A violinist since the age of four, Sarah Charness infatuates audiences with her electrifying, hot pink, six-string electric violin. Her unique style of music – a mixture of pop, classical, and electronic dance music- has charmed fans around the world. Sarah has performed at some of the most well-known venues in the United States such as, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, The Kennedy Center, and many more as well as top nightclubs in North America. I mean, how cool is she?!
She has performed along side the likes of Roger Daltry of the Who, Josh Grobin, the Jonas Brothers, as well as opening for Diana Ross, NeYo, Flo' Rida, and Jennifer Hudson! Sarah has graced the runway for notable fashion shows such as Vera Wang, Elene Cassis, Pronovias, and Neiman Marcus Fashion Night Out.
Sarah has a talent like no other. She is truly one of a kind - not only with her music but also her spunky, punk rock chic look! We love how Sarah stays true to her own self while making bold statements with pops of color. Read on to learn more about this stylish gal and be sure to check out her website sarahcharness.com.
{SS}: Tell us about your typical day.
Usually I spend the morning trying to get through mounds of emails or practicing while the afternoons are spent in rehearsals/recording sessions or whatever I might have going on that day. Evenings are generally reserved for gigs. If I don’t have a gig, I try to spend time with my husband.
{SS}: What is the biggest hurdle in your industry or just being a woman in business?
{SC} I'm very involved in the electronic dance music scene and as we all know, this is very male dominated. Many of the most successful DJ’s are men and this can be frustrating. Additionally, I’m a violinist not a DJ. Figuring out how to bring the violin out of the classical genre into something totally different also has its challenges. But being different and doing something niche, also comes with a lot of positives.
{SS}: What do you do to mentally prepare yourself to overcome those hurdles/daily struggles?
{SC}: I try to remember why it is I do what I am doing. Sometimes I think we can become very focused on the next goal instead of enjoying the ride itself. For me, its about remembering why I decided to go into music which is to do what I love.
{SS}: What is the thing that you are awesome at – the thing that makes you happy and you know you are the best at it?
{SC}: Being on stage and performing. The funny thing about the music industry is that there is so much more to it then just being a performer. You are also running your own business, overseeing social media campaigns, dealing with PR people and agents. However, performing is what I do best. It’s my adrenaline rush and my healthy “high”. Making my own music and getting to perform it is like nothing else.
{SS}: Who inspires you and why?
{SC}: My Father. I owe everything I have to him. From the time I was four until I went off to college, he practiced with me every single day. He was also my accompanist as he is quite a talented pianist himself. Every summer in Nantucket we do a concert together and it is extremely special.
{SS}: What are your “words to live by..” Favorite saying or quote?
{SC}: This is something I always have to tell myself as I am my harshest critic: 
{SS}: What do you do to make yourself feel beautiful, confident and ready to take on anything?
{SC}: Listen to Paramore!!
{SS}: What is your “Style Archetype?”
{SS}: What is your power song? (like above, the song that gets you pumped up)
{SC}: ANYTHING Beyonce!!!
{SS}: What is your power outfit or accessory (the thing you know you look and feel your best in, whether its for work, staying at home, playing, etc.)?
{SC}: I work from home and don’t really need to dress up for work. So my black combat boots in New York winter I can’t live without! We don’t get tons of snow and there is nothing worse then being stuck in snow boots all day. My combat boots just somehow work. Sarah's go to Black Combat Boots from Styleshack.
{SS}: What are you currently coveting on Styleshack?
Elizabeth and James Tali Dress Guys N Gals, Signorelli Rose Soiree Tee Cotton & Copper Boutique, Clara Kasavina Robertina Clutch Hersh's
{SS}: Local Love: what are you go to's for local eats + shopping?
{SC}: For dinner I love Cafe Mogador and Palma and for lunch, Cafe Gitane. I love shopping at Bergdorf's, especially during an amazing sale!
{SS}: What are your favorite fashion, lifestyle, food or business blogs?
{SC}: The New York Times.
{SS}: What is your favorite fashion social media app or social media site?
{SC}: Instagram and Pinterest are my absolute favs!!
{SS}: Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
{SC}: YES! If you haven’t done so already, check out some of my music on iTunes or Spotify. In the last year, I have released three new tracks in collaboration with DJ Duo Disco Killerz. “We Came to Party”, “Grip” and “Running For Our Lives”. “Grip” features British pop vocalist Jem Cooke and “Running For Our Lives” features Kat Nestel.
Wow. "Grip" is my personal fave, but check out Sarah in action below covering Scream & Shout by will.i.am featuring Britney Spears.