Sarah VonderHaar

Voted "You Gotta Know" Artist for June 2007:

Most likely, she is our highest-profile You Gotta Know ever just by being on the CW Network's hit show 'America's Next Top Model.' But that isn't why we picked this musician-at-heart originally from Chicago's Northwest Suburbs.

You Gotta Know may have found what could be a potential singer-songwriter who could be the second piece of the puzzle accidentally started last month with Atlanta's Stacey Leigh Plunkett for the new female singer-songwriter triumvirate. Her music slightly resembles that of fellow Chicago native Liz Phair with the deep emotion layered with a rock groove and sometimes with some dance beats for good measure. In one song, she draws on ideals she has learned in modeling and expresses her desire to not follow some of those ideals, expressing a rebellious streak. On the other hand, she can display a sense of music and lyrical beauty...that can be described as touching and soulful. Music needs more of that these days, especially as many singer-songwriters start to find themselves pigeonholed.

It is her fresh musical diversity and her drive that makes Sarah VonderHaar a You Gotta Know for the month of June.

-Written by Alan Ho - Alan Ho

Don't hate booted America's Next Top Model contestant Sarah VonderHaar because she's beautiful. If you're going to hate her, do it because she's beautiful and enviably versatile. Not only is she pursuing careers as a covergirl and a photographer, she's also on the verge of pop-rock stardom. For the skinny, TVGuide.com gave her a call before tonight's episode.

Full Interview on at www.Myspace.com/SarahVonderHaar in TV Guide Blog - Ben Katner

You knew her as the carefree spirit that charmed Tyra Banks on the CW Network's hit show 'America's Next Top Model.' Now know Sarah VonderHaar as the same carefree spirit returning to her first love, that being music and songwriting and she certainly proves potential staying power in music in her aptly titled debut, 'Are You Listening Now,' due out in the early part of 2008, which puts the former ANTM'er turned back into singer/songwriter from Lake Zurich, IL on Musiqtone's list of acts to watch out for in 2008.

The Marshall Altman-produced album (Matt Nathanson, Curtis Peoples) starts with the airy 'All Mine' and the song will remind listeners of the current version of Mandy Moore. 'Over You' has a dark but yet sexy charm and its evident in Sarah's vocal delivery, which has her in her lower register as opposed to the wistful, airy start of 'All Mine.' The song should be quite relatable to her female fans as it talks about relationships that should have never happened in the first place.

Now for the most part, title tracks are exactly what they are, JUST title tracks but in Sarah's case, it's one of the strongest tracks of the album. The song is full of emotion (the song hits very close to the singer-songwriter as it accounts to coming to terms with her father's passing) and meaning all without overexerting a la Kelly Clarkson. If she were signed on a major label, this song could certainly make its way to adult alternative and/or even Top 40. The subtle country-like charm further makes the song even better.

'Sing Me To Sleep' hits Sarah's wild rock chick side with the heavy drums, rollicking melody and the pulsating electric guitars. Her young female fans will be drawn to this song about missed chances and not taking it any longer.

The next song, the piano-driven 'Just Go' shows her contemplative side. Like the title track, Sarah's lyrics and vocals conveys the hopeful but pensive tone of the song without overexerting like many of her counterparts are prone to do even in contemplative and heartfelt songs. The background strings adds a touch of airiness to a song seemingly about moving on with hope.


Overall the 9-track album is a good start for the multi-talented VonderHaar. There are times when Sarah is in love with her upper register and it makes her sound younger than she is and for singer-songwriters who have hit it big, you try to avoid that if your natural register is more evident in other songs and for Sarah, she sounds more natural and sure of herself in songs like the title track. Everyone wants to show a wide register but you try to settle for the most part a happy medium.

Despite the overall shortness, the album hits on a notion many singer-songwriters fail to grasp: the need to be layered and creating a kind of motif that is distinct but yet recognizable and in the 9-tracker, the listener can see Sarah wearing all her emotions on her sleeve. On one side you can see the rebellious spirit at heart in songs like 'Sing Me To Sleep." On another side of her, you see the hopeful but pensiveness in 'Just Go' and then you have the playful rock chick you hear in 'It's Not The First Time.' This album should appeal to just about everyone who is into acoustic-driven pop/rock with an edginess and layering of emotions.

