Sick of Sarah

By Haven Bergfalk
Contributing Writer

Sick of Sarah is a pop-punk band from Minneapolis, composed of Jessie Farmer, Jamie Holm, Katie Murphy, Jessica Forsythe and Abisha Uhl. Their music is energetic, catchy, and it is obvious that the most important thing to them is to have fun and to entertain. With a sound compared to The Breeders and Slater Kinney, the band has toured with Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles, who said, “They are fun loving, open-hearted girls who play irresistible punk infused with pop music with a passion that is truly contagious.” Nancy Wilson of the band Heart is also a fan, calling them “the real deal.” After touring all over the United States in support of their new album 2205, the band is coming back home to the Midwest.

Given how busy they’ve been touring, I was only able to “catch up” with Jamie Holm, bassist for the band, via e-mail.

HPR: You guys started out in Minneapolis, MN. What do you think of the music scene in Minnesota and Fargo? Do you guys think that it gets enough attention? Are there any local bands in this area that you enjoy?

JH: We have awesome fans in Fargo! As far as the scene in Minnesota and Minneapolis I feel like we are getting much more attention elsewhere. They must have good taste though as my brothers band 4 on The Floor is getting a lot of positive media attention, and they are rad! No bias…ha.

HPR:  You guys have had a pretty big tour - taking you to Texas, Massachusetts, Oregon - are you guys glad to be so close to home? What has the tour been like - what was your favorite concert?

JH: It is nice to play near home and be able to sleep in our beds for a night or two for sure! Our shows on this tour have been really great, and we are seeing a lot of new fans. It’s always great to have people walk in off the street and say they were hooked from the first song. San Diego was pretty fun. They get crazy there!

HPR: You guys have Nancy Wilson referring to you as a friend. How did you meet? Have you guys been influenced by Heart? What other bands have you been influenced by?

JH: We have the same manager as Heart, and they have definitely influenced us! They are amazing musicians and the nicest people. I sang karaoke at Nancy’s house once while out in L.A. You can just feel how genuine she is! As far as other influences they range from The Yeah Yeah Yeahs to the Eagles to Eminem. You should hear some of our van mixes!

HPR: What inspires you? What is your music about - is there a message you want to get across, are you doing this for fun?

JH: We are definitely doing it because it’s what we love and it’s fun. Sure it’s a lot of hard work too, but nothing worth doing is going to be handed to you. As far as a message in the music there isn’t one specific message. We write what we are feeling, and it’s amazing to see people relating to that.

HPR: What is your favorite song? And what else would you like to say to Fargo, ND?

JH: My favorite song to play right now live is “Overexposure” because it always seems to have a lot of energy behind it. I would have to say my favorite song off the album is “Giving Up.” I could see it being a song that I would listen to on repeat when I feel like shit.

HPR: And just a fun question: What is your tour bus like?

JH: Our tour bus? It is a figment of my imagination as of right now but when it does exist I will invite you on for one of those crazy parties everyone always talks about. For now I am in a large gold van. SOLID GOLD! Literally, I am in the middle of an 18-hour drive right now. I guess I should thank you for the road entertainment! Thanks Fargo, hope to see you out at the show!

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IF YOU GO:
What: Sick of Sarah
Where: Nestor Tavern, 1001 NP Ave N., Fargo
When: Saturday, March 5, 8 - 11 p.m.