Behind the piano: Little Sailboat

Behind the piano: Little Sailboat

What’s your real name? 
Amara Falk

How did you come up with your artist name?
I learned how to sail, a small two seated boat, when I was 19 years old. Nothing was more exhilarating, yet unknown, as trying to ride the wind and waves. I’ve found that this imagery parallels my life. There is not much I can control, but I still enjoy being out and experiencing all that this world has to offer. 

Where are you from? And where do you live?
I grew up in Minnesota and still live here. 

How long have you been playing the piano?
I’ve been playing the piano since I was in third grade. I took lessons through my freshmen year of college. 

Tell us about how you started playing music. 
Music has always been a part of my family and was a huge part of my upbringing. Everyone in my family played two instruments and sang in a variety of choirs. It was natural for me to start playing because that’s what everyone in my family did too. 

How long have you been making piano music?
I started writing piano music when I was 18 years old. The first piano song I wrote was titled “Barefoot”. It represented how vulnerable I felt being at college and not knowing how to express myself. Since then, I’ve found that writing piano music is one of the best ways to express who I am. 

Tell us something about that moment you realized you could make songs yourself!
I actually wasn’t super impressed! It took other people telling me, that it was good, for me to realize that I had something special. I thought everyone could write music! 

What are your favorite artists in this “piano genre”?
I really enjoy Ludovico Einaudi and Olafur Arnalds.

Is there one song which you play over and over again as soon as you sit down by a piano? Your own or someone else’s? 
I’ve always had a love for Christmas music! I’ll play it any time of year. In particular there is an arrangement of We Three Kings/Carol of The Bells – John H. Hopkins Jr. Ukranian Carol, arranged by M. Sherrill Kelsey that I play almost every time I sit down at the piano. 

What song inspires you the most when you’re making music? Can you name just ONE song/composition?
I don’t think I can name one song or composition, but I do know that I’m greatly inspired by Imogen Heap, Regina Spektor, and Chris Thile. Though none write piano compositions, all three come from classical backgrounds. I love how they will test boundaries while also expressing themselves through their work. 

What rules (in making music) needs to be broken?
I think as long as you’re being true to your creative self, you don’t have to worry about rules. You can learn from the rules, but true breakout artists always are doing something different from everyone else. 

Anything else you want to share? 
I have a new piano EP being released on 1/11/19 titled “Four Movements”!! It’s truly my best work. Check it out wherever you listen to music!! 

The last question is asked by my 5 year old son:
Where do all your songs come from? 
My songs come from deep inside my heart and soul. They are often inspired by what I see and experience in my daily life. 

Thank you for sharing Amara!

Please check out these social links about Little Sailboat:
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Website

And of course check out the music on Spotify!