If the title is right, you should be listening to Sarah VonderHaar right now.

Name: "Are You Listening Right Now "
Label: N/A
Release Date: Early 2008
My rating: 4.2 out of 5

Read more at Musiqtone.com

- Alan Ho

MTV GAMES’ ROCK BAND NETWORK FEATURES UP-AND-COMING POP STAR, SARAH
VONDERHAAR
CHICAGO, IL – July 20, 2009 – VerveLife Entertainment announces that Sarah VonderHaar will be
included in the closed beta trial for MTV Games’ Rock Band Network, as reported by Billboard
Magazine late last week. Building on Sarah’s momentum that includes being featured in several brand
campaigns, including a just released Chevrolet commercial, and her outstanding performance at
Milwaukee’s Summerfest two weeks ago, Sarah will be one of only a handful of female artists
participating in the highly anticipated beta.
Rock Band Network, created by HARMONIX Music Systems and MTV Games, is a groundbreaking
initiative that gives musicians and record labels the ability to author their own original recordings into
gameplay files and sell their music as playable Rock Band tracks through the newly created Rock Band
Network Music Store. The Rock Band Network will launch as an open beta in late August 2009, but is
currently running a closed beta version, which includes music from Sarah VonderHaar.
“I am so excited that my music was selected to be included in the new Rock Band Network! Not only
will it be awesome to see my family and fans play my songs, but it is also a great way for me to reach
a completely new fan base” proclaims Sarah. Inclusion in the Rock Band Network will no doubt play
an integral role in the development of Sarah’s career.
Jeff Marshall, Executive Producer of Rock Band Network/HARMONIX Music feels similarly, stating, "I
am excited to be working closely with VerveLife Entertainment and Sarah VonderHaar on the Rock
Band Network Closed Beta. I have huge respect for VerveLife's commitment to emerging technologies
and how they relate to music and marketing. I was excited to learn they had signed Sarah to the new
division of the company and thought it was a perfect opportunity to work with her during the RBN
closed beta. We will be exploring this new self publishing platform together and I have high hopes for
the results.”
Recognizing the enormous success of Rock Band and the massive opportunity created by the new
Rock Band Network, Barry O'Connell, VerveLife’s Director of Licensing & Entertainment Relations and
the Head of its new artist development division, VerveLife Entertainment, states, “We are thrilled to be
part of this ground-breaking initiative and to be working with HARMONIX Music on a number of levels
during this Closed Beta - and beyond. The opportunity to expand VerveLife’s digital services to offer
the authoring of tracks – for artists at all levels - is very exciting.”
Known for her modeling and as a former contestant on America’s Next Top Model, Sarah VonderHaar
has focused her career on her true passion, music, recently introducing her debut album, titled “Are
You Listening Now”, featuring the infectious track “All Mine”. Sarah is currently signed with VerveLife
Entertainment, a newly formed artist development division of acclaimed Chicago-based digital music
promotion specialist, VerveLife.
For more information about Sarah VonderHaar, please contact Leigh Mott at leigh@vervelife.com.
For the full Rock Band Network press release, visit
http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i4d0b1b4303c83997ea8bf1f3ea673d95 - Press Release

