Blackwood was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England, attended a local school, and went to Newcastle University to study interior design.

[2][failed verification] Formerly known as The Joans, Dubstar were initially a two-piece band, with Chris Wilkie on guitar and Steve Hillier on vocals and keyboards.

Sarah Blackwood was invited to join the band in August 1993 and replaced Hillier on vocals in early 1994; Dubstar were signed shortly after.

Blackwood moved on to other projects but kept in touch with Dubstar members as her debut solo EP in 2008 called Acoustic at the Club Bar & Dining features Wilkie on guitar.

[3][better source needed] Blackwood joined the band Technique to replace Xan Tyler as singer for a European tour with Depeche Mode in 2002.