CODA MUSIC TECHNOLOGIES
Artist Spotlight : Sarah Sheriff
The following interview is courtesy of a Coda Music Technologies email on June 27, 2022.
Who are you?
Greetings, I'm Sarah Sheriff, but many people just call me “The Sheriff.” I'm a central PA based guitarist and marketing professional. I've been playing guitar for almost 30 years and am completely and totally obsessed with all things guitar; playing, buying, selling, trading, etc...
What instrument(s) do you play?
I play guitar and drums, but guitar is my primary instrument (an even split of electric and acoustic).
What’s the name of the band/artist/orchestra you play for?
I’m a guitarist for hire, so I will jump in with almost anyone! My regular gigs include playing lead/rhythm guitar in country band The Grant Bryan Band, and accompanying country artist Gillian Smith as she performs all over the country.
What kind of music do you play?
I’ll play just about any genre from praise and worship to country and hard rock, but my heart will always belong to southern infused rock and roll.
Why did you buy STOMP? How has it been for you?
Being a guitarist for hire means that I can be thrown into a 3+ hour show with minimal rehearsals/ prep time. In those instances, it’s crucial for me to be able to scroll through my chord charts/ notes. I used paper for years before I decided to discipline myself and load everything into an app. This made organizing sets much easier, but when I am the only instrument accompanying a singer, taking my hands off of the guitar can be VERY distracting. I tried auto scrolling within other iPad apps and even other bluetooth pedals– each with only moderate success. For me, moderate success just doesn’t cut it, though. In already stressful environments, I need something much more reliable. After a lot of research, I settled on the OnSong app and the STOMP pedal.
I was just days away from flying to Nashville for a few gigs when I made my decision, so I had the pedal rushed to my door. Against my better judgment from previous experiences, I decided to live dangerously and use it on the fly. On the flight, I organized my music in the app and reviewed the materials sent to me after purchasing the STOMP. While it’s typically not a great idea to try new gear on the fly for a gig, the STOMP absolutely delivered. Within minutes, I was up and ready to scroll my setlists/ notes on my iPad. I was so relieved to have several variables solved and a ton of stress removed. The STOMP allowed me to glance at my iPad when I needed some assistance AND advance the music as needed without having to take my hands off of my guitar. With my new and easier set up, I could focus on the performance and interact more effectively with my bandmates AND the audience. The buttons are easy to find and push with my boots, and the bluetooth connection was 100% solid. Even the pedal itself just felt like a tank, and after taking this pedal all over the country in a Crown Royal bag, it really does hold up!
I also think it’s important to also say that not only does this pedal deliver on what it promises, but the customer service is also amazing. After a freakish issue I had with my STOMP (I use this thing HEAVILY and only ever had this one issue), I contacted Coda Music Tech and within the day had a replacement on its way to me. With the rate at which gigs land on my calendar, it is so important to know that my gear has a team willing to stand behind their product.
What else should we know about you?
I am endlessly curious and always hungry.
Where/how can people connect with you or follow you?
@sarah_sheriff on Instagram
More links:
Visit Coda Music Technologies website
Check out the STOMP Bluetooth Pedal
Acoustic Pedalboard setup
