Kansas City singer-songwriter Sara Swenson releases first album in 12 years (May 2, 2026)
By Steve Kraske, Elizabeth Ruiz
"Taller," the fifth studio album from the Platte City, Missouri, native, is loaded with songs celebrating motherhood and belonging, and features guest appearances from across Kansas City's music scene. “There's a lot of meaning on this album to me,” she said.
Full article and podcast here.
Voyage KC: Conversations with Sara Swenson (June 1, 2026)
"Songwriting, recording and performing – these can be intense emotional processes ... Going to those places makes it feel authentic but is also why I sometimes have to pace myself when being creative."
Sara Swenson, Shotgun Wedding Singer, Swallowtails, and more local music videos (April 20, 2026)
By Nick Spacek
We’re big fans of singer-songwriter Sara Swenson here at the Pitch, and we fully expected to fall in love with her new single, “Your Town,” before we’d even heard a single note. What we didn’t expect was drying our eyes every 15 seconds on this tour through some of our favorite Kansas City venues, and a background chorus made up of some of our favorite people ... Then there’s the song, which just makes us want to hug every single person we know next time we see them out and celebrate the musical community of Kansas City, much as the song is “one that celebrates community, diversity, and the idea that the town belongs to all of us.”
Sara Swenson: 'Taller' Album Preview (February 25, 2026)
By Sydney Goldberg
Sara Swenson's new album “Taller” will be released on Friday, Feb. 27, ahead of her sold-out show at Knuckleheads Gospel Lounge the next night. After getting a sneak preview of the tender, powerful collection of songs, I talked to Sara about her songwriting process, naming an album, and parenthood.
Bridge Exclusive: Sara Swenson - 'Phantoms' Premiere and Interview (October 14, 2025)
By Michelle Bacon
Whether you recall her penchant for songcraft or are hearing her name for the first time, you’ll notice that Swenson’s voice has a way of lingering long after the music ends. This fact remains – and is perhaps more prominent than ever – on “Phantoms.”
Part of that is due to the heavy subject matter the new single confronts, and the indisputable care she takes in delivering the message.
Children's Mercy (January 19, 2024)
There was not a dry eye in the house as musician Sara Swenson gave a live performance of her song “I Won’t Let You Feel Alone” for Children’s Mercy team members at an organization-wide town hall meeting this week. Sara’s original composition is the soundtrack for our latest TV spot, which highlights all the ways that Children’s Mercy is “Built for Kids.”
“Sara’s song is perfect and I’m so grateful to her for sharing it with us,” said Gerald Holland, Senior Director of Brand and Creative Strategy. “We were looking for a song that conveyed our level of commitment to kids and the pure heart that we see every day from our staff. The beauty of her song captured that feeling and what is at stake for so many of our patients and families. That line — ‘I’m right here, I won’t leave, I’ll be by your side as long as you need’ — that is Children’s Mercy to me.”
Singer Songwriter takes Series to a whole new level- Sara Swenson on GIRL UNSCRIPTED (May 27, 2022)
By Eric Keith
As many of you know I have served as the Producer alongside Producer/Director Tara Veneruso and other key team members for 15 years on our new doc-series, GIRL UNSCRIPTED. I want to take a minute and share some of the interviews that we have done with our teammates, and today, we will highlight our Singer Songwriter, Sara Swenson. Her songs serve as a backdrop to the entire Series, and they shape the mood and transitions throughout while expertly complimenting the music composed specifically for the Series.
Runway Lights (2014)
"A lovely collection of anthems, ballads and hymns that changes moods consistently, especially when the horns make an appearance, but sustains a soulful, mesmeric vibe throughout." - Timothy Finn, The Kansas City Star / Back to Rockville (Link here)
"On her latest album, Runway Lights, a lot of what Swenson is trying to communicate comes across in big, sweeping arrangements. These songs are rich and varied, with lush, bedroom-y synths, bighearted horns and soul elements. Swenson's voice is a versatile instrument, one she can push to a delicate, flickering falsetto ("Sometimes I Hold You") or keep at a playful soprano ("Good Boys Win")." - Natalie Gallagher, The Pitch (Link here)
"Her ideas for the shape and sound of the album are ambitious, but grounded in real emotions, and real purpose...She's a regular engine of profound, emotional art." - Don Chaffer, Producer, Waterdeep
"I'm three times through it and I love it ... This album feels like a really good story." - Chris Haghirian, Middle of the Map Fest, INK Magazine, KC Star
"It's smooth, it's mega well produced, like a crafted Irish whiskey or a blacksmith's hammer." - Andrew Farmer, Sons of Caliber
"Effortlessly cool. Runway Lights is almost hypnotic, and Sara Swenson is the real deal." - Ciaran Lavery, singer-songwriter