Sarah Hickey
A songwriter and artist from Glanmire, Cork. With a style that blends folk, rock and pop influences, Songs defined by introspective lyrics, emotive melodies and quietly magnetic
Sarah Hickey is a songwriter and artist from Glanmire, Cork. With a style that blends folk, rock and pop influences, Sarah’s songs are defined by their introspective lyrics, emotive melodies and a quietly magnetic presence.
Following years spent writing, recording, and performing, Sarah released her debut album ‘Fastener’ in November 2024 and now her second album is due for release February 2026.
Sarah has performed in venues all over Ireland such as Coughlan’s, Connollys of Leap,
Kennys and Whelans and has toured across the UK, Lithuania, and Germany. Her
performances range from headline shows to festivals to support acts opening for artists such as John Spillane, The Frank and Walters, Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly.
Alongside her solo career, she also works as a backing vocalist performing alongside artists including Fionn Regan, Leif Vollebekk, and Angie McMahon.
Sarah Hickey is also immersed in the visual aspect of her music. She creates the cover art for her releases. The artwork is a visual representation of the music’s lyrical content and overall feel.
Last Goodbye - Jeff Buckley
When I first started listening to Jeff Buckley I was about 19 or 20 and I immediately became obsessed. I would search for any interview or live performance I could find and listened to his album Grace over and over and over. I found his voice and songwriting and performance completely mesmerising.
Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell
This orchestral version of a very famous Joni Mitchell song completely floored me the first time I heard it. I remember listening to it for the first time in the kitchen and being totally enthralled with it. There’s such depth to the song and this performance especially as she performed it this way so many years after the original release. It gives the song a completely different feeling.
Polaroids - Shawn Colvin
I’ve been really influenced by Shawn Colvin. I love her writing style and performance style a lot. This song pulls me in from the very start. The rhythm, lyrics and melody are brilliant.
Go Home - Lucius
This song makes me feel terrible in the best way. I think when a verse is so good you can put it in a song twice, you’re onto something. The imagery is so interesting and beautifully written and the raw emotion in the performance of this song is so moving and inspiring.
Changer - Andy Shauf
I can’t really say why but when I heard this song for the first time I just played it over and over for about an hour straight. I often loop this song in the car. I think it always feels right to hear it a few times in a row. Theres something so unusual about it that I always feel drawn to. His newest album ‘Norm’ is also a beautiful album that I am definitely inspired by.
Come Around Sundown - Kings of Leon
I always play this album in the car. I think I always will. Theres so many songs on this record that I have loved for years and I think I’ll always find them inspiring.
Long Distance love - Little Feat
There are a lot of songs by Little Feat that I find inspiring. This one is one of the first songs of theirs I heard. Its beautiful. I love the lyrics and the sound of Lowell George’s voice.
The Long and Winding Road - The Beatles
This song feels sad and hopeful all at once. There’s something in the lyrics, melody and arrangement where it all ties together and feels right. It’s definitely a song that inspires me to write.
The Weight - The Band
Something about this song calms me. I’ve loved it for a long time. I listened to a lot of The Band in my first car. I’m sure I wore out the CD. There’s so many songs of theirs that I adore. They’re definitely a big influence.
Tenderness on the Block - Warren Zevon
I went head over heels into a Warren Zevon frenzy a few years ago. I find him fascinating and his lyrics and storytelling in his songs is so unique. I think this song is so beautiful. He wrote it with Jackson Browne, who I also love. It’s a style I feel really inspired by.