You may have seen her work in print—as a professional photographer, she’s had her shots featured
in Forbes magazine—or her face on national television as a contestant on America’s Next Top
Model (Cycle 8). But now Sarah VonderHaar is bearing her soul through her music.
“The one thing I have to say about why I love music so much more than modeling is that I get to
be 100 percent myself,” VonderHaar says in a recent phone interview with Fender.com. “It’s so
much more personal to me. When you are modeling, you are basically playing a part. Whether it’s
a runway show or a photo shoot, you are putting on all of these nice clothes and playing a part.
Modeling did help groom me for performing onstage, but I get so much more gratification from
doing music.”
But back in the fall of 2006, the Lake Zurich, Ill., native still had modeling on her mind as she
headed to Los Angeles to compete in the reality television hit show created by supermodel Tyra
Banks. The pixie-like, bright-blue eyed VonderHaar boldly professed in her first episode of
America's Next Top Model, “I am fierce. When I want something, I go and get it. That’s my entire
personality.”
However, during several weeks of shooting VonderHaar realized that what she fiercely wanted
wasn’t to be on magazine covers, but album covers.
“We weren’t allowed to watch
television or listen to music, so
you could get stir crazy," she
recalls. "But I had a killer book
called Songwriting for
Songwriters that I delved into.
The guy who wrote it basically
interviews all of these very
influential songwriters, and so it
was very interesting and
inspired me to do a lot of free
writing. I ended up coming out
with a lot of great songs, and
deciding that music was really
what I wanted to do.”
With the help of her stepfather
(also her manager), VonderHaar
returned to Los Angeles in fall
2007 and teamed up with
producer Marshall Altman to do
some songwriting. A few
months later, she entered the
studio to record her first album,
Are You Listening Now, released
in April 2008.
The tracks on her debut album range in genre, from an almost country vibe with emotional ballads
to upbeat pop/rock tunes. VonderHaar views the variety as a reflection of her own musical
influences, which include the Spice Girls (her first ever concert), the Eagles, Motown artists like
the Jackson 5, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Paula Cole and Elton John.
“I listen to a lot of different music, so I wanted to have a broad range of music, not just a CD that
was the same song over and over,” VonderHaar says. “If I buy a record and throw it in and it’s the
same structure for every song or almost the same melody, it gets monotonous and boring so I
really push myself to write a lot of different types of songs, write different melodies, and use
different writing patterns.”
The lyrics she wrote for the album are also highly personal.
“This record is like a diary of my life. I write about what I’m going through. If I’m mad at my
boyfriend, I’ll write a song about it." Since she's sitting on his fire escape in Chicago as she says
this, boyfriend is fortunately in the clear—for now anyhow. "And if I’m in love, I’ll write a song
Vonderhaar opened up Summerfest with "It's Not the First
Time," with the help of her brand-new reissue 1972
Telecaster® Thinline guitar.
Photo by David Butterman
about it. If I’m mad at my parents, I’ll write a song about it. I think that helps with the authenticity
of the lyrics because I write from everyday experiences.”
The title song “Are You Listening Now” poignantly chronicles her emotions over losing her father
to a drug overdose when she was 17.
“It took me over four years to finally write that song, but once it came out, it was perfect,” she
says. “We were very close when I was growing up, but once he started on drugs it was difficult.
His substance abuse led to my parents’ divorce, and it’s a difficult monster to conquer. There are
only two outcomes; you either conquer it, or it conquers you.”
She also pays tribute in, “Everything I’ll Be,” to her mother, who she credits for her early
development as a songwriter.
“My mom is an English teacher and is very big on expressing yourself through words,”
VonderHaar says. “She really instilled that in me at such a young age. One of my favorite authors
as a kid was Jack Prelutsky, who is a lot like Shel Silverstein. I love that kind of poetry, and back
in sixth or seventh grade instead of listening in class, I was usually writing poems or songs. I think
you see some of his style of poetry in my lyrics.”
Her mom also kick-started her daughter’s singing career by giving the 6-year old VonderHaar a
karaoke machine, something the singer believes her mom ended up profusely regretting since “I
would never shut up.”
These days, mother and daughter rock out together in the hugely popular video game Rock
Band™.
“We usually play ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’ by Jet, or something by Boston,” VonderHaar
shares. “She plays the drums, and I usually sing and try to play the guitar. I’m good at the real
guitar, but just not the Rock Band™ guitar yet.”
The game could end up giving her just the break her music career needs. VerveLife Entertainment
recently announced that VonderHaar has been included in the closed beta trial for MTV’s Rock
Band™ Network.
Created by Harmonix Music Systems and MTV Games, Rock Band™ Network will enable
musicians to upload their own original recordings and sell their music as playable Rock Band™
tracks through the Rock Band™ Music Store. Currently running the closed version, the Rock
Band™ Network open beta will launch this August.
“Nowadays it seems like there are a lot more outlets for independent artists to reach out to their
fans with Facebook and Myspace, and I know it’s still in beta, but I really think this will be one
more powerful tool for independent artists to reach out to a whole new fan base,” says
VonderHaar. “Plus, I think it will be fun to see how well I do playing my own songs on Rock
Band™, and I’m just so thrilled
VerveLife helped me to become
part of this.”
VerveLife also helped
VonderHaar re-release her debut
album in early 2009, with new
packaging and a pair of bonus
tracks.
“I signed on with them about a
year ago and their development
program in particular has been
great,” she says. “They’ve been
helping me work on my image;
they even helped me with my
clothes.”
That may seem surprising since
VonderHaar has, after all, strutted
the runway in couture, but this
Chicago gal says she’s most
comfortable in her Converse®
Chuck Taylors. Further proof that
she’s anything but a diva, the
almost 23-year old still picks up
shifts in between her musical
endeavors at the local Pizza
Hut®.
“I started there the day after my
16th birthday, and it’s the best job in the world. I make money driving around and delivering
pizzas, which means I am usually in my car listening to music and recording lyrics on my
BlackBerry®. On nights when I’m serving, I’ll take my guitar and play sometimes. Plus, I can go
away for a few months on tour and when I come back, I still have a job. They’ve just been
wonderful to me.”
VonderHaar’s Pizza Hut® days may be numbered as her musical career appears on the cusp of a
breakout. In addition to the affiliation with Rock Band™, Chevrolet recently selected her song
“All Mine” for one of its commercials.
“I was blown away when they chose my song,” she says. “It’s one of those songs that just puts you
in a good mood. It’s like a summer soundtrack that you put in and roll the windows down and sing
along.”
In early July, VonderHaar also took part in the Emerging Artist Series at Milwaukee’s enormous
Summerfest music festival.
“I felt so privileged to perform there,” says VonderHaar. “I opened up my set with ‘It’s Not the
First Time,’ and I think the high energy from me rocking out and having fun really got the crowd
going. We ended our set with the Jackson 5’s ‘I Want You Back,’ and it touched my heart because
I grew up listening to Michael Jackson. It was very amazing to pay tribute to such a talented artist
who will be remembered not for the charades that went on, but for his music.”
And after already making a name for herself in the photography and modeling realms, its music
that this determined go-getter hopes to one day be remembered for too.
“I love every single second of it, but I’ve also realized that music is the most difficult industry I’ve
ever been involved in,” sums up VonderHaar. “But, if I decide to do something, I set my mind to
it, and I work as hard as I possibly can to do that. I’m very determined to make it happen because
I’m so lucky to have really found my niche in music, and I feel so at home - Written by Chrissy Mauck for Fender.com, July 30, 2009

