How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
My mother found out about exposed vocal from Twitter.
So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I was raised in Fountian Inn, SC. I’ve always sang but I didn’t know I was actually good until seventh grade when I tried out for a solo in chorus. After that, I went on to do various competitions and showcases and music became my all time favorite thing to do. I’ve been through some hard things for my age, I got bullied, and I moved my sophomore year in High school but music and the good Lord has gotten me through all of it. I wrote my first song in 9th grade about the struggle I went through with being judged and not being able to find true friends. It wasn’t the best song, but after that people went around singing it all over the school. I’ve never felt so proud of myself, so proud that I had created something that people loved and related to. After that, I was HOOKED. I literally couldn’t stop writing. In my sophomore year alone, I wrote over thirty songs. Music isn’t a hobby for me. It is life. I couldn’t go a day without it. My guitar skills improved greatly and my voice all though I never had lessons, improved as well. I found who I wanted to be and I know what I want my music to do. I want it to inspire, to show people that they are not alone in life. I want the world to know that its ok to be who you are, its ok to be different. My motto is “Being normal is overrated.” and I believe in that. My music is something I put my whole heart into, I want people to feel my heart and soul, and let the music speak to them.
How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
I go by Sarah Mootz on stage but my friends call me “shawtymootz” that is where I get my twitter and instagram name. I am called shawtymootz literally because I’m short and my last name is something you don’t really hear everyday. If you wonder how to find me just look up “shawtymootz” & I’m sure I”ll be the only one you find!
What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
I give my music away for free ALL the time. I’m happy just as long as somebody’s listening. It’s nice to be paid but that’s not why I do this.
Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Go to open mics. and meet people that have connections. Just play every chance you get.
Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
If I make a mistake too big I just laugh it out, biggest thing to remember is that nobody is perfect and you are your biggest critique. If it’s small then I usually hide it pretty well and just keep playing!
Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
I write about things I experience, and about what inspires me. Every once in awhile a friend will go through something and I will write about but for the most part my songs all come straight from my heart and soul.
Do you have a band website? Do you have a Facebook or Twitter? Do you use Bandcamp, Spotify, ExposedVocals or SoundCloud to share your music?
I have a Facebook, twitter, soundcloud, and a reverbnation! My Facebook is Sarah Mootz, my twitter is @shawtymootz, my soundcloud is Sarah Mootz as well as my reverbnation.
What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Crazy Frog. When I was little I absolutely loved the Crazy frog, it was such a different sound and I become obsessed with it!
If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
I would give to charity, and I would definitely try to buy my parents what ever they needed! If I had leftover I would probably put it into savings!
How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
My friends, and online on facebook, twitter, and my personal instagram account! The best way is by far my friends, my friends tell a lot of people about my music , they help me gain a lot of fans!
If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
It be at the bi-lo center in Greenville, SC with Ed Sheeran. He is my biggest role model and I’d give anything to meet him and play with him. I would do it in SC so that all my friends from over the years could be there!
So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
I want to work on an album very badly so the next step is finding the right producer for me!
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
I would be working with people or animals because I love helping people and caring for animals.
Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
My First album that I bought with my own money was Adele 21. I just had to have it, I look up to her so much! I remember listening to it literally like all day everyday. I knew the whole album by heart very quickly!
How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
It’s definitely not easy having school, work and music but I love music to much to stop. God gives me the strength to keep pushing on and pulling through.
What should fans look forward too for the rest of 2015 and beyond?
I have a lot of new music to be put out, and I’m going nowhere but up!
