Sarah Mary Chadwick is a New Zealand–born and now Melbourne-based singer-songwriter whose songs are defined by her shaky voice and darkly funny lyrics. It features songs called “Shitty Town,” “Sometimes I Just Wanna Feel Bad,” “Angry and Violent,” and “Only Bad Memories Last.” They’re the sort of songs that have prompted fans to approach her after concerts to discuss their tears. “I have got better at not engaging in really long conversations about people’s trauma after every single show,” she said.
“Messages to God” is a beautifully realized record. It’s not happy but it is funny and optimistic. It is melodramatic, self-serving and generous. Sometimes, from way back in the shitty seats of the theatre, you’re at your closest to god. That’s what this record is like, finding beauty in everyday occurrences. Because it’s there. You just gotta look really hard sometimes. And as Chadwick provides, “Because every day’s just one more day / trying to write messages to god”.
New Zealand born, Melbourne-based Sarah Mary Chadwick has announced her eighth studio record “Messages to God” due out on Kill Rock Stars and executive produced by award winning producer, Tony Epsie (oracle to The Avalanches). Composed of broad, brightly coloured spiritual strokes, it consists of dramatic retellings of having your heart broken, existing, movement and growth while always meditating on the past. While her three most recent records were drenched in grief, the new collection signals a change; whether profound or momentary, time will tell.
The Fat Angel Sings 