Sarah VonderHaar leaves the catwalk for the concert stage in Chicago

September 17, 2009, at Goose Island

By Selena Fragassi
Published: September 19th, 2009 | 5:00pm

Although she first entertained us as a picturesque, girl-next-door contestant who had better luck behind the camera than in front of it on America’s Next Top Model, Chicago native Sarah VonderHaar has strutted her stuff on a new catwalk as of late — the live music stage. While VonderHaar still models and dabbles in studio photography, her recent hometown show proved that her real artistic calling might best be amplified in song.

Deftly opening the night with new single, “All Mine,” VonderHaar wowed the slow growing crowd with a vivacious and powerhouse voice that seemed misplaced coming from the pin-thin blonde. With a politely raspy tickle that could spin her octave range into gold records, VonderHaar’s saintly presence quickly vetoed the theory that there were years of downing bourbon and chain smoking in her past. Even more insightful was her choice of Arizona Green Iced Tea over malted drafts that, according to VonderHaar, has become a frequent companion in her solo shows.

The night proved memorable if not just because it was VonderHaar’s 23rd birthday at the stroke of midnight, but also for the comfortable ease both she and her music presented, even though it was tempting to wonder what “fierce”-ness she could muster beyond the pretty singer-songwriter pose. Although VonderHaar compiled considerable range in the subject matter of her lyrics — “Sing Me to Sleep” about growing up; “Why I Love” a note about passionate relationships; “Are You Listening Now?” inspired by losing a loved one; and “Everything I’ll Be” offered as a future Grammy speech for her mom — VonderHaar would have completely sealed the deal had she taken more risks than what sometimes came off as math class notebook scribblings.

