Q&A: SASKI

BORN & RAISED IN NELSON, SASKI CONTINUES TO DELIVER GLITTERY ELECTRONIC INDIE-POP WITH HER LATEST TRACKS ‘PRETTY LITTLE ISLAND’ AND ‘GOLDEN HOURS’, PLUS HER DEBUT EP WITH MORE DREAMY VIBES IS ON THE WAY!

WE’D LOVE TO KNOW A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR MUSICAL JOURNEY SO FAR FROM WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED MAKING MUSIC!

I grew up in a musical family and always loved singing. I focused more on my dancing so was never formally in music classes or a part of bands etc. When I finished high school I did a student exchange to Holland and on my long bike rides I started creating melodies and lyrics to keep myself occupied. I then borrowed my host sister's guitar and that started my journey into making music! 

AWESOME! CONGRATS ON YOUR LATEST STUNNING RELEASE “GOLDEN HOURS”- WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE MEANING OF THIS TRACK AND THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT?

I wrote this in the studio with two good friends, one who I've known since high school before we even started doing music. We were talking about how we've all moved around, living in different countries and how there’s those people that stay in your corner no matter what. 

WHAT WAS THE WRITING & PRODUCTION PROCESS FOR “GOLDEN HOURS” LIKE?

It was a really natural process. After hanging out in the studio and catching up, we just started writing the track. Laying down the production of how we felt about the meaning behind the song and then creating the melody and lyrics! It was a really chill and nice way to write.

WE ALSO THINK “PRETTY LITTLE ISLAND” IS SO GORGEOUS! WHAT’S THE CONCEPT OF THIS TRACK AND WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PART WORKING ON THIS ONE?

Thank you! PLI followed me through three different countries. I started writing it in San Francisco, just before my visa was ending. I then finished the lyrics back at home in Nelson and the production up in Auckland, before moving to Sydney! I finished it over there. The song has multiple meanings for me and is quite sentimental. It holds fragments to each place, which I love.

TAKING A SMALL HIATUS FROM MAKING MUSIC SINCE 2018, WHAT DID YOU LEARN DURING THIS BREAK AND HOW EXCITED WERE YOU TO COME BACK THIS YEAR WITH YOUR TWO TRACKS?

I work full-time and have been studying for a postgraduate degree so music has always been a passion I pursue when I can! I applied for NZ On Air music funding and was able to fund an EP for the first time! I moved around a lot during that time and really got to experience life from many different cultures and perspectives. Creating music allows me to internalize and self reflect on those experiences, so I’ve been really excited to have the opportunity to create music to share again!

AMAZING! WHO WOULD YOU SAY ARE YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATIONS IN MUSIC?

I grew up listening to a lot of Nora Jones, Eva Cassidy and Corrine Bailey Rae. I used to write out lyrics to my favourite songs and just sing around the house a lot. I love hearing and learning about people’s stories and so I think many different artists have contributed in ways to inspire me with my own artist development.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE NZ ARTISTS RIGHT NOW AND ARE THERE ANY SONGS IN PARTICULAR THAT YOU LOVE OR CONNECT WITH?

WOW there are so many great artists here! I love TEEKS, BAYNK, Tiny Ruins, BENEE, Oliv, Aldous Harding, Sylvee, Lorde, BEXY, BROODS, Indyah - so many! There’s a lot of different sounds coming out of NZ now which is really cool to hear. 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN NEW ZEALAND? DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVOURITE PLACES TO TRAVEL TO OR LOCAL SPOTS TO VISIT? 

NZ is beautiful. I love wild beaches and rugged landscapes. Summer here is always a blast, doing walks in the Abel Tasman or finding hidden swimming spots near my home town. 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNT IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

I’ve learnt that you’ve got to believe in your music, know when to compromise and when to go with your gut. Be passionate and always go back to your why, why you’re pursuing music, because at times it can be really difficult and feel like a hustle that can leave you feeling discouraged. Know who your support people are, who will challenge you to dig deeper and encourage you further. 

INCREDIBLE! LASTLY, IF YOU COULD SAY ONE THING TO EVERY PERSON IN THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

There’s a lot going on in the world at the moment! I’d say, run your own race. Don’t compare your timeline to those beside you. It’s really easy to do but it takes away your peace and joy. Always have gratitude even in the small things while you wait for the bigger things to come. Be kind and learn how to be a good listener.

THANKS SO MUCH SASKI! MAKE SURE TO KEEP UP WITH HER ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, SPOTIFY OR APPLE MUSIC.