Sarah Hadeka

The Now I Know Official Music Video debuted in December 2014 at #2 on IndiMusic TV's Top 21 Countdown. It then went on to be #1 two months in a row in January and February of 2015. - Lynn Hoffman - IndiMusic TV Showhost

This week the Sessions team chatted with Sarah Hadeka, a Naples-based pop rocker who stopped by the studio to perform.

NDN: How do you describe your music?

Hadeka: I say I'm pop, rock, with a little alternative and just a tiny bit of country. A tiny bit. I hate to admit that.

NDN: Is there something about country you don't like?

Hadeka: You know what is funny, just growing up I never ever ever ever listened to country music. I lived in the middle of nowhere up in Vermont and it never was an influence for me, so that's why I kind of shy away from calling myself that.

NDN: How did you get started?

Hadeka: I started playing piano when I was 5. ... Since then I was always playing piano, all the way up through high school. I joined an orchestra. I'm classically trained. I actually, though picked up French horn in high school. It was kind of late in high school. And I actually ended up going to college for French horn performance. So, kind of in between all of that I was singing. I never really got into it very much, but I always just kind of knew that I enjoyed doing it and I sound good, the people reacted great. So I decided to put together a band and started gigging. This is up in Ohio and I loved it.

NDN: Who are some of your influences?

Hadeka: I'm a huge fan of Tori Amos, of course. And the Cure is one of my all time favorite bands. I don't really follow this type of music necessarily, but Jamiroquai, I'm obsessed with them. They're one of my most favorite. And then, otherwise, I love Ben Folds Five and things like that. A lot of the 90s stuff.

NDN: How did you end up in Naples?

Hadeka: My husband. I was about 6½ months pregnant and we moved down here and I thought my music career was over, because I was gigging a lot up in Columbus. We moved down here and, first of all I really couldn't play because I was extremely pregnant, but I started going to open mics. I realized there is a very vibrant music scene around here. I just started meeting a lot of people and put together a group, eventually after my son was born.

NDN: Do you normally play with a group or by yourself?

Hadeka: A couple gigs a week I do by myself. Usually the weekend gigs are when I play with a trio or a full band.

NDN: Do you have a favorite musical moment?

Hadeka: Probably my most favorite was at the CREW Concert up in Bonita Springs, which was last March. I got up on stage just randomly with Mudbone, which is Rick Howard's band. He's a fantastic musician. We did this incredible blues song. The video of it went viral online. The amount of response and the energy and just the passion behind all of that music that was created was just amazing. The crowd was nuts.

NDN: Do you have a favorite place to play locally?

Hadeka: Locally, I would say one of my most favorites is actually up in Fort Myers. It's Space 39. It's downtown. It's a little art gallery; very quirky place. I play there generally by myself. That's so much fun. I have people that just walk in and play accordion with me, or violin and random things. Here in Naples I love playing at the Wine Loft. Fred's (Food, Fun & Spirits) is another fun place. I love going for their jam night.

NDN: What are you goals as a musician?

Hadeka: Really I want to be known as an original artist. Just recently, actually in early November, I just released an EP, my first ever original CD that I've ever come out with. I want to keep working on that. Keep the momentum going of being creative, just kind of speaking my mind.

NDN: What are your thoughts on the Southwest Florida music scene?

Hadeka: It's way better than anyone would ever expect. It's incredibly vibrant. There are almost too many places to play. And the family and the network of musicians is just top-notch.

NDN: How can people find out more about you?

Hadeka: I have a CD called "Here I Am." It's a seven-track original EP. And its available on iTunes. I do have a website. It's sarahhadeka.com. I have all my live performances on there, as far a schedule goes, photos, videos, ways to get hold of me. And then Facebook is another great way to interact.

The Sarah Hadeka Trio plays at South Street City Oven and Grill, 1410 Pine Ridge Road, at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.

See Sarah every Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Space 39, 39 Patio De Leon, Fort Myers. - David Albers - Naples Daily News

Silverspot Cinema To Host Music Video Release For Sarah Hadekaʼs "Now I Know"

International director, Andrés Morales, and Naples based singer/songwriter, Sarah Hadeka, are proud to present the world premiere of the music video for the single, "Now I Know", off of Hadekaʼs locally produced original EP, "Here I Am". The unveiling will take place at Silverspot Cinema in Theater 12 on Sunday, May 18. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and RSVP is required for the free event. A limited quantity of VIP tickets are available for $25 each and include preferred seating and two complimentary adult beverages.

During the event, the music video for "Now I Know" will be premiered and then followed by an outtake reel and original live performance by Sarah Hadeka and friends.

Complimentary food will be available and other refreshments, including items from the full bar, can be purchased by attendees. All ages are welcome to attend. Also, due to the event being free, Hadeka is accepting donations through the ticketing website or at the premiere itself.

The music video was filmed in Southwest Florida in late February. Locations include The Koreshan State Historic Site in Estero and The 86 Room in downtown Fort Myers. Filming took place over a period of three days and was spearheaded by Colombia- based director, Andrés Morales, and Naples artists, César Aguilera and Danielle Branchaud.

Sarah Hadeka has been performing in the Florida music circuit for two years. She established herself as a creative and powerful singer/songwriter after the release of her highly anticipated original EP, "Here I Am", in November 2013. The EP has sustained incredible success including five star reviews from media outlets and fans. The first single from the EP, "Now I Know", is the subject for the music video that is being premiered this week.

More information, including ticketing details, CD orders, or downloads, can be found by visiting www.sarahhadeka.com or calling 614-208-2307. - Naples Daily News