There were two defining moments in VonderHaar’s set when she threw off her cautious cape for a wedding-appropriate cover of the Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and a groovy new track, “I Do” which saddled up a becoming bluesy rockabilly attitude that inspired endless possibilities for her upcoming sophomore release.

It’s no doubt VonderHaar’s modeling past has given her an edge over other up-and-coming talents with a glowing confidence in her showmanship and a theatrical wisdom for wearing her heart on her face with a strong connection to the emotions she sings about. With a voice like hers, VonderHaar just needs a little more life experience and artistic breakthrough to make her America’s next sweetheart.
- By Selena Fragassi Published: September 19th, 2009 | 5:00pm

The "Rock Band" phenomenon has strummed its way all over the world, seemingly expanding by the day, particularly with the recent release of "The Beatles Rock Band."
In August, MTV Networks Harmonix group, which developed "Rock Band," created the Rock Band Network, a beta test that it hopes will expand to having songs available through a store that is separate from the current "Rock Band" store. The songs in the new Rock Band Network store will be available to download on various consoles (Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii). This whole concept and possibility for her songs to reach the masses made Sarah Vonderhaar extremely happy.
“I was jumping up and down,” said the Chicago-based Vonderhaar. “But I had to sign a non-disclosure agreement, so I couldn’t tell anyone about it. I couldn’t even tell my boyfriend.”
VerveLife Entertainment, which had Vonderhaar on its radar, made it all possible, she said.
“'Rock Band' came about through VerveLife. They heard my music and loved it,” she said. “(My music), it’s on a beta program where they only use X amount of artists, but when they open it up to the public, indie artists can join.”
Vonderhaar knows all about the game, so she was stoked about the idea of having people play her songs on one of the most massive video games.
“I play 'Rock Band' all the time. My mom’s playing the drums all the time,” said the 23-year-old, who also is a professional model and photographer. “I’m also excited because hopefully it will reach an entirely new audience, the gaming community. I can’t wait to go in and play. I have to practice on 'Rock Band' guitar because it’s different than a real guitar.”
The past two years have seen Vonderhaar go from the television to the stage. She appeared on the reality show "America’s Next Top Model" (season eight) and released her debut CD, "Are You Listening Now?," on April 22, 2008. She’s played a number of shows and had her hit song “All Mine” on a Chevy commercial.
“It’s been crazy, like, ‘Oh my God, that’s my song,’” said Vonderhaar, who also continues to model. “I still model. My agent is wonderful to me with modeling. It’s not taking up so much of my time, but it’s great money. I just did a Paul Mitchell shoot in Atlanta. I talk about modeling at corporate events. Modeling actually helps my shows. A lot of musicians model – look at Fergie (from Black Eyed Peas)”
Vonderhaar is preparing to play The House of Blues in Chicago Oct. 17 and plans to tour the country. She’s also working on a follow-up album.
“I’m continually writing. I want to record another album,” she said. “I think I’ll ride this one out and tour. I’m able to play live, and we just re-released it on VerveLife. It’s a great opportunity for me. It’s been great. VerveLife has been so great for me. I can’t wait to get out there and tour.”
Sarah Vonderhaar plays The House of Blues – Back Porch (Chicago) on Oct. 17, followed by an Apple in-store performance Oct. 24 in Chicago and an Oct. 25 performance at Chicago’s Frankies on the Park. She’s planning on touring the country in early 2010. For more about Vonderhaar, her tour dates, and the latest news about her collaboration with Rock Band, visit www.myspace.com/sarahvonderhaar. You can also listen to Vonderhaar on the following radio stations – WBRS 101.1 FM (Boston), 93XRT 93.1 FM (Chicago), and online on various sites, including KGRL www.kgrl.fm.

http://www.cheboygannews.com/entertainment/x576551562/Model-rocker-Sarah-Vonderhaar-lands-gig-on-Rock-Band - By Ryan Wood GateHouse News Service Tue Oct 13, 2009, 11:32 AM EDT

