In this episode, I talk to Sarah Lipstate, a Los Angeles-based composer, and a guitarist. We cover topics such as making a living as a musician today, marketing your work, the things Sarah is currently struggling with, the relationship between her gear and her art, and much more.
Biography
Sarah Lipstate is a Los Angeles-based composer, most known for Noveller, her solo electric guitar project. Handling the guitar as her muse, Lipstate summons a sonic palette so rich as to challenge the listener to conceive of how it’s housed in a single instrument manipulated by a solitary performer. In 2014, Lipstate announced her signing with Fire Records. Fire released Noveller's latest full-length 'Fantastic Planet' in January 2015 and also re-issued Noveller's critically acclaimed albums 'No Dreams' and 'Glacial Glow' in early 2016. She's previously released records on No Fun Productions, Important Records, Weird Forest, Taiga, and her own imprint Saffron Recordings.
Noveller has toured with Iggy Pop, St. Vincent, Radiolab, Xiu Xiu, the Jesus Lizard, U.S. Girls, & Aidan Baker. Lipstate has collaborated with several renowned musicians, including JG Thirlwell (Foetus, Manorexia), Carla Bozulich (Evangelista, The Geraldine Fibbers), David Wm. Sims (the Jesus Lizard, Scratch Acid), Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth). She has previously performed as a member of Cold Cave, Parts & Labor, and One Umbrella. Lipstate has also participated in Rhys Chatham’s Guitar Army, Ben Frost’s “Music for 6 Guitars” Ensemble, and Glenn Branca’s 100 guitar ensemble.
Selected Links From the Episode

Sarah Lipstate's Website
Sarah Lipstate's Instagram
Radiolab Apocalyptical
Parts & Labor
Effects unit (Wikipedia)
Bandcamp
Ray Dalio
Moon Canyon Signature Pedal

Show Notes

Introduction [00:00]
Episode Introduction [00:52]
Advice to Younger Self [02:56]
Main Challenges of Being a Musician Today [05:11]
Making a Living as a Musician [08:02]
Short Episode Break – Support the Podcast [18:28]
Marketing Your Work [19:21]
Relationship Between Gear and Art [23:05]
The Best Investment Sarah Made in Herself [25:38]
Sarah’s Current Struggles [27:23]
Advice for Being a Better Musician and Creative Professional [30:41]
Episode Outro [33:18]

Full transcript and more at https://creative.voyage/