Vermont might be known for its maple syrup and gorgeous foliage, but it’s also the home turf of a rising artist in the folk-pop scene: Sage Hatfield. This multi-instrumentalist has taken his roots and infused them with the contemporary vibes of the New England’s bustling music scene.
It’s this melding of the past and present, tradition and innovation, that gives Sage’s music its unique edge. As a fan of many artists that come from that area, Sage is an artist that stands out in this endless list of new music this Friday, and has now captured my attention and appreciation.
With the unveiling of his new video for “I thought you’d never ask,” Sage demonstrates the authenticity of his musical fusion. Enriched by the ethereal voice of Hannah Bowers, the video highlights not only the harmonious synergy between the two artists but also the profound depth and reflective nature of their joint venture.
The track unfolds like a story. It begins gently, with the soulful strumming of an acoustic guitar. As it progresses, layers of instrumentation are added, painting a richer auditory picture. About a minute into the song, the deep, grounding thrum of a bass joins the mix, soon followed by Hannah’s voice. This secondary vocal, echoing Sage’s, lends a haunting beauty to the track, enhancing the ethereal atmosphere already set by the guitar in the mix.
Perhaps one of the most striking elements of this piece is its arrangement. The gentle tinkle of pianos, the firm cadence of percussion, and the whimsical notes of the xylophone all interplay beautifully. It’s like stepping into a dreamy folk-pop realm where every sound has a purpose, every note tells a story.
And just when you think you’ve got the song figured out, it throws a curveball. The finale crescendos into a whirlwind of instruments, with Hannah’s voice—pure, angelic, and powerful—overlaid. It’s a twist reminiscent of, I’d say a folk punk track. It was really cool, unexpected, and yet fitting.
So, diving into Sage Hatfield’s “I Thought You’d Never Ask,” there’s some real stuff going on in those lyrics. With lines like “Is a broken heart still right twice a day” and “And is loss of faith prerequisite to grace”, you can tell he’s got something on his mind.
From what Sage shared, the song is kinda his subtle way of asking how someone feels about him and also a bit of a playful jab at how we sometimes see ourselves. Plus, Hannah Bowers mentioned how the lyrics reminded her of those jittery feels you get around someone you’re crushing on. All in all, this tune isn’t just catchy; it’s got layers and tells a story about the ups and downs of relationships and self-image.
This is just the beginning for Sage. “I Thought You’d Never Ask” is the first single off his upcoming second LP, slated for a release this Autumn through Oak Honest Records. If this track is any indication, we’re in for a musical treat with the rest of his material. Sage Hatfield might have begun his journey in a small town in Vermont, but he’s steadily making his mark on the scene, and we’re here for every note of it. And also, I Encourage you to check out more stuff from Hannah Bowers as well.