Teesside graduate releases Christmas single

Teesside University graduate Sara Dennis is hoping she has the Christmas x-factor as she has just released a Christmas single.

The single, entitled Be Mine (This Christmas Time) was co-written with Gavin Wood and as Sara explains, was part-inspired from her time in on Teesside.

She said, ‘It is a folky Christmas love song with fairy tale imagery. It also carries an ecological message, contrasting the clear, clean skies of Finland with overcrowded smoky London, ending with a nod to our own windswept North East coast with its beautiful heritage.’ Sara, 37, a BA (Hons) English and History graduate in 2005, only started playing and singing again last year having been classically trained as a child, and has made big strides in the industry after being signed to independent label Time & Tide Records, only months after performing at open mic nights around Teesside. ‘I grew up in a very musical family, so it was inevitable I would follow suit. I’m delighted to be achieving my dream and I’m looking forward to the release of my second album in February.'

She has brought influences from her English degree into her song writing, and says she has her time at Teesside University to thank for her writing style.'

Sara said, ‘The skills I learnt on my course have definitely shaped my writing and how I approach new songs. I have also found myself referencing famous literary characters, such as in Emily Said, inspired by Emily Dickinson, whom I studied.’

Be Mine (This Christmas Time) is out on iTunes and Amazon MP3.

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