Sarah Wilkinson can’t figure out if her university exams are getting in the way of her music or if it is the other way around.
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The aspiring doctor will complete an exam on Friday morning before heading to the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival that evening to perform.
“I like to do both. I’m probably a pretty crappy student because I usually just freak out at the end of year, so music is a nice, welcome distraction,” she said.
“Music is a good outlet because I don’t have to think about it. I’ve always enjoyed music and it is a real passion of mine. I can’t imagine life without any other way.”
Wilkinson has been playing guitar since she was 12 years old and singing since she can remember.
“When I was about 13, I started writing songs and began performing publicly about eight years ago,” the 24-year-old songwriter said.
“Dad didn’t get much of a say in the music I listened to, it was more mum’s with artists like the Mamas and the Papas and The Carpenters.”
Unlike other songwriters, Wilkinson said she doesn’t tend to write from personal experience.
“I just start with guitar and then it’s whatever comes to me,” she said.
“I don’t really have any influences. People have told me I sound a bit like Norah Jones but I’ve never really drawn from her, so that just happened by accident.”
This year is Wilkinson’s fourth BBRMF. The Macedon Ranges product has now relocated to Bendigo for her studies with the music scene an added bonus.
Music is a nice outlet because I don’t have to think about it. I’ve always enjoyed music and it is a real passion of mine. I can’t imagine life without any other way.
- Sarah Wilkinson
“It’s just a really good festival with good vibes. It is good for the area and I know heaps of people who come for it,” she said.
“I was able to choose to live in Bendigo from other sites. It is a good spot and all year round there is a good music scene.”
Wilkinson is playing four sets over the BBRMF weekend, starting at The Belmont Hotel on Friday night.
She will also play at St Paul’s Cathedral on Saturday at 1pm with the Choice Voices Choir and Hailey Calvert.
“I was hoping to catch Hailey Calvert over the weekend, so to be playing with her is awesome,” Wilkinson said.
“St Paul’s looks like an awesome venue as well. I’ve never been inside but I have driven past it a lot on my way to Coles.”
Wilkinson will also play sets at the Lake View Hotel on Sunday at noon and 1pm.
Follow Sarah Wilkinson on Facebook at www.facebook.com/www.sarahwilkinson
Log on to www.bendigobluesandroots.com.au for more information.