SARAH CLANTON: Cello-brating the Soul of Americana
In the heart of Nashville’s bustling songwriter scene, Sarah Clanton stands out—not just for her voice, but for the large, carbon-fiber instrument she wields like a rhythmic extension of her soul. A classically trained cellist who "flipped the script," Clanton has pioneered a genre-bending sound she calls "Cello-bration." By blending folk-pop sensibilities with the jazz-inflected grit of artists like Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse, she invites listeners into a space where classical strings meet the raw storytelling of the Americana tradition.
Clanton’s journey began in South Carolina, where she started classical training in kindergarten. However, a pivotal moment at Bonnaroo changed her trajectory, showing her the cello could be as free and improvisational as a human voice. After honing her craft in Greenville—where she organized the solar-powered Music in the Woods festival—she relocated to Nashville in 2014. Her rise was swift: within two years, she signed a major management and publishing deal, eventually becoming a staple at prestigious gatherings like AmericanaFest and the South Eastern Regional Folk Alliance.
The idea of going to see someone play the cello might conjure thoughts of a stuffy classical recital, but a performance by Sarah Clanton is anything but formal.
While her 2013 debut full-length album (produced by David Mayfield) established her Americana roots, it was her 2018 LP Here We Are that truly defined her "organic and raw" sound. Fast forward to late 2025, and Clanton has continued her evolution with the "Here We Are Now" EP (released Oct 15, 2025). This project features stripped-back, acoustic versions of fan favorites like "We Belong" and "Breathe In Breathe Out," showcasing the haunting interplay between her evocative vocals and her cello’s rich, percussive textures.
Clanton’s style is a "perfect amalgamation of southern-style sway and classically inspired arrangements." Her influences range from the lyrical sensitivity of Norah Jones to the bold charm of jazz legends. Unlike traditional folk, Clanton uses her cello to provide a rhythmic "groove" that replaces the need for a full band. Her songwriting is often deeply personal, such as "Silver Lining," a call for compassionate conversation co-written with Mary Bragg, or "Tequila," which was recognized as a Top 40 song by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).
Looking toward 2026, Clanton is taking her "Cello-brations" global. She has been named the Music Programmer for the ÉCU Film Festival in Paris, France, where she will curate and perform on an international stage. Back home in East Nashville, she continues to foster community through her "Cellotree Arts Presents" house concert series, ensuring that the next generation of folk and Americana artists has a platform as unique as her own.