Photo: Michelle Pitiris @sheisaphrodite
After spending the last few years building and cultivating her sound, Australian singer and songwriter Sahara Beck has now returned to deliver her soaring new single 'Stillness'.
Lifted from her forthcoming new EP, which is expected to arrive soon, 'Stillness' makes for a wonderfully vibrant listen. Blending a mixture of glossy alt-pop textures and grunge-inspired guitar hooks, her latest endeavour is a strong and driven return to form.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and influences over the years.
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What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
The Cat Empire: I fell in love with them the first time I saw them play. I was about 10 years old. Every single instrument in that band was on point and the way that Harry James Angus sang in that band made me realise the power a voice can have if it's used properly.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
I had a "band" with my friends that I grew up with in Peregian Beach (on the Sunshine Coast of QLD), Josh, Will, Mitch, Andre and me, plus Mitchs’ little brothers got to play guitar hero guitars along to what we played. We mainly played this cover of Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes but we also had two songs that we wrote, I remember how parts of one of the songs went. The vibe of the band was very "look at how emo and cool we are"... We also never played any gigs, we just played in Mitch's family garage.
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
My main inspiration for writing is when I am experiencing emotions or an idea that I'm struggling to articulate. I think about the fact there must be other people who have those same feelings or thoughts and so I'll write a song for that situation. Perhaps so it doesn't hit me as hard the next time I am experiencing it. I guess you could say it helps me make sense of things and get back a little bit of control.
What is a song you wish you would have written yourself?
Anything by Lady Wray or Radiohead. Also ‘Sign of the Times’ by Harry Styles, I think that song is stunning and I'm very jealous that I didn't write that first!
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
There are so many, I only realise how fun something was after it's done because while I'm doing it I'm always stressing about making sure it goes perfectly. I’m definitely working on being more in the moment! One amazing memory was playing at Bluesfest with my 8 piece band at the time and looking out into the completely full tent to a sea of people singing along to my songs and realising "hey people actually do listen to my music!". Another great moment was supporting Ball Park Music at the Enmore Theatre. I'll never forget playing on my electric guitar by myself to that sold out and attentive room.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
I mean I'd have to obviously say Beyonce because that would be ridiculous.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
I'd love to write with Harry Styles, I like his new music and of course his incredible style!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Touring around the world, releasing another album, playing bigger festivals both nationally and internationally.
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Sahara Beck's new single 'Stillness' is available to stream now. Check it out below.