately for Sarah, she had already caught the eye and ear of the music business and other artists in town. She began collaborating as a featured vocalist, lending her stand out vocals to several artists’ projects including Dierks Bentley, David Nail, Florida Georgia Line and more.
Little by little, Sarah persevered, seeing her victories grow. Having been an artist herself to then having a big hit with Keith, other songwriters became increasingly aware of her creative abilities and wanted more collaborations. Sarah started to see herself as not only a songwriter of her own songs, but one who could potentially write for others. By now, her publisher had created a record label arm and was signing fresh talent. Sarah began working with their roster as well as other heavy hitters in town. A long-time friend and collaborator, Jesse Frasure, was also starting to see a little bit of success in town, but it wouldn’t be till the two got together to head out on the road with FGL, that they would both get their first number one together, FGL’s “Sundaze”. Keeping their winning streak going, the pair scored another number one with Big Loud artist, Chris Lane and his song “Fix”.
A string of number ones, vocal opportunities on multiple artist albums, as well as more single chances as a writer, encouraged Sarah to think outside the box. Even as songwriting became her main focus, she never stopped performing. She formed the band Skyline Motel with friends and co-writers Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk and Kate York, and independently, they released an album. Soon, Sarah would be releasing her own songs as an independent, solo artist, finally putting out two EP’s Signs Of Life, in 2020, and Moonriser, in 2021. Today, she continues to forge her own path by releasing music she feels speaks to her own style and continues to write for other artists. With releases by Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Alan Jackson, FGL, Martina McBride, The Band Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Harry Connick, Jr., Chris Lane, Gary Allan and more, Sarah continues to grace Music City with her creative talents, with no boundaries on what she can achieve.