Album Notes

Take a woman who loves the "big city life" but also who revels in nature's serene beauty, add in a strong sense of independence yet a certain vulnerability, a desire for simplicity but an appreciation for life's challenges and what do you have? You have some insight into Sharlin-a talented singer-songwriter whose music reflects the many facets of her personality and life experiences.

Sharlin was born and raised outside of Detroit "Motown", Michigan. She attributes her musical genes to her mother who taught piano and played the flute in a symphony orchestra. Sharlin has fond memories of singing three-part harmonies with her mother and sister while "doing the dinner dishes." She followed in her mother's musical footsteps and started playing the piano at age five and
the flute when she was ten.

Sharlin sang her first solo, "O Holy Night," at her 6th grade Christmas concert. She attended Oakland University in Michigan where she sang in several show choirs. After graduating she joined the Serendipity Singers, a contemporary singing group, who performed shows nationally. Inspired by the acoustic instrumentation in the group, Sharlin taught herself how to play the guitar and write songs and she soon found herself hopelessly in love with songwriting.

She, along with several excellent co-writers, assembled 11 special songs and co-produced and recorded her debut album, "Something Out There". The title track, "Something Out There" is dedicated to everyone finding what that "something" in life is. To Sharlin, it means pursuing those things in life that capture her heart and bring meaning to her life. She welcomes anyone reading this to go to her website at Sharlindarlin.com and write what their "Something Out There" is. Sharlin hopes that this page will be a source of inspiration to others reading it.


Sharlin's musical style is a genteel blend of country, pop and folk with a hint of jazz and blues influence. Her songs like "Why?," "Movin' On To You," and "I'm Here" lean toward traditional country whereas "Something Out There," "Lee, Marie and Me," and "Waterfall" combine more pop and folk flavors. The music ranges from slow, melodic ballads to medium tempo "groove" songs, to upbeat fun dance material. Like many artists who write their own material, Sharlin's music stems from what she has experienced and observed. Her music and lyrics consistently touch listeners because there's something for everyone to relate to.

Some of the songs such as "Fifteen Years Down" and "Lee, Marie and Me" have a wonderful story-telling quality that draws listeners into the scene where they almost feel like they're involved in the outcome. Songs like "Something Out There" and the sassy "Think Twice" give a sense of strong independence whereas "Why?" and "I Think the World of You" have a more vulnerable feel. Throughout her music, a focus on "the positive" is a recurring theme. "I'm Here," "Movin' On To You," "Both Ends" and "Frequent Flier" are good examples where the message is upbeat and uplifting. Sharlin says, "I want people to feel good when they hear my music. Even if it's a sentimental or sad song they relate to, if there's a positive twist to it then maybe it can help them look at their own situation in a more healing light."