Stomping Grounds: Sarah Jaffe (Dallas, Texas)

Sarah Jaffe (photo by Dylan Hollingsworth)


Dallas, Texas’ Sarah Jaffe’s debut EP made a pretty significant splash for the young singer-songwriter.  Rolling Stone and Dallas Observer praised it, and she rode the wave of positivity onto tours supporting Old 97’s, Lou Barlow and Norah Jones.  Well, she’s back in 2012 with her sophomore album The Body Wins (out on Kirtland Records) and has already been getting tons great press (NPR and Vogue to name a few).  Recorded with producer John Congleton (St. Vincent, Explosions in the Sky) her new record shows a maturing Jaffe, which will earn her comparisons to PJ Harvey and the the like. 
Ghettoblaster recently caught up with Jaffe to talk about her current Texan Stomping Grounds, hometown heroes, and favorite places to play.  Here’s what she told us…
What’s your town’s nickname?
Big D.
What’s your nickname for your town? 
I don’t have one. 
Why do you live there? 
It’s Close to my family. These days I’m gone so much that when I’m home I wanna be close to them.
Did you grow up there? If not, what brought you there? 
Grew up very close to there. About 30 minutes south.
What is your favorite local attraction (monument, park, etc)? 
Really love the Dallas Aquarium.
What is your favorite local event or festival? 
I haven’t been in awhile but love the State Fair of Texas. 
What is the best time of year to be there? 
I love Texas in the Fall. It’s my favorite. Our springs are lovely too. 
Who is your favorite local celebrity? 
Erykah Badu.
Where is the best place to drink and what’s their specialty or happy hour? 
The Singlewide on Greenville Ave.  Great bartenders, good location. 
Who has the best jukebox (and what’s in it)?
The Lakewood Landing has a pretty great selection. Everything from Otis Redding to The Clash to Erykah Badu 
Do you play music there? If so, where is your favorite place to play? 
Love playing the Granada on Greenville Ave. Always an honor to play that stage. But there are tons of great venues to play in Dallas. Club Dada, Sons of Hermann Hall…all great places that have been going strong for awhile. 
Does where you live influence your music? Absolutely. Dallas has embraced me from the beginning and have always been supportive. Some of my closest loved ones are all in Dallas or near it, and they inspire me all the time. 
What is your favorite place to see live music and what was your favorite show there? 
The Granada. I have seen a few of my favorite shows there. Blonde Redhead, Imogen Heap, Erykah Badu, Grizzly Bear. 
What is your favorite local band? 
Centromatic. 
What is your favorite diner or restaurant and what is their best dish?
Cindi’s Diner. Avocado and tomato omelet 
What is your favorite record store and what was your best find there? 
My favorite record store is actually in Denton where I lived previously to Dallas. It’s about 30 miles north. It’s a record store called Recycled Books. My best find there was Harry Nilsson’s The Point.
What is your favorite local shop? 
Dolly Python. Best vinaigrette store I’ve ever been to. 
If you could live anywhere else, where would that be? 
Somewhere in the mountains. Montana or Colorado.