Michael O'Bryon Photography
Sarah Hardwig, left, sings "American Honey" with Charles Kelley of Lady A during the QBE Shootout Pro-Am concert in 2019. The two sang "Need You Now" at the same event in 2018.
Sarah Hardwig is a 19-year-old Belmont University student and aspiring singer/songwriter.
She's performed the national anthem more than 200 times, at writers' rounds around town, on stage with artists like Locash, Charles Kelley of Lady A, and Lauren Alaina, and even in the Ryman parking lot with Steven Tyler. Hardwig shares how she fell in love with music, what it's like singing alongside some of country music's most well known artists, and how she lives her day-to-day with her rare genetic eye disorder.
Tell us a little bit about yourself! What made you want to get involved in the world of music?
I started singing when I was 4-years-old and came out of my bedroom and told my parents that's what wanted to do. After hearing interviews with country stars like Carrie Underwood on the radio, I told them I wanted to meet these people. I started singing national anthems, and then in 2011, I came to Nashville for the first time to CMA Fest and just fell in love with the city and country music even more. I started meeting so many artists and songwriters each year at CMA Fest. I then began learning to play the guitar and writing songs when I was 14-years-old and everything has progressed from there. I've wanted to go to Belmont forever, and was just thrilled to pass my audition to get into their songwriting program.
What does your typical day look like in Belmont’s songwriting program?
I have one songwriting class this semester -- it's my third one -- with Victoria Banks, who is a co-writer on some of Mickey Guyton's most popular songs. I'm also involved in songwriting clubs on campus like BUSA (Belmont University Songwriters Association) and I'm taking audio engineering.
You have performed the National Anthem more than 200 times. What was the most memorable time and why?
I'd say the Miami Dolphins preseason game when I was 9-years-old. I had to beat out 900 people to get the chance to sing it and it was something else to sing in a stadium that size.
It seems like you have had the chance to perform with so many great artists like Locash, Charles Kelley of lady A and Lauren Alaina! What was that like?
They've all just been a thrill and I feel blessed that they thought enough of me to give me the chance to sing with them. They all have been so supportive and I have to mention Chris Young really has, too. I've performed at his fan club party a couple of times.
You even sang in the Ryman’s parking lot with Steven Tyler. What a surreal experience! How did that happen and do you recall your emotions in that moment?
It was in my classic rock phase and I really wanted to meet him. We were at fan fair and my mom was waiting for another artist by herself and just ended up talking to a lady about me and the lady happened to have extra tickets to Marty Stuart's Late Night Jam. The the rumor was that he was going to perform. So my dad and I went, and after he performed, we went out at the artist exit and waited for two-and-a-half hours. It got pretty chilly. It was just the two of us and another lady. His Rolls Royce was parked there too. He finally came out and I just started singing and he stopped. I sang "Stand By Your Man" and he stopped me and asked to sing it with me. I basically screamed all the way back to the car after that.
Bluebird Café is one of Nashville’s most recognized music venues. What was it like performing in such an iconic spot?
The first time I sang there, another country songwriter from Florida, Maggie Baugh (who we are friends with) was performing and she had me come up and sing one of her songs with her. Then I got into open mic the next night and sang one of my songs. A few months ago, Samantha Ferrara, a co-writer of mine, sang one of my songs on her first night performing there and I was so happy to be there and support her. It was just surreal to audition there and find out I got through to perform myself. I can't wait until December 11.
On a more personal note, you were born with Leber's Congenital Amaurosis. What is it and how does it affect you when performing?
It's a genetic disorder that causes blindness at birth. I was diagnosed at five months and my parents put me in early support programs with the Division of Blind Services with the state and the Lighthouse of Collier, Inc. They got involved with the Foundation Fighting Blindness, too. As for performing, it doesn't really affect me that much at songwriter rounds since performers are usually standing or sitting, playing a guitar, and staying in front of a microphone.
What are you currently working on? Any fun gigs or opportunities on the rise?
I'm getting ready to release my first single "Who I Am" that I co-wrote in Florida with my producer Julian Sundby. He was able to get some Nashville session musicians to play on it. Other than that, I'm focusing on college and co-writing, and hope to play some songwriter rounds when I can. And then the Bluebird!