SARAH VONDERHAAR
Are You Listening Now
Self-Released


Chicago native Sarah Vonderhaar is no stranger to the entertainment industry. She’s been on "America’s Next Top Model," played photographer for Forbes magazine, was an actress, so in the next logical step, she recorded her debut album. Usually I am always apprehensive when someone makes the leap into music, but it only took about five seconds of opening track "All Mine" to realize that perhaps I have just stumbled upon the next CD I was about to love. When Vonderhaar kicked into the song I was completely sold on her voice and pop driven style. A Kelly Clarkson vibe thrusts you into "Over Now" and then you’re hit with the impressive "I Got Sunshine," the first single from the album and coincidently a song that’s co-written by Alice Peacock. The bubbly-pop sound in the chorus will make you tap your feet and sing-a-long with Vonderhaar and by this point you will be hooked if you weren’t already. Her great voice, filled with a pop background masked by the singer/songwriter side of her, continues to display an amazing new talent throughout the rest of the album. Songs like the rocking "It’s Not The First Time" will be a great live song but on tracks like "Everything I’ll Be" you will see just how good this artist is. Backed mostly by a piano she let’s her voice carry the wonderfully crafted lyrics as she pours out her soul thanking those that have been there for her. In today’s mainstream country there is a blur as to what is country and what is pop and Vonderhaar walks that line perfectly on her debut effort.

Gone Country Magazine


Sarah VonderHaar- Are You Listening Now
Chicago native proves true music worth on debut

You knew her as the carefree spirit that charmed Tyra Banks on the CW Network’s hit show ’America’s Next Top Model.’ Now know Sarah VonderHaar as the same carefree spirit returning to her first love, that being music and songwriting and she certainly proves potential staying power in music in her aptly titled debut, ’Are You Listening Now,’ due out in the early part of 2008, which puts the former ANTM’er turned back into singer/songwriter from Lake Zurich, IL on Musiqtone’s list of acts to watch out for in 2008.

The Marshall Altman-produced album (Matt Nathanson, Curtis Peoples) starts with the airy ’All Mine’ and the song will remind listeners of the current version of Mandy Moore. ’Over You’ has a dark but yet sexy charm and its evident in Sarah’s vocal delivery, which has her in her lower register as opposed to the wistful, airy start of ’All Mine.’ The song should be quite relatable to her female fans as it talks about relationships that should have never happened in the first place.

Now for the most part, title tracks are exactly what they are, JUST title tracks but in Sarah’s case, it’s one of the strongest tracks of the album. The song is full of emotion (the song hits very close to the singer-songwriter as it accounts to coming to terms with her father’s passing) and meaning all without overexerting a la Kelly Clarkson. If she were signed on a major label, this song could certainly make its way to adult alternative and/or even Top 40. The subtle country-like charm further makes the song even better.

’Sing Me To Sleep’ hits Sarah’s wild rock chick side with the heavy drums, rollicking melody and the pulsating electric guitars. Her young female fans will be drawn to this song about missed chances and not taking it any longer.

The next song, the piano-driven ’Just Go’ shows her contemplative side. Like the title track, Sarah’s lyrics and vocals conveys the hopeful but pensive tone of the song without overexerting like many of her counterparts are prone to do even in contemplative and heartfelt songs. The background strings adds a touch of airiness to a song seemingly about moving on with hope.

Overall the 9-track album is a good start for the multi-talented VonderHaar. There are times when Sarah is in love with her upper register and it makes her sound younger than she is and for singer-songwriters who have hit it big, you try to avoid that if your natural register is more evident in other songs and for Sarah, she sounds more natural and sure of herself in songs like the title track. Everyone wants to show a wide register but you try to settle for the most part a happy medium.

Despite the overall shortness, the album hits on a notion many singer-songwriters fail to grasp: the need to be layered and creating a kind of motif that is distinct but yet recognizable and in the 9-tracker, the listener can see Sarah wearing all her emotions on her sleeve. On one side you can see the rebellious spirit at heart in songs like ’Sing Me To Sleep." On another side of her, you see the hopeful but pensiveness in ’Just Go’ and then you have the playful rock chick you hear in ’It’s Not The First Time.’ This album should appeal to just about everyone who is into acoustic-driven pop/rock with an edginess and layering of emotions.

