Honest songs. An unmistakable voice. A life in music.
Photo: Tremblay PhotographySongs for the road. Songs for the little ones.
A whole world of music, all in one place.
Sara Wheeler is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose music blends acoustic folk, rock and luminous pop. She sings and plays piano, guitar, trumpet, ukulele and drums. Expressive vocals, intricate guitar tunings and honest storytelling run through her work.
Her musical journey has taken her from Boston to Europe and Japan, including performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and recording with the London Session Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios.
Her latest adult album, Back Roads, was created with longtime collaborator and Geneva-based producer Toby May. As the founder of Little Groove, Sara also brings live music and movement to the next generation.
“She has a lovely lilting voice; she writes complex, textured songs; and she is an accomplished guitarist and pianist.”Ken Capobianco · BillboardRead all press & reviews ↓
During her touring career, Sara was a Taylor Guitars Indie Artist and received sponsorship support from Elixir Strings, Ernie Ball, and AKG Microphones.
Real instruments. Live musicians. Room to move.
Founded by Sara, Little Groove introduces babies, toddlers and preschoolers to the joy of making music. Discover the albums, explore the classes, and meet a whole new generation of music lovers.
Selected excerpts and summaries from Sara’s recording and touring career. Historical references reflect the time the reviews were written.
Boston Beat · Michael Gaskins
A profile of Sara’s musical journey and the creation of Little Groove, exploring how her live music classes support early childhood development and bring music to families across Boston, including her work at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Independent writer
“The advance track, “Fall,” is one of her best songs to date”
Capobianco praises the emotional honesty of “Fall,” the affirmation of “Life,” and the confident vulnerability of “Storm,” highlighting Sara’s collaboration with Toby May.
APRA Songwriter of the Year
“Sonically, producer Toby May brings the shimmer and Sara Wheeler brings a carefree mood of summery longing.”
Arnold describes “Back Roads” as warm, melodic folk-pop with an inviting sense of escape.
Ken Capobianco
Capobianco recognizes Sara’s expressive voice, textured songwriting, guitar and piano skills, and ability to deliver emotional intensity with restraint.
Steve Morse
“Wheeler is a caringly sensitive singer/guitarist who recalls the more mesmerizing side of John Martyn.”
Press excerpts
“She writes tunes that are emotionally honest and artful-not an easy balance to maintain.”
The Tab also describes Sara as an artist who immediately commands attention, placing her within Boston’s strong tradition of women singer-songwriters.
Artist review
“Trying to resist the ethereal allure of Sara Wheeler's luminous pop-rock would be like the oceans trying to escape their lunar pull.”
Alan Cackett
“Brilliantly arranged, produced and mixed, this is music that speaks to the heart from an enlightened songwriter.”
Cackett highlights the arrangement, production and emotional connection of Sara’s folk-rock sound.
Music review
“Her songs are deeply captivating. You can't just have her music on the background. You're pulled into it.”
The magazine praises the storytelling and the interplay of Sara’s guitar work and vocal style.
Adrian Cooke
“Sara Wheeler is one of the most exciting, riveting and original singer-songwriters of recent years.”
A second review of her first British live performance praises her stage presence and personal connection with the audience.
Douglas Sloan
“She has tremendous vocal facility and can whisper with casual command or bellow with remarkable dexterity.”
Sloan highlights Sara’s vocal range and emotional impact, drawing a comparison with Carly Simon.
French-language press
“entre folk-rock et pop melodique.”
The coverage introduces Sara’s European performances, discusses her independent approach to her career, and describes Summer as a collection of ballads between folk-rock and melodic pop.
German-language press
“Sara Wheeler und ihre Band uberzeugten mit einem satten Sound und mitreissenden Songs.”
The review praises Sara and her band’s full sound and engaging songs at Balik Music Farm.
French-language press
“la voix de Sara Wheeler a illumine l'edition”
The festival tribute celebrates Sara’s voice and musicians, and welcomes her return to the region to share new songs.
French-language press
“La jeune Americaine Sara Wheeler vient distiller son folk-rock sur la scene de la Case a chocs.”
The preview describes Sara’s folk-rock songwriting and compares her sound with Suzanne Vega and Sinéad O’Connor.
Boris Senff
“tant elle charrie d'elevation angelique et de soyeuse purete.”
Senff uses imagery of spiritual uplift and purity to describe Sara’s voice, while noting her Michigan roots.
