Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Sarah Elizabeth Haines, released her third single the gentle, ethereal “Water” from her forthcoming LP, Castaway, set for release on February 25, 2022. The song was co-written with Sarah and producer Kevin Salem (Rachel Yamagata) and prominently features the multi-instrumentalist’s viola playing in this beautiful and haunting ballad. The lyric video features shots of water moving backwards and forwards in natural settings including creeks, streams, lakes, ponds, and the ocean perfectly capturing the sentiment that, “no matter what I do, it leads me back to you.”
“Water’ is about being deeply affected by an experience -- being swept under by the tide, meeting the wrong person at the right time, being forced to spend a year in pseudo-confinement -- and choosing to move forward despite the knowledge that a part of it will remain with you always, says Sarah. “Just because it's there doesn't mean you have to drown in it. And--everything is cyclical. The process may lead you back to the sea, but soon enough you'll become rain again and you can go anywhere the wind takes you.”
Prior to releasing “Water,” Sarah’s “In The Morning” premiered via Glide Magazine who cheer: “with gritty guitar contrasting with her dreamy vocals, the song is an infectious indie rocker that finds Haines dwelling on long distance relationships. Backed by choir-like harmonies and a slow-building sense of drama, the song feels like it would easily be a radio hit during the 90s grunge and alternative era. Haines puts a unique touch on the song by layering in her own orchestration, adding a refined lushness to the music."
Her first single, “Liar,” was lauded as a “nice slice of indie funk” by American Blues Scene in their premiere this fall.
Sarah Elizabeth Haines was used to living in the harmonies, the lines outside of the spotlight. A classically trained violist and violinist, she plays both instruments in the touring production of Tony award-winning Hamilton (she’s performed in over 800 shows of the musical) and the New York City-based contemporary classical chamber group Contemporaneous. Previously, she’s toured with Les Misérables and Kansas City Choir Boy (featuring Courtney Love) and been a co-bandleader of Americana-folk band Bellehouse and a member of orchestral rock band Emanuel and the Fear.
With Castaway, her second full-length solo LP due in early 2022, Haines steps confidently into the center of the music of her own life. The 11-track album showcases Haines’ impressive instrumental skills on viola, violin, guitar, arrangements, and production, as well as her sharp songwriting and strong singing — both on the melodies and harmonies.
Haines will be playing select dates in support of the release of Castaway.
