Photog: Just Justa, MUA: Luna Mae
A Netherlands native influenced by something as simple the melody of a phones ring, to something more substantial like the Soul, R&B, & the Suriname music that filled her childhood home. This unique being has what it takes to captivate and she's surely got me under lock and key.
Though the single I'm referring to (Psychedelic Love) was released in 2014, I was late to the game and only came upon it this year...better late than never. Her interesting melodic and rasp laced voice instantly wrapped its arms around my eardrums and refused to let go. Her unique delivery and absolute presence flows hand in hand with her style aesthetic and her bountiful kinky locks that I wish I were currently rocking myself. The combination is ridiculously fly and all you can do is vibe along with what ever it is shes dishing.
When I came across her song "Psychedelic Love", first I had it in heavy rotation for about a week or so, then I had to feature it in one of my weekly/ bi-weekly playlists. The video was caaayuuute, Sarah is stunning, and her style was refreshingly obtainable while still being #OnLeFleek.
And can we talk about the hair...lets take a moment of silence for the hair.................YAAAAASSS.
Shortly after I posted a clip of her video on my Instagram I decided to reach out to Sarah to conduct an interview because I felt the need to be just one more person to spread her name around, plus she's fabulous daaaaarling.
I initially wanted to do a whole shoot with her because that's how I usually conduct my style features, but to my dismay ***INSERT FROWNING FACE*** she is nowhere near being local. It's OK though, thanks to some other talented folks we're able to have some visuals of this beautiful Queen to go along with our interview below.
NC: What inspires you as an artist?
SJ: Life definitely inspires me as an artist, the things I go through as a human being get put into my music.
NC: When did you realize singing was your passion and is it your only creative outlet? if not, which other creative outlet/ talents do you posses?
SJ: I realized my talent as a performer at the age of five...maybe six, I always had to be the center of attention (especially at family functions), no one could leave before they had seen me handstand or perform my favorite Mariah Carey song. When I got older I started to develop a desire for acting, I impersonated everyone I saw on television (their personalities, accents, etc...), eventually I chose to make music...but my love for acting never died.
NC: Are you working on anything new in the music world we should know about?
SJ: I am working on an EP that's planned to come out around April 2016. I'm really excited about releasing new music! Also, there will be a single released in February on 2016.
{Yet another gem of Sarah's, it's like an old school upbeat whirlwind. Take a moment to listen}
NC: Are you working on anything outside of music (merch., modeling, writing, other creative arts, etc...)?
SJ: I am working on an acting career (stage-plays and TV series), I'm also working on a Vlog channel where I do sketches talking about recognizable subjects in life and such.
NC: Who are your biggest musical influences; sound, expression, &aesthetic (style)? Why?
SJ: Without a doubt the biggest influence is Erykah Badu. Everything about her inspires me to be a great artist, I also share her positive vibes and message. Plus, I think she exemplifies womanhood, strength, and truth. These are three things I am or aspire to be as a human being and as an artist.
Photog: Eric Ven Nieuwland, MUA: Luna Mae, 'Fit: Lady Africa, Jewelry: Ubuntu Wear
NC:What makes your music unique?
SJ: My music is unique of my stories and my not so common voice. I also have a unique deliverance and stage performance, the best way to experience it is to come to a show, HAHA!
NC: Clever. Maybe one day I'll go to Amsterdam, or maybe...you could come to the states and do a show out here.
SJ: I would looooooooooooooooove to come to New York again. I performed there once, at an open mic, at "Village Underground". That was amazing! I would love to play in NYC with my band, especially at the Afro Punk Festival!!!
NC:Has there been a particular point in your musical career that you're most proud of?
SJ: That would be performing at the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Netherlands. It's the biggest Jazz Festival of The Netherlands with performing artists from all over the world. This year I got the chance to be part of an amazing line up; D'angelo, Mary J Blige, Chaka Khan, Lady Gaga, John Legend and Lionell Richie. Just to name a few.
Photog: Eric Van Nieuwland, MUA: Luna Mae, 'Fit: Lady Africa, Jewelry: Ubuntu Wear
NC: How would you describe the music you create?
SJ: My music is relatable and from the heart; catchy melodies laced in funky rhythm. It's a mix of Neo Soul, HipHop, Pop, and R&B.
NC: I've noticed that you have your own sense of style that I very much appreciate, how would you describe it and how did it develop?
SJ: My style is really outgoing and edgy. I like to express myself through music, but also through my clothing and makeup. I love to show my Surinam (South American)/ African roots, that's where I pull my style inspiration from. If its isn't in my clothes...it's in my makeup or my hair.
NC:What are your all time favorite places to shop?
SJ: Honestly I do not buy a lot of stuff, lol. Most of my clothes are handmade by my designer Rosealia Skydiver. I do have an obsession with glasses! So I visit a lot of markets and vintage shops for exclusive specs.
NC: What style rules do you live by?
SJ: "If you got it flaunt it", and "be unique, creative and expressive".
Photog: Eric Van Nieuwland, MUA: Luna Mae
NC: How do you feel your personal style has evolved as not only an artist and an all around creative person developing as said artist, but through the stages of life?
SJ: I used to be a quiet and shy girl which was reflected in my style. When I decided to drop everything and focus on being an artist...my mindset changed, I became more secure wasn't so quiet anymore. Automatically my style changed and I began to wear more playful colours. If I look back now I still cant believe some of the things I used to wear back then. Later on I changed from all the colours, to wearing a lot of black. As I evolved and got older I stared to be more conscious and wanted it to be reflected in my style, hence why I pull more afro-centric.
Photog: Eric Van Nieuwland, MUA: Luna Mae
NC: Are there any struggles you face in your chosen industry that you have overcome, continue to struggle with, or do you have any advice for those who might be attempting to join the same creative field as you?
SJ: I used to think that because of me being a big black girl people didn't like me or my music and therefore I thought that was the reason for me not breaking through, I thought it was impossible. I didn't believe in myself. Thank God I found the reason to trust and believe in me and everything I was put on this earth to be. Hard work and dedication really pays off!
My advice to everyone who wants to pursuit anything would be to believe in yourself and to let nobody ever tell you it's not possible!
NC: How can we keep up with and reach Sarah-Jane?
SJ: Here are my handles.
