Following close to twenty years building her globally recognised career, powerhouse vocalist Sari Schorr has gone from back-up singer to bona fide headliner. Legendary producer Mike Vernon came out of retirement to produce her 2016 debut, A Force Of Nature. She followed it roughly every two years, with 2018’s Never Say Never, made with songwriting partner and producer Henning Gehrke, then 2020’s Live In Europe, before Robin Trower chose her to sing on 2023’s Joyful Sky.
Now Schorr has signed a recording agreement with Artone Label Group/Provogue for the release of Running Wild, the singer’s third solo album, timed to coincide with a three-month tour through Europe. It is released in Europe on 9th October, then in the USA on the 30th.
Ahead of the album, and out now, is its first single, ‘Mr. In The Middle’, along with an accompanying video.
Speaking about the new single, she explained: “‘Mr. In The Middle’ is about the intoxicating pull between two people who cannot quite let each other go. The chemistry is real, but while one is ready to commit, the other keeps moving between desire and distance, pulling closer, then pushing away before it becomes too real. The song captures that seductive, maddening tension and the moment when attraction is no longer enough. Eventually, someone has to choose.”
The album itself was produced by Jamie Walker and Luke Paget, with Schorr commenting: “They are incredibly talented, humble producers and songwriting partners. They enabled me to deliver my vision with complete artistic freedom. Being so enthusiastic with the ideas being put forth, I was inspired to step beyond the familiar, into that space where the best ideas seem to find you. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created together, and I can’t wait for the world to hear it.”
On Running Wild, Schorr channels restless momentum into her most personal and defiant record yet. “I’ve reached a deeper understanding of who I am as an artist,” she said. “I’m still searching and learning, but I trust my instincts more and follow each song to its emotional truth. These songs explore defiance, self-discovery, resilience and transformation. I hope they lift people above the weight of everyday life and remind them that brighter days are possible.”
Neil Fairclough, touring bassist for Queen & Adam Lambert, who joined Schorr for performances in Spain recently, said: “I don’t know if I have ever seen an emotional response from an audience like the one I witness when Sari takes the stage. Her songs of resilience and freedom, and the restless pursuit of excellence she carries forward, make for one of the most powerful audience and entertainer dynamics I’ve ever witnessed.”
One moment, Schorr is the raven-haired warrior princess whose kerosene roar burns down the house; the next, a heart-stopping balladeer who bleeds into every lyric and can silence even the toughest crowd. Offstage, she is a passionate social activist with a mischievous wit, an irrepressible optimist, an incurable dreamer and a devoted animal lover. All those sides of her, and more, are evident on Running Wild.
“I think the album title captures something essential in me,” she says. “I’m drawn to that place where vulnerability and strength exist side by side. Making Running Wild, I discovered that true freedom comes from letting go of judgement, trusting my instincts and following the music without fear.”
Born in New York City to a fashion model mother and an Air Force pilot father, Schorr was a natural-born singer. In a parallel universe, she could have been an opera star. But drawn to the emotional truth of singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey, she learnt that she was put on the planet to sing from the heart, not to display technical brilliance for its own sake.
Leaving the classical world behind, Schorr headed to the South Bronx, where the lessons came quickly. “It was a dangerous neighbourhood,” she recalls. “Hearing gunshots outside the rehearsal studio wasn’t unusual, but that was where the musicians in my band lived. They taught me so much about crossing musical boundaries and bringing different genres together. I didn’t realise then how important that would become when I began writing my own songs. It’s why I love weaving soul, blues and jazz into the heart of classic rock.” A storied career followed.
In 2026, with fresh inspiration taking hold, Schorr knew it was time to create her next solo album. The first move was to assemble a trusted creative team that included co-producers Jamie Walker on guitar and bass and Luke Paget on drums, alongside acclaimed keyboard player Bennett Holland. “They’re incredible musicians, and the inspiration we felt when we entered the studio was electric,” she reflected.
“Running Wild is the album I’ve dreamt of making all my life. It feels like a defining moment for me, and I don’t say that lightly,” said Schorr. “This record gave me more than I expected, and I hope it gives something meaningful back to the people who hear it.”
Running Wild features ‘Mr. In The Middle’, ‘Running Wild’, ‘Monday Morning’, ‘Man On Fire’, ‘Cool Hand Rider’, ‘Elevate’, ‘Call It Freedom’, ‘Better Day’, ‘Afterglow’ and ‘Finding My Way’. It is available to pre-order now.
There will be a UK album launch at The Lexington in London on Tuesday 29th September, with tickets on sale now.
“To be welcomed into a label family alongside so many talented artists I deeply respect is something I’m truly grateful for,” Schorr adds. “My experience with Joyful Sky showed me firsthand how much this label believes in and supports its artists. I’m excited to share this journey with people I admire, trust, and genuinely enjoy working with.”
Provogue label owner Ed van Zijl noted: “Sari Schorr is a powerhouse artist with an incredible voice. We’re proud to welcome her to Provogue and excited for the journey ahead.”
