I have wondered how I can sing when our nation is on the brink of self-destruction? I can feel guilty enjoying anything knowing that American democracy is on the line. On the other hand, how can we not? “It is our nature”. We find enjoyment in what we can, as have humans throughout history in more difficult circumstances. This quote from C.S. Lewis on the brink of WWII puts it into perspective beautifully and so I put it on a pretty background to share. We continue and hope. So I will continue to create, but with that being said, I want to state my recognition of the severity of current circumstances - people hurting badly (some truly fighting for their lives) and our nation on a path of self-destruction. Another four years of this will endanger the freedoms that we hold dear and that are so easily taken for granted. The right to fight for our country’s direction, this rather young experiment, will not be the same - not my original thoughts but those of history. Through every song I write or note I sing, know that I have not forgotten the gravity of the challenges we now face- quite the opposite. I hope that our common celebration in humanity will allow the best parts of ourselves to prevail in a better and more just nation and world.

I am so honored to have received the Diversity Innovation Grant Award from Rutgers University.  This grant will allow me to create an original song and music video that promotes collaboration, creativity, diversity and innovation in projects that promote environmental sustainability.  More to come!

Having so much fun playing out at sea that I decided to continue the voyage - this time on the Carnival Valor through the first week of March!  See you on board!

Pic: on the beaches of Progreso, Mexico

I'm currently out at sea playing and singing in the piano bar on Carnival Vista!  It has been an absolutely wonderful experience full of music, fun, great people, and worldly adventure!  The places that I've visited on board the Carnival ships include Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Grand Turk,Mexico, Honduras, Belize, and the Bahamas.  It's been historically and culturally educational.  One of my favorite experiences was visiting Bob Marley's home and playing the family piano!  Watch my instagram: @mzrags for more pics and updates!

Pictured is me sitting on Bob Marley's inspiration rock in Nine Mile, Jamaica.

Big thanks to James Metcalfe at Fupping for including my thoughts on songwriting in their article "13 Brilliant Ways for Musicians to Reclaim Their Inspiration".  I believe everything I said and am trying my best to follow this creed!  Check out the article HERE with more great tips on songwriting inspiration!

Thanks so much to Erick from ElectroWow for this interview feature!

Thankful to Essentially Pop for doing this Exclusive Premiere for my brand new music video "Paranoia"!  Check it out here! https://essentiallypop.com/epop/2018/02/video-premiere-paranoia-by-sarah-ragsdale/

I am excited to announce the release of my upcoming video "Paranoia" COMING SOON on February 8!  The video was shot on a cold snowy day in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NY and it's different from any that I've ever done.  Thanks to Douglas Ferguson who shot the video (and also took this picture!).  More updates to come!

2017 has been an amazing year and I am thankful for the people in my life who have made it that way!  Wishing all of you Happy Holidays and an amazing New Year 2018!