Irish Indie pop artist Sasha Samara has released her debut EP, Why Am I Still Here, I Never Learn. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
The EP was released with support from PRSF funded Scratch My Progress program and a Northern Irish Music Prize for Best New Artist in 2020.
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Speaking about her new release, she says, "Why Am I Still Here, I Never Learn explores the complexities of untangling yourself from something unhealthy.
"Written in the wake of a slow heartbreak, these songs were a therapeutic way to unpack a co-dependent relationship.
"Spanning desire, frustration, and the joy of choosing your own happiness in the end, this EP helped me to get unstuck from that place where I was asking the titular question - `why am I still here?'.
"The creation process helped me discover the warm, indie-pop sound that I’ve fallen in love with, and after two years of hard work, I am so excited to finally share it with the world."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
First thing; before I decided I wanted to pursue a career in pop stardom, I trained as a graphic designer and illustrator! Second, I am mixed race Malaysian/Northern Irish. And thirdly, I am a sparkling water addict. If there’s no bubbles, then what’s the point?
How would you describe your music?
Genre-wise, my music is in the indie pop or alt pop category. I like to experiment in different styles and moods within that, from dark, moody tracks to light-hearted fun ones! I like to think it’s pop music with a lot of heart - it’s important to me to be heartfelt and honest in the hopes that someone else can see themselves in the lyrics.
Who are your musical inspirations?
My longstanding musical inspirations are Taylor Swift, Maggie Rogers, Phoebe Bridgers, and Hayley Williams - such amazing performers, songwriters, and businesswomen. What inspires me the most about them is their ability to pair specific yet universal truths with melodies you don’t want to stop singing. I am also loving Raye, Lizzo and Fred Again right now!
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I was extremely late to the live music game, and I’m pretty sure the first gig I ever went to was 5 Seconds of Summer in the SSE in Belfast when I was 16. My friends and I had such massive crushes on them, and to be fair, I still love the band to this day! They clearly made an impression.
What was the first record you ever bought?
The first record I ever bought was Save Rock and Roll by Fall Out Boy in 2013. I was really into the Fall Out Boy, Paramore, Panic! At The Disco vibes as a teenager!
What’s your favourite song right now?
Worth It by Raye.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"The doctor put her hands over my liver, she told me my resentment’s getting smaller" from Garden Song by Phoebe Bridgers. I love the hopeful imagery of how letting go of resentment manifests itself in your wellbeing.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Exeunt by The Oh Hellos. Empowering folk banger. Love it.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find my music on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp - all the usual suspects! You can find me on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter via @sashasamara_ , and music video goodness on YouTube!
