Artist Advent Day 6: SARAS
Welcome to Day 6 of Next Wave's Artist Advent Calendar! Today, we invite you to explore the enchanting world of SARAS, an extraordinary artist whose musical journey is a testament to introspection, inspiration, and the profound art of storytelling through song. In this exclusive interview, SARAS shares insights into the influences that have shaped her distinct sound, from the captivating melodies of Motown to the vibrant energy of modern artists like Remi Wolf and Rina Sawayama.
Join us as SARAS reveals poignant moments from her musical odyssey, delves into the magic woven throughout the creation of her introspective project, LATE BLOOMER, and unveils the dynamic creative process that fuels her songwriting. SARAS is an artist whose sonic tapestry intertwines vulnerability, strength, and the vibrant hues of life. Prepare to immerse yourself in the artistry of SARAS as we celebrate Day 6 of Next Wave's Artist Advent Calendar.
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Next Wave: What inspired you to pursue music?
SARAS: Anywhere and everywhere, I sang. When I was sad or lonely, I would sing to myself and make up songs. When I was happy, I was belting out louder than anyone. I knew the power of music and how much it could move people when I sang. I saw other artists on stage singing songs and knew I wanted to do that too, but didn't really grasp what being an artist meant until I started writing my own songs. That's when it all really clicked for me what I was meant to do.
Next Wave: Who are your musical influences or role models?
SARAS: Movie and musical soundtracks played a huge part at a young age in my understanding of how music could shift moods, tell stories, and transport you. I grew up on my parents' favorites -- everything Motown, Billy Joel, The Carpenters -- and then fell in love with pop music on my own through the Spice Girls, Marina and The Diamonds (now MARINA), and The Veronicas. Adam Schelsinger, Hayley Williams, and Sara Bareilles were and are huge songwriter idols for me as well. This week I'm listening to a lot of Remi Wolf, No Doubt, and Rina Sawayama. It's always changing.
Next Wave: Can you share a memorable moment from your musical journey so far?
SARAS: The first thing that comes to mind is the night I wrote the intro for LATE BLOOMER. I was having a tough time and the whole thing just spilled out of my mouth. That was the night the whole project came together and I really knew what I was making.
Next Wave: Can you share a little about your creative process and how you come up with new ideas for songs?
SARAS: Usually I'll start a song idea on my own and bring it into the studio with collaborators, whether it be just lyrics or both melody and lyrics together -- or we just end up talking and something comes in the moment. I pull a lot, intentionally and not, from my own life and the lives of the people I love. As an artist I also think it's important to live a full life and that means getting out of the studio as much as being in it.
Next Wave: What song, ep or album of yours would you recommend to someone who is listening to your music for the first time?
SARAS: LATE BLOOMER is an intimate look inside my head and a good jumping off point.
Back in Oslo is also my most recent release so please go listen -- I produced it out three different ways so if you want heartbreak & healing served up as a crying piano ballad or car cruising jam, I got you.