Today Sarah Leete returns with her latest single, ‘Girl Next Door’. Following on from the star on the rise’s previous offering, ‘Used’ (which peaked at #14 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay chart), the new single continues to showcase Sarah’s trademark straight-shooting storytelling, infused with catchy melodies.
‘Girl Next Door’ bears all the hallmarks of a contemporary country hit – a driving beat, world class production and engaging vocals – yet it still maintains that unique authenticity for which Sarah is known for. A tangle of guitars and banjo ebbs and flows perfectly around her voice, as she reminisces about a past life.
“Girl Next Door is about leaving home and coming back again to all you left behind,” confesses Sarah. While many have previously suffered a tumultuous few years, Sarah has weathered an exceptionally challenging storm, dealing with the loss of both her parents. “I wrote Girl Next Door late last year while getting my childhood home ready to put up for sale. After the last few years that I’ve had, it really has me thinking about the past.”
The song’s title was inspired literally by her childhood neighbour. “The girl I used to live next door to used to play electric guitar and I would hear it through my window while I was learning to play.”
Sarah entrusted QLD producer, Michael Muchow (Catherine Britt, Melody Moko), with the task of building the songs sonic landscape. Together at Airlock Studios (founded by Powderfinger’s Ian Haug) they crafted the track. “It ticks all the boxes for me sonically and it’s something I’m really proud of,” smiles Sarah.
Since her debut self-titled EP release in 2017, Sarah has steadily been building a firm fanbase. Despite the numerous curveballs life has thrown her she continually manages to knock them out of the park – vigorously touring her show and supporting the likes of The Viper Creek Band, Bill Chambers and Fanny Lumsden.
Now she’s set to embark on one of her largest tours to date, the Girl Next Door Tour. The 19 date run will see Sarah snake her way from the county music capital, Tamworth, through the NSW heartland to the Mildura Country Music Festival and back up the east coast, incorporating stops in Canberra and Brisbane.
The last two years have already seen 3 stellar singles from this down-to-earth songwriter and ‘Girl Next Door’ is no exception. “I know that things have changed / I’m not the girl next door.” Dominated by themes of reflection and change, Sarah’s pen describes these sentiments with a genuineness that few possess. Her talent lies in her authenticity, which has allowed her to create truly moving music.