An Interview with Artist Sarah Kroger
Interview by Emily Rogers
Currently it’s raining outside, I have a candle lit, and Pieces by Sarah Kroger is playing and it just completes the entire mood. If you haven’t heard of Sarah Kroger yet, you will! Probably like right now, reading this. Sarah is an up but mostly coming “Catholic Christian artist musician singer songwriter pianist.” Ie, the whole deal! We are so excited when we were pitched this interview and loved reading it, as we’re sure you will too!
In April, you released your new album, Bloom. Why this title.
When the word “Bloom" came to my randomly on a flight, I just knew that it was the right title. I wrote a majority of the songs on the album around the concepts of identity and beloved-ness. We can’t bloom if we are rooted in lies. We have to be rooted in our identity as the beloved in order to bloom in freedom. That’s what this album is all about.
You collaborated with quite a few co-writers for Bloom, such as Audrey Assad, Sarah Hart, Adam Agin, and Matt Maher among others. We even hear Audrey and Adam on a few tracks! What was it like working with these folks?
Amazing! I’ve heard it said that you should surround yourself with people who are more experienced / more talented than you so that it pushes you out of your comfort zone and challenges you to grow. Each of the people you mentioned are just that for me. They are incredible artists and songwriters, and far more talented than me. I’ve learned so much from them over these past few years. The fact that each of them lent their talents to this record is something I will forever be grateful for.
What draws you to leading the experience of prayer through your music?
I’ve been drawn to music since I was a kid. I grew up in a very musical family with parents involved in music ministry at our local church. When I was a teenager, I experienced my first personal encounter with God through worship at a youth conference and it changed me forever. I knew from that moment that I wanted to be a part of facilitating similar encounters for other people through worship, and I’ve been on the journey ever since. Nothing compares to the feeling of leading a room full of people in worship to God. There’s nothing else I’d rather do.
Where are you currently receiving inspiration from in your life?
Inspiration comes to me in all kinds of ways, but most frequently when I’m out in nature. I love taking walks through our neighborhood, going on hikes, or staring out at the ocean. I always feel rejuvenated and inspired after spending time in nature. I also love to read. I recently started re-reading the Chronicles of Narnia and it’s bringing me so much joy.
It's summertime! What are your top three go-to summer jams?
Anything that makes me want to dance / sing at the top of my lungs in my car with the windows down. My current favorites include No Roots by Alice Merton, Can’t Stop The Feeling by Justin Timberlake, and Never Really Over by Katy Perry.
How would you describe the union of music, beauty, and art?
Beauty is surrounding us all the time. Whether it’s in the fierceness of a brilliant sunset or a child walking for the first time, you can find it in the everyday moments of life. We just don’t always have our eyes open to it. The powerful thing about music and art is that it has the power to capture the beauty of a moment. Listening to music often helps me to slow down and breathe in the beauty of the present, rather than just getting swept up in the chaos of life.
Who is an influential woman in your life, and what has she taught you about what it means to be a woman?
My mom. She was a single mother from the time I was 10 and raised us with nothing but love. I was an anxious child, but my mom was always my biggest cheerleader. She has always been a safe place for me to land. She taught me that women can be strong and can face hard things with dignity (both physically and emotionally). She taught me how to be a good friend and an encourager to others. She taught me to not be afraid of my emotions and that it’s ok to not always have all the answers.
If you could chat with a saint this afternoon, who would he/she be and why?
Saint Theresa of Calcutta. Every time I read her writings, I’m challenged and brought deeper into my relationship with God. I think a conversation with her would challenge me a lot.