Rider Essentials: Sarah Leete

Sarah Leete is currently on her Girl Next Door tour following the release of her brand-new single of the same name. The 19-date run will see Sarah snake her way from the country music capital, Tamworth, through the NSW heartland to the Mildura Country Music Festival and back up the east coast, incorporating stops in Canberra and Brisbane. Girl Next Door follows her previous offering, Used, which peaked at an impressive #14 on the Countrytown Hot 50 Country Airplay Chart. 

Originally from the Central Coast, and now calling the small country town of Baan Baa in the Narrabri Shire home, Sarah’s love for music began at a young age. Inspired by the lyrically intelligent storytelling of artists like Cat Stevens, Patty Griffin and Neil Young that she grew up listening to, she began writing her own songs and playing guitar at 13-years-old.

After graduating from CMAA Academy of Country Music in 2016 on a full scholarship, she was awarded a Young Regional Artist Scholarship to record her debut self-titled EP just 8 months later. She has toured extensively through regional and metropolitan Australia, sharing the stage with artists like Fanny Lumsden, Catherine Britt, Hayley Marsten and The Viper Creek Band.

We caught up with Sarah Leete to find out the things she always takes on the road with her for this week’s Rider Essentials.

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1. My Own Pillow

I have seen my fair share of motel rooms and friends' lounges while I’ve been on the road. Now that I don’t have my trusty Toyota Hiace with my bed in tow, you can be sure I’ll be packing my own pillow. I’m no Goldilocks, but a night on the wrong kind of pillow doesn’t set you up for a good day's drive.

2. Tank Water

I have lived off tank water now for about 8 years and it is such a rude shock to refill my water bottle from a tap in another town. I tend to tour quite regionally, and it’s always a regret to not have brought my own water when my choices are $10 servo bottles or bore water! I’m doing my bit for the environment too.

3. Joggers

There is usually a bit of down time when shows are close together and I love to see the towns I’m playing in. Gives me an opportunity to get a feel for the people who will be at the show... I’m looking forward to spending a week in Mildura for the Country Music Festival, and I’ll be packing some comfy shoes.

4. Podcasts and Audiobooks

Long drives on tour are a great excuse for me to catch up on my favourite podcasts and books. Best thing I did was get an audiobook subscription – I’ve managed to knock over quite a few. And with my Girl Next Door tour taking me over 10,000kms, I reckon I’ll be getting few a couple more before the end of the year.

5. Hubby

I’m glad to be bringing my husband along on the road this year. Whilst he can’t sing or play an instrument, he can do just about everything else. It’s great to be able to share the experience with someone else, and we have seen some pretty cool places in our travels. We actually got engaged in Alice Springs on my Central Australia Tour back in 2016.

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