Girl Next Door, a talented singer-songwriter and producer formerly known as Sarah Carton, unveils her new artistic identity with the release of a hauntingly beautiful cover of Mac DeMarco’s “Let My Baby Stay”. Released on November 16, this debut track under her new moniker is a bold statement of empowerment and artistic independence.
The transformation into Girl Next Door represents Sarah’s rejection of traditional stereotypes and expectations placed on women in the music industry. She candidly shares her journey from striving to please the male gaze to embracing her own voice and vision. The name Girl Next Door, once a label for conforming to male expectations, is now reclaimed as a symbol of her autonomy in the music world.
Sarah’s musical evolution has been remarkable, as she has already gained recognition from prominent platforms such as Notion, BBC Introducing, Clout, and Wordplay. Drawing inspiration from artists like Lykke Li, Kate Nash, Banks, and The Streets, her style blends introspective lyrics with a unique electronic production.
“Let My Baby Stay” holds special significance for Sarah. Initially produced in her bedroom while exploring electronic music production, this cover version gained notable traction on Soundcloud, encouraging her to pursue music more seriously. Her reinterpretation of DeMarco’s song explores its darker, more obsessive themes, a contrast to the original’s laid-back vibe.
Hailing from Bishop’s Stortford and now based in London, Sarah’s artistic journey has been diverse, encompassing music production, theatre, and spoken word. Her award-winning solo music and poetry show ‘Hatch’, an artist residency at the Roundhouse in Camden, and a production course at Tileyard have all contributed to her artistic development.
Under her real name, she released the single “Beaches on the Thames” during lockdown, followed by the spoken-word piece “Lemon”, and a bedroom-pop collaboration “Homesick” with 49th & Main.
Her debut EP Raw, a self-produced project, received acclaim from several outlets and was celebrated with a headline gig at Paper Dress Vintage, Hackney. BBC Introducing’s Bedford Esquires Showcase featured her earlier this year, marking another milestone in her career.
With “Let My Baby Stay”, Girl Next Door is set to captivate listeners with her unique sound and honest storytelling, promising a new chapter of musical exploration and self-expression.
Watch the video for “Let My Baby Stay” below!
#Peace.Love.GirlNextDoor
