Singing the sea’s stories

This November, environmental activist and musician, Sarah Smout, invites us on a personal global journey, exploring our fragile and intrinsic relationships with water in Waterbaby, an evening of music, poetry and mesmerising vocals.

Ahead of Sarah’s tour of Waterbaby at the Society’s regional theatre venues, we caught up with her to discuss what it’s been like to voyage to waters near and far, by boat and over land, carrying the stories of people, places and beings whose voices need to be heard.

Tell us a bit about your background.

"I was born and raised near the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Growing up in the countryside, I learned to care for my surroundings from a young age. I have always been musical, and my first stories and poems were about my pets, which could have been anything from ladybirds to caterpillars, chickens, rabbits, cats and dogs.

"After studying classical cello, I was lucky enough to play with some incredible musicians around the world, touring and recording with folk, roots and Americana artists.

"More recently, I felt like I wanted to make journeys that had a less negative impact on the planet and go at a slower pace to really take in the places I was visiting. So, I’ve done a boat tour to Iceland, and several tours of Scottish islands. I’ve collected words, sounds and stories along the way, and I interweave them with my songs and poems, cello and looped soundscapes."

What inspired you to combine art with activism? 

I believe that activism is about using your voice to tell the truth. In my case, that voice is through my music. Not all activism looks the same, and that is the beauty of being human - we are varied and have different skills. I hope that by spreading the message of protecting the natural world, and joining in with peaceful protests that bring environmental issues to a wider audience, I can play a part in making sure we are doing everything we can to demand our governments take quicker and more serious action on the climate crisis.

"Music also brings people together, and with that we can share some of the emotions that are brought up by the overwhelming issues that we face. Art discovers, documents and tells important stories of moments through time, and I hope our story can have a positive ending."

You have been to some incredible places over the course of your career, are there any experiences which have stood out for you?

"Arriving at the Faroes from Shetland on a small yacht after 36 hours at sea with the most terrible sickness was an incredible feeling. It really was a test of resilience, but it was also amazing to travel by the wind and the tide for such a long distance.

"I remember seeing the green turfed roofs and jagged cliffs as we entered the harbour, and feeling like I really was in a different sort of place, geologically and geographically, but also mentally. Travelling by sea gave me a feeling of distance and appreciation for how these islands were once connected.

"We went to an open mic night where a young quartet studying music played Shetland reels, Danish jigs, and sang Auld Lang Syne in Faroese."

Throughout your trips, you have witnessed first-hand the environmental challenges facing our planet, are there any causes that are particularly close to your heart, and have you made any changes in your day-to-day life to try and address them? 

"I’ve made many trips across the sea and visited coastal communities. This has brought the issues of overfishing, fish farming, and sea level rise to my attention. I more recently learned about the horrible conditions in many fish farms, and how that affects the wild salmon as well.

"The overfishing of sand eels for animal feed, and their migration due to changing water temperatures, has really badly affected puffin populations in places like Shetland. The thing that stands out to me when any of these problems come to light is that there is no single issue – everything is interconnected, and once one thing is out of balance, other things follow. 

"Being vegan drastically reduces my carbon footprint, as well as being a statement against cruelty to animals. I’ll quote David Attenborough here as well – “If we shift towards a plant-based diet, the Sun’s energy goes directly into growing our food. And because that’s so much more efficient, we could still produce enough to feed us, but do so using a quarter of the land. This could free up an area the size of the United States, China, the EU and Australia combined – a space that could then be given back to nature”.

"Alongside my dietary choices, I choose not to fly for holidays as planes emit more CO2 per person than any other form of transport. Despite the many problems with fossil fuels being deeply embedded in the way that we live and the systems we rely on, I do believe that we have power as individuals to make change by influencing others, provoking discussion and raising awareness. I often think of the saying 'I can’t change anything, said 7 billion people'."

What can audiences expect from your event?

Stories and songs from my travels; from the people, places and beings I met. Different perspectives and voices, showing the importance of our collective responsibility for this planet we call home. Uplifting stories of hope, and chances to join in and sing along. Questions and challenges to those in power, and a chance to ask me questions and discuss what matters to you.

The power and benefits of water is clearly something you are very passionate about, is there a take home message for audiences?

Water is not a resource - it is essential for every living organism. The vastness of the sea hides a lot of the damage being done, the glaciers are melting and drinking water is running out. We came from water, and we are born out of water. Find your nearest clean water, swim in it, give thanks to it, protect it.