If the title is right, you should be listening to Sarah VonderHaar right now.

Name: "Are You Listening Right Now "
Label: N/A
Release Date: April 22nd 2008
My rating: 4.2 out of 5

Alan Ho at Musiqtone.com
http://www.musiqtone.com/reviews/albums/sarahvonderhaar_areyoulisteningnow_120707.php



Sarah VonderHaar, Are You Listening Now

Sarah VonderHaar, a 21-year-old sometime America’s Next Top Model contestant, has come out with a solid bubblegum-pop album. It’s full of mostly good-natured pop-rockers along with a few emotional but still light-toned ballads, all topped by VonderHaar’s sunny chirp. She co-wrote most of the songs, and according to her press package she’s "a girl with a goal. She’d be happy to grab a stint on a TV show or a film, especially if she was able to play her own songs as a musician character." Wow, some people live in a completely different world from the one in which most of us toil. But if Kate Voegele can do it, why not this equally talented and attractive kid? Peppy optimism, catchy tunes, and good looks never go out of style, and why should they? Available for pre-order, or listen at Myspace.

The Bagel and The Rat/Blog Critics
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/03/19/1825252.php
http://jonsobel.com/



Sarah VonderHaar- Are You Listening Now

To describe her voice in one word, exquisite.
You may have caught this young girl on "America’s Next Top Model", or possibly on the silver screen.

On April 22nd, Sarah releases her debut album, "Are You Listening Now?", and I believe this is the prelude to better things to come.
Nine tracks of sheer harmonious delight.
’All Mine’- Catchy and very easy listening music.
’I Got Sunshine’-Breezy, light and full of Sarah’s spirit!
’Are You Listening Now?’-The title track, is an open tribute to her father. Her pain clearly expressed but softened by the deliverance of her love through the melody.
’It’s The First time’-Soft rock!
’Sing Me To Sleep’-I am going to make a bold prediction by in declaring this to be one of her big chart hits! This song is definitely one to keep your ears open for!
’Just Go’-An emotional, sweet ballad with style and simplicity.

With all Sarah Vonderhaar has accomplished to date, the big plans for her future echoes loud and clear through every song!

http://debra2760.tripod.com/globalmusicstar/april_review.htm



Sarah Vonderhaar - Are You Listening Now (Independently released CD, Pop)

This album features an absolutely wonderful cover photo that immediately sticks in your head like glue. The photograph features young Sarah Vonderhaar standing on some mountainous terrain with puffy white clouds behind her while she proudly and defiantly stands in place with her microphone (and stand) in hand. The cover actually may be a bit misleading. One would expect the music on the CD itself to be intense and majestic. But in reality, Vonderhaar is a pure mid-tempo popster all the way. Sarah has already accomplished a lot...particularly when you consider the fact that--as of the release of this CD--she is only 21 years old. Thus far, she has been a contestant on America’s Next Top Model, photographed a spread for Forbes magazine, and delved into acting. Now she has her sights on becoming a successful recording artist. Are You Listening Now features nine nice, smooth, upbeat pop tracks that showcase Sarah’s slick vocal style. This may not be the most unique album ever recorded...but our guess is that it will most certainly please Vonderhaar’s target market. Catchy pop tracks include "All Mine," "I Got Sunshine," and "Everything I’ll Be." (Rating: 4+++)

Baby Sue Reviews
http://www.lmnop.com/2008-April-LMNOP-Reviews.htmlanchor17070



Music Review: Sarah Vonderhaar - Are You Listening Now

At just 21 years old Sarah VonderHaar has an impressive resume: model, photographer, actress and is preparing to release her debut album, Are You Listening Now. The album shines with VonderHaar’s youthful optimism.

"I Got Sunshine", the first single, expresses VonderHaar’s own sunny attitude. "[The song] describes how to deal with the troubled world we live in by staying optimistic and reminding yourself of all the wonderful things we have in our lives," says VonderHaar. This is the kind of song I envision playing in the background of some romantic teen movie as the cute young couple is frolicking in an idyllic park. This probably isn’t the best song to choose as the lead single. It’s the kind of song whose sweetness just gets plain annoying after a few listens.

