Meet Amsterdam based Actress & Singer, Sarah Nauta, who along with her sister Julia is making her mark in the Dutch Pop genre. Sarah initially rose to stardom after being cast as Jane Banks in a Dutch Theatre Play of Mary Poppins. Soon after, Sarah went on to lend her voice to popular TV shows such as Zoey 101 & Winx Club, most recently the 19 year old actress played the role of Lori on the Disney Channel hit series ‘The Lodge’. Some recent highlights of Sarah’s music career include being honored with an ‘ARDY’ Dutch Radio Disney Award along with her sister Julia. Recently we were given the chance to catch up with Sarah and talk acting, singing, and style.
What are you currently inspired by?
“Currently I’m really inspired by an artist called ‘Yebba’. Ed Sheeran recently discovered her and even co-signed her. Her performances are on a whole new level of emotion. And her control of her voice is insane. I’ve been trying so hard to copy her riffs, but it’s almost impossible.”
How did you first get started in the entertainment industry?
“When I was about six years old I went to a theatre school in my city. My mom used to be very shy when she was younger, so she didn’t want that for me and let me do theatre. I’m so glad she did, because I loved doing it and when I was about eight years old I auditioned for a Dutch musical named ‘Ciske de Rat’. And I got a role, though I couldn’t really sing at the time.”
“And after that I was lucky enough to keep doing musicals (like Mary Poppins) and eventually starting a music career with my sister Julia. We’re called ‘Sarah & Julia’ and you can check out our songs on VEVO.”
What is the inspiration for some of your current styles?
“I’m in love with Dua Lipa’s style. Her music style is so cool, new and experimental. And don’t forget her clothing style. Which is sexy and comfy at the same time. Besides Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift is a big inspiration for my current style of music. Her last album ‘1989’ was really poppy and catchy, it inspired a song I made with Julia called ‘Dance like nobody’s watching’.”
Take us through a day in the life of Sarah Nauta.
“I get up, put on some music (most of the time John Mayer). Because I’m in a tv-series I have to get up really early and work till 6 pm. So when I’m back home I don’t have a lot of energy to do anything, except for playing the guitar or ukelele. And of course I sing the whole day through.”
“When I have a day off, I mostly spend time with my boyfriend or friends. We hang out a bit, jam or watch a movie. Or I take singing, acting and dance lessons.”
As your locality of choice, what do you believe sets Amsterdam apart from other international locales?
“In Amsterdam almost everything is close-by, so you don’t need a car. The canals are adorable and when the sun is shining all people are sitting in front of their houses or in parks, because they don’t have a garden. Amsterdam is also very tolerant. You can wear the craziest outfits and no-one will give you a strange look. Everyone fits in.”
What are some of your favorite things to do in Amsterdam? (Restaurants, Shopping, Culture, etc.)
“We have some beautiful museums in Amsterdam, for example ‘Rijksmuseum’, ‘Van Gogh museum’ and ‘Stedelijk museum’. Shopping at the 9 Streets is always a good idea with all their cute shops and boutiques. And don’t forget the awesome restaurants. I love to have lunch at ‘the Métropolitain’ or the ‘Avocado show’ which is Europe’s first avocado restaurant! And at night I like to visit the Skybar at the rooftop of the Double Tree Hotel, or the Amsterdam Tower where at day-time you should definitely check out their swing. I was scared to death, haha, but I loved it eventually.”
What did you enjoy most about your role as Lori on The Lodge? Are there any real life similarities you share with your character?
“I loved that there was singing and dancing involved in my role. So I was able to combine everything I love in one role. I also loved the more mysterious scenes I had to do, where Kaylee and Lori found out about a secret tunnel.”
“Lori is really career driven and she works really hard. I think we both work really hard, but she’s a bit too career driven. So she does things that she’s not proud of. I have my boundaries, so I would never hurt another person for my own career. But, eventually she’s ashamed of what she has done and leaves…”
Being a frequent traveler, what have been some of your all-time favorite destinations?
“I truly loved Australia. It was a 24 hour journey to get there, but it was totally worth it. We’ve traveled through Australia for three weeks and we’ve seen so many different city’s and climates. I think that’s the coolest thing about Australia, it’s so variated. And, the beaches are unbelievably pretty.”
“And, I also adored Japan. Tokyo is such an energetic city and the sushi was amazing, of course. Tokyo is also a great place to shop and watch the Harajuku girls walk by in their crazy outfits.”
You Act, Voice-Act, and Sing. That said, what do you enjoy most and why?
“That’s such a hard question! I don’t think I’m able to answer it, because it’s different everyday. For example now, I’m shooting a tv-series, so I would say acting. But when I’m really busy with performing I would say singing. I love all of it too much to choose.”
Do you have an ideal role that you would like to be cast for?
“If there ever comes a ‘La La Land 2’ or something similar, I have to be in it. If I could combine singing, dancing and acting in a movie, that would be the dream. And, the setting of ‘La La Land’ and the story was also so cute and pretty. So Emma Stone, please let me be you, haha.”
Style advice from Sarah Nauta.
“Don’t think too much about it. Just wear whatever you feel good in. If it’s an outfit with cats all over it, or one where you almost wear nothing, just do it. Let no-one judge you. It’s your life, and no-one has any right to judge you on what you wear, and don’t be afraid to be different.”
Where to next?
“I hope that one day I can sell out a venue in Holland with my sister; and hopefully, other countries will follow after that. And, I’d love to be in a movie one day, so I’ll work really hard to get there one day!”
Where can we follow you?
You can find me on Instagram: @sarahnauta
Follow me on Twitter: @sarahnauta
And check me and my sister out on Facebook: Sarah & Julia
