Sarah McGuinness is an award-winning film producer and singer-songwriter, showing boundless talent! She’s recently released an older Christmas song, titled Christmas Everyday (No More Sad Songs). It really is a lovely track, warming the heart up at this time of year. If you’re looking for a holiday song that’s a little different, why not check it out after this interview?
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new song titled Christmas Everyday (No More Sad Songs). What can you tell us about the record?
It’s my festive offering that I first released nearly 10 years ago! It’s all about the joy of Christmas (no more sad songs!) and how it’s really all about WHO you spend Christmas time with, making memories. Musically, it’s everything I love in a Christmas song – jingle bells and a lovely pop melody, but with a jazzy and soulful edge, paying homage to Christmas songs past.
How has the reception to Christmas Everyday (No More Sad Songs) been so far, and where can the track be purchased?
It’s been very exciting and humbling in equal measure.
When I write a song, there is a point at which it takes on a life of its own and it almost belongs to other people, and that’s especially true with a Christmas song, I love that people are enjoying it so much and that it’s part of their Christmas celebrations.
You can buy it everywhere, I don’t think there is a platform we aren’t on! Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, YouTube… wherever you like to listen to your music.
What prompted you to release a Christmas song? Is it something you’d consider doing again?
It started with a couple of lines, they were very nostalgic and I just felt like they belonged in a Christmas song! I also loved the idea of having a song that I could perform at this time of year when people are feeling festive and joyful, it’s a great party track.
I love re-releasing the track every year because it’s here for such a short time but… never say never! I loved making this one, so if there is another one down the line then that would be great.
What does a typical Christmas look like in your household?
It’s lovely, we wake up and have a big breakfast together then we head over to family in the afternoon. We have the Christmas meal later which works well, as then it’s just a gentle slide over to the piano, guitars, whisky and Guinness! It’s our own Christmas day party as an extended family, along with all the mad traditions, quirky presents and quality time that that entails.
Do you have any more singles planned for release?
Yes, very excitingly there are the remixes for some of my tracks that get played across the club circuit in Ibiza. It’s always amazing to hear someone else’s creative take on my work, they are amazing at making it sound incredible but with such a different style, it’s really inspiring actually. There’s a new one due out for summer 2024.
Are there any plans to release a full length album soon?
Yes, the final stages of the next album have been in the works for the second half of this year, so I am hoping to have it completed by autumn 2024, watch this space!
You’re also an award-winning film director. How do you fit it all in? Are you working on anything special at the moment?
Sometimes I wonder that myself! I have a great team who I have known for years, that let me know when I have taken on too much but, the short answer is, all the different areas inform one another. They are all part of my creative body of work, so it’s actually quite easy for me to work on different things at the same time. For example after many years I have just finally completed building a small arts village in Ireland called Halyon – think Portmeirion meets creative work space! It’s a beautifully healing and inspiring place to create anything. We have a dance studio, artisan shops, a spa, yoga centre, recording studio, tiny restaurants (sushi bar, Brasserie, pizzeria and railway carriage for fine dining), places to write or sketch or play, restaurants and most importantly, a tiny but perfectly formed Irish pub! There is every chance to make whatever your heart desires.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
Absolutely, I have my regular radio show on 242radio.com (7PM every other Sunday), I host Back to Blacks, a lovely show full of creative folks doing wonderful things, from singers, songwriters, comedians, artists, photographers, writers and even the mixologist chips in with his latest cocktail creation! We used to do it quarterly but we are planning more next year. In addition to that there is a new endeavour in London (more about this soon), plus the new album of course, and then the big club event nights at Halyon too.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
I certainly hope so! To celebrate Christmas Everyday this year I have created The Live Edit (available on my socials and website), it’s a retrospective of my live performances, spanning all the years I have been gigging. Seeing all the footage has been incredible and it reminded me, after two years off during covid, how much I love it. There is nothing better for an artist than to perform in front of a live audience, so let’s see what 2024 brings!
Any last words for the fans?
Just a massive thank you! Whether it’s tuning in to the radio show, being a part of Halyon, attending a club night, watching my music videos on YouTube or coming along to a live show, this year everyone has been so brilliantly supportive and, in a world that is constantly clamouring for everyone’s time, it’s amazing people choose to spend some of that time supporting me.