VonderHaar shines when she turns up the volume. "Over You" and "It’s Not The First Time" are the most satisfying tracks on the album. These are the kinds of songs that teen girls will be playing during their sleepovers. "Over You" builds slowly, but has a pretty catchy chorus and the boys suck theme is an easy sell. "It’s Not The First Time" really should have been the first single off Are You Listening Now. Right from the start the rhythm grabs you and with lyrics like you hurt me completely/but I’m not crying today will easily be identified with by tween aged girls.

Possibly the most interesting song here is the title track, "Are You Listening Now." The song is the result of VonderHaar channeling the loss of her father into her music; forgive me for my anger/I forgave you for the pain/goodbye to you my father/see you again someday. "It’s definitely the most personal song I’ve ever written," says VonderHaar. "It took me four years to write it, but it’s probably the song I am most proud of." VonderHaar should be proud. Many songs written about personal tragedy come across as disingenuous, but this feels completely natural.

As far as debut albums go VonderHaar doesn’t stray beyond the mold of a typical pop album. That isn’t to say that Are You Listening Now is a bad album, but it doesn’t do much to separate itself from the pack. It probably isn’t fair to expect VonderHaar to deliver Madonna caliber hooks, or the emotional power of Tori Amos, but that is what it takes to make great music. After hearing tracks like "Over You" and "It’s Not The First Time" it sounds like VonderHaar could follow in the footsteps of Avril Lavigne. Maybe on her next album VonderHaar could fully embrace her inner rocker and deliver the knock out album that she is capable of making.

The Trades
ttp://www.the-trades.com/article.php?id=10171



THE EXPRESSIVE SARAH VONDERHAAR

Is that not the coolest last name? =o)

Sarah VonderHaar reminds me a lot of Toby Lightman and I absolutely heart Toby Lightman. Sarah’s music is classified as pop rock and while I can hear that I also have to say she has a motown vibe to her music, too. It’s the extra little something that makes her music so VonderHaar. Hehe.

She has been a contestant on "America’s Next Top Model," photographed her first Forbes magazine spread (as the shooter, not the subject) when she was 20, acted in a film and, at 21, has just completed her debut album, Are You Listening Now? She’s about to release its first single, "I Got Sunshine," co-written by fellow Chicagoan Alice Peacock and VonderHaar’s producer, Marshall Altman. This track is going to end up being such a teeny bopper hit, I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up in future soundtracks.

Since Sarah gets most of her writing material from real life she often has emotional lyrical content in the songs. I think it’s refreshing when a singer decides to put their heart into their lyrics, it makes it more intense and passionate. I almost wish those that the production of the music was a little bit less polished because that would make it even more powerful.

If you want great music then BUY HER ALBUM it will be available everywhere on April 22, 2008!

Bring Me Up
http://www.scrink.com/blog/music/2008/03/expressive-sarah-vonderhaar.html - Various

It may be some measure of the state of the music industry as of the spring of 2008 that 21-year-old pop/rock singer/songwriter Sarah Vonderhaar's debut album, Are You Listening Now, was released not by a major label, but by the artist herself. This is the sort of disc that would seem to require a major media push -- a big splashy video, photo shoots in glossy magazines, an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. This is because the music, while unobjectionable pop and adequately sung by Vonderhaar, is not distinguished and seems less important than the many photographs of the singer in the package. Vonderhaar appears to be the kind of musician best marketed in ways that are not dependent on the music itself. But even if she were on a major label, do major labels engage in that kind of promotion any more? And is it still possible to build a star that way? If not, it may be difficult for Vonderhaar to break through. This is an old-fashioned pop record. Among the choruses to the catchy songs, one actually hears "doot-doot-doot" ("All Mine"), "na-na-na" ("I Got Sunshine"), and "sha-la-la" ("Sing Me to Sleep"). There are real lyrics, of course, but they are cliché-ridden and rarely more meaningful. What matters are the hooks, but what matters even more in this kind of weightless pop is the listener's identification with the singer, an identification built through the media. You might say Vonderhaar is a cross between Jewel and Avril Lavigne, but she's actually a throwback to an earlier era of pleasant bubblegum music. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide - AMG