News
September 2009
I'm pleased to announce that, for two years in a row now, I have had consistent success with all the songs I entered into the UK Songwriting Contest. Last year, I entered 8 songs, and 7 got to the semi-finals and one to the final. This year, the results have just been announced, and all 6 of the songs I entered reached the semi-finals. The songs this year were : Baby You're Mine, Hornets Nest, Eggshells, Loved to Madness, I remember and my quirky Thank You All....(Which definitely needs part 2 to be written soon!) Frustratingly, I've written some much better stuff recently, and am working with a superbly talented and supportive team working towards me getting a publishing deal. Consequently, I'm unlikely to be posting any new songs here until the album is complete...well perhaps a sneak preview...we shall see.August 2009
Quite possibly the best month for quite some time, for many reasons. Doing 12 gigs, having a great family holiday, making some superb new friends, shedding unnecessary deadwood, picking up loads of new pupils, real interest in my original recordings, a new band doing a set list I chose (Moneymaker - gigging November onwards), a reinvention of the Fork Handles to be better than ever, and 14 new songs written!!!July 2009
I'm proud to announce that my song "I Remember" (he was pretty forgettable) has just been given a platinum award by the Artists Music Universe.You can hear this song on my Demos page, along with a number of other originals.
April 2009
What a month!This month has seen Tootnskamen rehearsing furiously for their first gig with the new line up. See the best line up ever of one of the countries top Madness and Two Tone Tribute Bands at The Poachers Pocket, Chatham, Kent, on Saturday 2nd May.
Additionally, I have been asked to play in the most fantastic newly formed blues and rhythm band, The Rift. With a line of of sax, guitar, hammond, bass, drums, and male and female vocals, this promises to be a band to wow your socks off. The first gig is on 22nd May, at the Boom Boom Club in Sutton, supporting the great blues legend, Carvin Jones.
March 2009
After 6 months of hard work, my originals band, the Fork Handles, not only has their album ready, but we also have our first gig on Friday 27th March in Eastbourne. Join us for some barnstorming original Folk Rock.Saturday sees me off to Colchester for a gig with Los Palmos 6, playing my first festival of the year, and expecting a crowd of around ten thousand. Photos to follow....
I'm also pleased to report that I am playing again in the new and much improved Tootnskamen, a tribute band playing hits from the ska and two tone era. I shall be singing Selector numbers, and saxing on everything else. Gigs booked from May onwards...
January 2009
Sarah is still the studio recording her first Songwriting album.However, in the interim, She has released her first Dance Tracks Album under the artist name Saxaphonica. The album is available to buy from iTunes. Please visit the Merchandise page. This album is a stunning collection of Get On Your Feet style tracks that demand the audience dance. Hence the album title: Dance: your life depends on it!
This album is being widely acknowledge by DJs across the country as a simply stunning merge of electronica and live saxophone.
December 2008
Sarah is currently in the studio recording her first Jazz album. It will include tracks such as Baby You're Mine (which reached the final of the UK Songwriting contest 2008), and many new tracks, and is anticipated to be ready by mid spring 2009.October 2008
Last night, myself and Van Tramp played to a sell out crowd at the Borderline, London. Fantastic fun, and a surprise secret guest appearance from Paulo Nutini made it all the more specialSeptember 2008
The Fork Handles Headline Malinkeys Dress to Impress Ball, Wookey Hole, SomersetThe Fork Handles dress funky..and play even funkier. We are a Soprano Sax, Mandolin, Bass, and Tea Chest Drum. We're hitting the folk scene and the festivals, and getting a fantastic response.
Have a look at us at The Fork Handles on Myspace
August 2008
UK Songwriting Contest Success!
Sarah Rayner has beaten over 6000 other entries, and reached the finals of the UK Songwriting Contest.
Sarah Rayner's song "Baby You're Mine", taken from her forthcoming album, has received National recognition, reaching the finals of the Jazz and Blues songwriting category.
She has also achieved seven further Semi-Finalist positions in Pop, Adult Contemporary, Rock, Folk/Country and Instrumental categories, proving her talent as an incredibly adaptable songwriter.
"The UK Songwriting Contest does what it says on the tin! This is a real chance for new songwriters to break into the music business." (Channel Four Television)
The UKSC is now in its seventh year. It was formed in 2002 with The BRIT Trust (of BRIT AWARDS fame) to encourage and promote the art of songwriting.
The contest is supported by some of the most highly respected names in music including BBC Radio, Music Aid, the BRIT School, The Guild of International Songwriters and Composers, The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, The International Song Copyright Agency, Sibelius, Broadjam, Virtual Studio Systems, Backbeat Books and many other leading music industry professionals, organisations and companies.
With music and lyrics written and arranged by Sarah, she has created a collection of songs that span numerous different genres.
"I wanted this album to be a showcase for my songwriting, rather than fit neatly into any specific style. Although I've had some help from some great friends and great musicians, I have played or sung on as much of each track wherever possible."
Sarah is said to be "over the moon"" with the results, and is currently seeking representation. She says she "looks forward to recording more songs in the near future".