From Logan roots to indie Western sound, Saemore builds momentum

A former Logan resident is returning to her roots with a growing music project that blends Western influence with modern indie sound. 

Saemore, the stage name of artist Sadie Mortensen, has spent the past year building a band, releasing music and performing across Utah. Now, she and her band are preparing for an upcoming appearance at Logan City Limits, bringing her music back to the community where she got her start. 

Mortensen primarily sings and writes the band’s music, occasionally playing guitar. She said the project began in 2024 after years of wanting to move beyond cover songs and create something original. 

“I had a band in high school, and I just loved it so much, but we played covers, and I wanted to do originals,” Mortensen said. “I was like, ‘You know what, I’m just going to do it and put this together’ because I’ve been wanting to do it for too long now.” 

Saemore currently performs with a five-piece band that includes drums, bass, guitar and pedal steel. Mortensen said she assembled the group through connections and persistence, meeting musicians through friends and her time working at a guitar store.  

“I do all the management and the booking and everything,” Mortensen said. “So, I’m kind of wearing many hats, but yeah, it’s the five of us, and it works well.” 

The band’s sound pulls from multiple influences but centers on what Mortensen described as an “indie Western” style. 

“It’s got rock elements, it’s got pop elements, but a big focus of it is that old Western sound,” Mortensen said. “I don’t necessarily consider it country, even though it does have the pedal steel.” 

That blend is something band member Colter Hill said stands out in the current music landscape. Hill, who plays pedal steel and electric guitar, joined the group about nine months ago and has seen the project grow quickly. 

“I’d say indie Western is probably accurate,” Hill said. “She’s got some pop elements too, but kind of really going for that spaghetti Western kind of sound, and I think she does a great job at it.” 

Hill said Mortensen’s ambition is a driving force behind the band’s momentum. 

“She and the rest of the band are in their early 20s and super ambitious,” Hill said. “I think she can really take it as far as she wants.” 

Mortensen said her long-term goal is to turn Saemore into a full-time career, with plans to tour and expand beyond Utah. 

“I really do want it to be my full-time thing,” Mortensen said. “I’d love to go on tour, even if it’s a small one. I want to spread my music outside of Utah and get it heard in other states and other countries.” 

While the project continues to grow, Mortensen emphasized that live performance remains at the center of what she does. 

“I love writing music, and I love recording it, but I really do that so that I can perform,” Mortensen said. “I love to give people a good show.” 

She said her performances aim to connect with audiences through both energy and personal storytelling. 

“I put my heart and soul into every performance,” Mortensen said. “It’s music that’s catchy, and it’s also really heartfelt. I feel like a lot of people can relate to it.” 

Mortensen said that connection is especially meaningful as she returns to Logan, where her musical journey began. 

“I am a young woman from a small town in Utah, and I have experiences about that,” Mortensen said. “I feel like I portray it in my music and my performance.” 

As Saemore continues to evolve, both Mortensen and her band see the upcoming performance as another step forward. 

“I’d love to see her kind of go as far as she can,” Hill said. “As long as she’ll have me, I’ll keep playing.” 

For Mortensen, the goal is to keep creating, keep performing and keep building something lasting. 

“I want to keep making more and more music and evolving the sound,” Mortensen said. “That’s the goal.”