Sarah Harralson "presents honest, bare-boned recordings that are authentic," stated Music Connection Magazine after hearing her debut singer-songwriter EP, Finally Found, in 2014. Her authenticity lies in her lyrics based on true stories followed by melodies that will be stuck in your head hours after hearing it. She is not afraid to tell it like it is in her music. This Knoxville native began writing songs when she was ten years old, her grandfather being her biggest musical influence. Her trek to Nashville was significantly shorter than that of many other Music City dreamers in that she only had to travel three hours west on I-40 to get here. But, that makes her a hometown gal already familiar with the region - something she's already worked to great advantage in her time here.

MCN: In a town teeming with talent what makes you standout in Music City?

SH: My voice and my songs. I've always been told I have a unique voice with hints of Natalie Maines, Emmylou Harris, and Alanis Morrissette. Having a unique sound and not completely sounding like someone else already is key in this town. Writing unique songs and clever hooks is also key, and I am all about writing something different and writing really clever hooks.

MCN: What is the most significant musical experience you have been a part of - or witnessed - in Nashville, Tennessee?

SH: Out of all of the music experiences I've been able to be a part of, being a volunteer for Musicians On Call has been so meaningful and rewarding. It reminds me every time why I do music. Bringing music to patients' bedsides reminds me how powerful and healing music can really be.

MCN: I recently heard Nashville described as a dreamer's town. Can you encapsulate the size and the scope of the dream you brought with you to Music City?

SH: I definitely came to Nashville dreaming big of being a professional artist and songwriter. I didn't really know what to expect. I went to Belmont to study Music Business and reality definitely sunk in as I learned more about the music industry. It's definitely a complex industry, but in the end, connections matter. Working hard, building your brand, and making the right connections can get you far in this town.

MCN: What are you currently promoting?

SH: I have a new collaborative self-produced album coming out May 24th titled West of Me with artist Christine Bauer. Her and I met a few years ago and started writing together and playing gigs. We wanted to do a collaborative album with some of our best songs we have written together. Since I also produce music, I wanted to produce my first album. I co-produced this with Jason Witt in town. The album will be available on all digital platforms.

MCN: Nashville is an amazing place. Many call the Tennessee capitol the "It" City while some say we're experiencing growing pains. Either way, it's a fun topic of conversation and the subject always elicits strong opinions. So we ask - what do you love and what do you loathe about the town known as Music City?

SH: I think we all loathe how saturated Nashville is getting, especially with the housing market, but at the same time, Music City is the place to be. I love that there's always such talented people to get connected with and how Nashville truly is a small town in a big city.

MCN: When you find yourself in Nashville and the surrounding region and you are out looking for a bite to eat - what is your go to place to dine?

SH: Bakersfield! I try to stop in there anytime I'm downtown. I love Mexican food and their queso is phenomenal arriving thick in a skillet. Accompanied with a jalapeņo margarita and shrimp tacos, it makes for a great meal!