Sarah Jaffe: Fourth tour's a charm

24-year old singer-songwriter, Sarah Jaffe, gives new meaning to the phrase "one woman act". After three tours (opening for artists such as Norah Jones and Midlake), Jaffe will be using this summer tour as a way to expand her musical horizons as she pushes her own boundaries to play numerous instruments and challenge her writing. With high praise from national publications, Jaffe's music is promising as well as delightful. LA Weekly exclaims that "[she] reveals more intelligence and thoughtfulness than most mellow songwriters". Jaffe's tour supporting her latest album, Suburban Nature, lasts from early August to mid September. I was lucky enough to interview this talented musician amidst her national tour.

BA: How did you start getting into music?
SJ: I grew up with a deep passion for music. At a young age, I always asked my parents to buy me instruments.

BA: Who are your musical inspirations?
SJ: When I was younger, I listened to a lot of what my parents listened to. I really liked Cat Stevens. Joanie Mitchell.

BA: What's the best piece of advice you've ever gotten?
SJ: "Don't take yourself too seriously". Often times musicians get caught up in their own imperfections. You can be serious about music without getting too wrapped up.

BA: If you could give aspiring musicians any piece of advice, what would you tell them?
SJ: Learn as much as you possibly can. If you're going to be in music for the rest of your life, you have to learn to master it as best as you possibly can. Just go crazy with it.

BA: What has been your most memorable moment in music thus far?
SJ: Before the full-length record came out, I was touring in Europe with Midlake. But even on a personal level, I got to see all of Europe. It was a really wonderful time and just being in Paris was surreal. It was magical getting to do what I love.

BA: Where are you most excited to go on tour to?
SJ: I'm actually really looking forward to coming to Chicago, I've never been.

BA: When you come to Chicago, what's the one thing you want to see/do?
SJ: I don't know! You'll have to recommend some places!

BA: What do you hope to accomplish with this tour?
SJ: Right now, my current role is learning to play bass and drums, and just trying to get mediocre at both of them. I want to be a better musician to broaden my horizon. It's easy to plateau when you play the same instrument for so long; you can't even really hear it anymore. Also, I want to learn how to write differently.

BA: What's constantly on your iPod?
SJ: Charlotte Gainsbourg.

BA: If you could tour with anyone, who would it be?
SJ: The Magnetic Fields. You should check them out.

BA: Are you dating anyone?
SJ: (laughs) I am not dating anyone. Currently out of relationships and excited about that.

BA: What do you want Chicago to know about Sarah?
SJ: That I'm a Jew who grew up in Texas.

Jaffe will be playing in Chicago on August 31st at 9pm at Schubas, located at 3159 N. Southport. Tickets are only $8 in advance and $10 at the door. If you can't make it to the show, you can download her latest album Suburban Nature on iTunes.