In this interview spotlight, I chat with SJae about her new single (Acid Rain), technology, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
Originally from South Wales, UK, now living in Los Angeles, California. I create a lot of different styles of music, as I’m fortunate enough to produce for other artists as well as work on my own music. My current EP is mostly pop and dance with a serious 80s influence, but I have some artists I’m working with who are in the Hip-hop, R&B and baroque pop spheres.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
I was obsessed with the piano from a very young age, which led me to become a synth nerd in my teens. I was always really into recording and programming – I didn’t realise at the time, that it was the beginnings of learning to be a producer. Surviving in the music industry is can be feast or famine, lots of highs and lows, but I can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s what I’ve done since I was 16 years old. But I think you have to love it, like really love it, otherwise the sacrifices you have to make, can be too much.
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
With this record I wanted to feature artists and songwriters that I really respect and love working with. Some are really well known, others not so much, but all are incredible at what they do and I’m honored to have them on the EP. I wanted to make a producer EP featuring different genres that I have worked within during my career, I haven’t seen many female producers get the opportunity to do this, so I thought it was probably time!
Do you face any challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?
Finding funding to promote your music and raise awareness that you even exist, is probably the biggest challenge as an independent artist these days. That said, being able to distribute your music globally in a few clicks, is a massive step towards musical autonomy, that wasn’t previously available to us without signing a major record deal.
Where can we follow you online and hear more music?
- http://www.sjaeofficial.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/sjaeofficial/
- https://www.facebook.com/sjaeofficial
- https://soundcloud.com/sjaeofficial
Anything else before we sign off?
Thank you for reading, for listening, it really means a lot!
