Interview with Sarah Vonderhaar

By: Dennis M. Kelly - April 5th, 2008


 

SARAH VONDERHAAR Not your “average girl,” Sarah VonderHaar displays her creative spirit and individuality in everything she does. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Sarah attended Catholic school where her distinctive character wasn’t always appreciated. “I remember wearing combat boots, plaid pants and chains to school one day and was told my outfit didn’t reflect the values of the school,” Sarah recalls from her childhood. Thus were the beginnings of a girl who is never afraid to break the mold of conformity and express her unique creativity. This spirit and her drive for success has propelled Sarah to become a multi-dimensional singer, songwriter, actress, model, and photographer.

While her interests in the creative arts keep her busy, writing and performing music is her first love. Sarah shares, “I’m really passionate about my music. I have a lot of energy and love the idea of making something out of nothing. When I am in the studio I am consumed by the creative process and when I’m on stage the presence of the audience exhilarates me.” Sarah’s personal style is revealed on the songs she has written and performed that combine infectious pop melodies fused with edgy and complex rock guitar and dance grooves. From the rocked out sounds of “Hurt Me” and “My Declaration,” to the melodic beauty of “Sweet Love You,” “Lullaby,” and “Find Your Way Home,” the unmistakable range and intensity of Sarah’s voice manifests itself in each song. “Putting the words to music takes the emotions in my lyrics to an even higher level,” comments Sarah. Writing serves a significant purpose in Sarah’s life. The song “Are You Listening Now” is an account of her coming to terms with her father’s death, while “Over You” depicts a relationship that never should have been. Her lyrics reveal a complex mix of tender emotion, angry rebellion, introspective reflection and individual spirit. The song “Me” was developed from just that individuality.

Expressing Sarah’s thoughts of the duality needed to be successful in the modeling business, “Me” reveals that Sarah isn’t willing to give up her own unique personality to conform to the ideals of others. Sarah began modeling and acting professionally in Chicago at age 17. After attending an open call at a major modeling agency she was signed and began doing shoots for numerous local, national and international campaigns. While at an after party for the America’s Next Top Model auditions in Chicago, that she attended to promote her photography, she was spotted by a producer who asked her to audition for the show. She was chosen to appear in cycle 8 of America’s Next Top Model and spent the next two months taping in Los Angeles. “It was so much fun and I wouldn’t have changed anything that happened on the show. I was completely myself and came home with amazing new friends and a great memory,” says Sarah about the experience. She is also featured in an independent film titled Dimensions that was produced in Chicago and was released in the fall of 2007. Sarah has a starring role as Grace, a girl who is an aspiring model. Although Sarah is no stranger to the limelight, she says, “My family and friends keep me grounded. They support everything I do, but they’re always there to remind me I’m just a quirky girl from Chicago.

No matter what I’m doing, I’m still the same person inside. I’m most comfortable in my Chuck Taylor’s, jeans and a sweatshirt. That’s where we got the idea for the video for “Me.” Yeah, I can look glamorous for a photo shoot or a runway job, but when I’m hanging out with my friends I certainly don’t go for the “glam” look. I have my own style and I love it!” Sarah is grateful for the many amazing people who have helped her along the way.

Bill Covert, her manager and co-producer, and Dave Uhrich, her guitarist, co-producer and engineer, inspire her both musically and personally, and push her to reach her full potential. Los Angeles based video director Kerry Shaw Brown directed the music video “Me” and continues to support her musical pursuits, while record producer Marshall Altman worked with Sarah in Los Angeles and gave her an additional perspective on song writing and performing. Engineer Jim Godsey mixes all the material recorded in Chicago and video editor Jeff Schwartz edited all the material for the music video “Me.” Photographer Jeff Sciortino shot promotional photos and the CD cover. Tyra Banks and America’s Next Top Model executive producers Ken Mok and Anthony Dominici gave Sarah the opportunity to appear on cycle 8 of ANTM. Sarah says, “I feel blessed to work with such wonderful people who believe in me and my dreams.”

For more information, please visit her official website at: www.sarahvonderhaar.com or her MySpace page at: http://www.myspace.com/sarahvonderhaar