Summary
In "Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song," Sara Bareilles, the five-time Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter, invites readers into her world, sharing intimate stories and personal reflections through the lens of her most beloved songs. This collection of essays unveils the experiences that have shaped her distinctive voice and chart-topping career, offering a deeply personal look at the woman behind the music.
Bareilles recounts her childhood in Eureka, California, detailing her early passion for music and theater, as well as her struggles with body image and self-doubt. She shares anecdotes about her family, her sisters, and the pivotal moments that ignited her artistic aspirations. The book explores her journey through adolescence, marked by the challenges of divorce, self-discovery, and finding her place in the world. These formative years laid the foundation for her empathetic and humorous approach to songwriting.
The book delves into the evolution of some of Bareilles's most iconic songs, including "Gravity" and "Love Song." She reveals the emotional origins of "Gravity," describing her first real heartbreak and how it compelled her to turn to the piano to process her emotions. The story behind "Love Song" is also explored. It's revealed to be more nuanced than the oversimplified version of the 'cheeky, indignant young songstress' who thumbed her nose at the record company. She further discusses the challenges of navigating the music industry, facing criticism, and staying true to her artistic vision.
Bareilles reflects on the impact of touring, sharing stories from the road and the profound connections she has made with her fans. She discusses the importance of her bandmates and crew members, who have become her "touring family," and the lessons she has learned from the unpredictability of live performance. The book also highlights the significance of her song "Brave" as an anthem of courage and self-acceptance, inspired by a friend's struggle to come out. Sara discusses, as well, the creation and the hurdles she had to leap over in order to bring it to life.
The book culminates with Bareilles's foray into musical theater, as she discusses her role as the composer and lyricist for the Broadway musical "Waitress." She shares her journey of writing for the stage, collaborating with a talented creative team, and finding inspiration in the flawed and relatable characters of the show. She also discusses the impact of 'She Used To Be Mine' and what that song meant to her.
"Sounds Like Me" is a candid and insightful memoir that offers a glimpse into the heart and mind of a gifted artist. Through her stories and songs, Sara Bareilles reminds us of the power of honesty, vulnerability, and the courage to embrace our authentic selves.