Marlon Pitter
Connector Editor

If big things come in small packages, then New England Music Award winner Sarah Barrios fits that adage perfectly.

Launching herself from the relatively small city of Torrington, Conn., Barrios may be short in stature, but her lyrics and vocals are more colossal than most expect of her. This unanticipated combination helped her take home the award for Best New Act at the New England Music Awards Saturday night at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

Q: When did you know that leaving college to pursue music was the right decision?

I still don’t know. Playing music full-time is pretty scary. However, when I think about all of things I have enjoyed, music is the one thing that has been consistent. If I’m going to take this chance, I might as well do it now.

Q: How does your youthful look affect what people expect from you?

It makes people initially assume that I’m going to have a young-sounding voice and lyrics. On the other hand, it helps me because people are surprised by my music and lyrics. It’s kind of annoying at first, but the reactions I get from people are definitely worth it.

Q: What drives you to improve your musical skills every day?

My personal goals of being a better musician and songwriter are a couple of things that drive me. As I previously mentioned, I love the reactions that I get from people as well. A lot of people tell me they like the messages in my songs. Although I write most of my songs for myself, I really like making other people happy through my music. Overall, I just want to deliver the best possible music to everyone.

Q: How are you taking in this level of recognition of your talent?

All of this is pretty cool; I wasn’t expecting this much recognition. I feel honored to be able to play out for different people in different places and be recognized for my music at the New England Music Awards.

Q: What music did you grow up listening to? How did that shape you and your music?

I grew up listening to James Taylor, the Beatles, lots of jazz and other different styles of music. The diverse range of music I listened to has positively affected my music. It has made some of my songs jazzier, more pop, more blues and more[sic]. Since people like different types of music, the combination of different elements really helps me out.

Q: What inspired your cover of “Royals” by Lorde?

I found out about [Lorde] through Tumblr. I thought “Royals” was a cool song was neat with the way the vocals and bass sounded. I decided to take the song and layer some instruments on it. I think it turned out really well.

Q: How important is it that your mom not only supports you but is your manager?

My parents have always been supportive of my brothers and me. My mom has really been the main drive for getting me gigs. She’s a great manager and we learn with each other along the way. Even now, she’s here [in Lowell] with me, doing everything she can to help push my career forward.

Q: What band/musician would you like to perform with in your lifetime?

I would love to perform with Ed Sheeran. His work has been a big influence on my songwriting. I love his ability to create descriptive storylines in his songs, yet still write catchy tunes. Being able to tell stories in songs is a really desirable skill.

Q: What do you expect to take away from this entire experience?

This experience has given me a better understanding of myself as a person and as a singer/songwriter. I now have a better chance to say what I want to say to people. In addition, I will now have a greater ability to connect with people through music, a truly universal language.