ONE of Southampton's most in demand musicians, Sarah Harrison tells Rosalind Fountain about her busy life as part of a handful of successful South Coast bands...

Q) With your multiple projects and collaborations, as well as your solo gigs, you must be one of the busiest musicians in the south?

A) "I like to team up and work with other artists, performing different genres of music. I’m part of Soulcatchers, an eight piece soul and Motown band. There is also the Sarah Harrison band, and When Harri Met Alli, a duo with Alli Brown, performing classics and covers. Under the name Harland, I have a writing project with Martin Brisland, writing for other musicians. We also perform as Harland with a three to five piece band.

Q) It seems appropriate that you’ve written a song entitled Too Busy?

A) I’m happiest when I’m busy and I’m pleased to say that this song will be featured on Reverbnation’s home page from December 20.

Q) At one time you were based in London. Were you involved in the music scene there?

A) I had a really varied career working as a music promoter in Leicester Square, and as a music/audio and lighting technician, whilst still performing solo and band gigs. At the same time I produced a 12 track CD of my own songs.

Q) Now you are back in Southampton, where have you been performing?

A) Some of the larger venues are Southampton Guildhall, Mayflower Theatre, Winchester Guildhall, Wedgewood Rooms, and on various radio shows. But it’s also fun to play in the more intimate venues such as Platform Tavern, Mettricks, Notes Café, and festivals such as Wickham Beer festival and Southampton’s Music in the City festival.

Q) You not only performed at Music in the City, you also found time to compile a CD of selected festival performers. Was that difficult?

A) We decided to feature 12 very different singers and groups representing the wide range of music in the festival. All tracks were original songs written by the artists. Yes, it was difficult selecting only a few from hundreds of performers, and it took a long time to go through all the tracks, but we tried to cater for all musical tastes and styles.

Q) Do you have time for any other interests and activities outside music?

A) I’m very interested in mental health issues and working towards a better understanding of the associated difficulties and stigmas. I’m keen on fitness, including cycling and dog walking. I’ve also had fun acting in various pantomimes. Life is never dull!