Words by Art Jefferson
Photography by Christoph Neumann, Anne Tsitselis
The Oxford dictionary defines the word metamorphosis as “a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means”. Athens-raised singer and actress Sarah Anna Psalti aka Sarah P. has surely undergone a personal transformation since her introduction as the front vocalist of the electronic outfit Keep Shelly in Athens. Whilst it could be said that the band consisting of herself and RΠЯ helped to establish the Athenian imprint in electronica of today on a global scale, releasing a slew of mini-albums as well as their acclaimed 2013 debut LP At Home, that was then. Although her announcement to leave the group in 2014 sparked great wonder amongst KSiA fans, this was indeed a part of the transformation process.
Today Sarah P. is that artist whose various choices of mediums reflect a specific freedom of complete self-expression. Currently living in Berlin, she has not only collaborated with acts including Sun Glitters, The New Division, Sundayman, The Bilinda Butchers and more, but her sound, infused with pop, r&b, electro and house, is a window into her journey of change. Her debut solo EP Free is that diary of conversion that not only serves as a sort of documentary, but also as a form of hope to listeners who may also seek a change of life. What the world is witnessing is a beautiful princess’s inauguration into a full fledged queen and her artistic kingdom has no borders or boundaries.
What brought you to Berlin from Athens?
Sarah P. – Curiosity, the fact that I needed a dramatic change in my life and to be very honest, the advice of my previous management. In Greece we say that everything happens for a reason and so far, I think that moving to Berlin was one of the most wise decisions I’ve made in my 26 years on earth.
Although you came into the spotlight as the frontwoman of Keep Shelly in Athens, when did your music journey begin? Were you already making music beforehand?
Sarah P. – Keep Shelly in Athens were the kick point of my professional music career. I mean, I’ve been always singing and writing songs on my synth but I was too shy to share them. I still have those super amateur home recordings. With the band, I’ve found myself in the foreground. I was 19 years old and very confused at the time when I joined the band. There were many changes in my family that left me somehow numb. It was also the final year of the drama school and I had the pressure of the exams. I think that’s the reason why, when I look back at that time, it’s all kind of blurry. I hadn’t quite understood what was happening. They were often describing me on the media as “mysterious” and “weird”. Partially, that had to do with the image of the band, but I’m pretty sure it was also because everything was really new and (sometimes) too much for me. From a really shy girl that nobody took for serious I became “Shelly”. I never took the time to digest that. Fun fact: I wouldn’t change a thing. Even if I could.
Whilst there is more of a pop feel to your music, you still manage to explore various boundaries of sound, creating your own imprint. Were these ideas that you were already experimenting back in Greece, and when did you know musically that you were ready to release that sound to the world as a solo artist?
Sarah P. – Free is a concept EP. I’ve been collecting these songs from the winter of 2014 till the spring of 2015. It’s a very personal release – it follows my journey from the lowest I’ve ever been to finding back to myself, re-evaluating my ideas and the purpose of my life and getting up again. I didn’t aim for a specific genre or mood – I wanted it to escalate, I wanted it to have many colors. So, to answer your question, of the seven songs, only “I’d Go” and “Golden Deer” are written in Berlin.
I know that the announcement of me leaving the band was a little awkward – it could be easily interpreted as I would stop making music, but that wasn’t the point at all. Among other reasons, I left the band because I felt that I had much more to offer, creatively speaking, and with KSiA I wouldn’t be given the chance to do so. After all, I was only writing the lyrics and singing RΠR’s songs. I wanted to explore different musical paths and I think that’s more than obvious with my first output. If there’s anything similar to my previous work, that’s my undying passion.
You wrote previously about not fearing the idea of failure during the writing process of songs. In your opinion, what exactly were some of those fears and how did you mentally free yourself from any restrictions?
Sarah P. – You hit the nail on the head – that’s still work in progress for me. I always happen to be the most harsh judge of myself and some smart people have been using that against me. The past couple of years, I’ve found myself in places that I wish no one to ever experience. That being said, getting out of a vicious circle, being weary and hurt, I’ve come to realize that if one’s honest to themselves, they’ve got not nothing to fear. In the past, I would hide behind metaphors and cheeky wordings to express what I really wanted to say, when, now, I’ve learnt to confront. I’ve learnt to be open.
As an artist, I’ve signed up to be on the spotlight – I can’t avoid to be judged. But I can’t hide that I’m probably the most sensitive person I know and a bad comment or look can really ruin my day. We live in a world that everybody can hide behind a keyboard and unload all kinds of traumas and wounds by trolling and bullying other people. I’ve been constantly scared of those guys.The internet might have made it all easier, but also created a generation of assholes. What I’ve been taught is that when I don’t like something, I just stop following it. Some people waste time to hate. Who’s got time for that?
Free is the first EP of mine, it’s really personal and I’m releasing it on my newly founded label. That’s too many risks for a former scared person. While writing it, I freed myself from worrying too much about what’s going to happen. It’s not that I’m not nervous, I’m fucking nervous. But I don’t care about what the “music connoisseurs” will or will not say. I shared my soul – what kind of rating system can rate my soul?
When recording tracks for your new work Free, were there any new findings as an artist that you discovered about yourself that may not been so prominent in the past or was it more of the feeling of letting out many ideas that were stored inside?
Sarah P. – I wouldn’t say so. It all feels new to me. Especially, because of the EraseRestart responsibilities. In the past, I’ve been pretty much following orders. Now it’s all completely different. I follow every tiny little step. I’ve got to give credits to my team, though. Without them I’d do nothing. We’ve created this “pack” of people who share the same values and are of the same mindset. We have a vision and we work on making it happen – making it real, tangible. It’s really new to me to work in such an environment where respect, transparency and creativity meet humor, fun and passion. This has clearly affected my recordings to their basis – I felt free to express myself and be confident about it.
How has moving to Berlin affected you creatively?
Sarah P. – Moving to Berlin has changed me completely. I’m at a completely different point in my life than when I moved here almost one year and half ago. I’m settled – I have a home, a loving partner and much work to do. I don’t seek for crazy adventures, but for stability. This means that musically and lyrically I explore different paths than I did before. I used to search for those precious little moments that would inspire me when now I choose dig way deeper and get my hands dirty. What’s more, I’m inspired by Germany’s contrasts. German people are full of contradictions. That’s affecting me a lot . Take “I’d Go”, for example. The melody is a pop, uplifting, whatever song and you think that the lyrics are just as girly and random, but if you give it the time and have a closer listen, you’ll realize that those are probably the most doomy and scary lyrics of the whole EP. “I’d Go” was an experiment for me.
You will be returning to the stage on the 12th of December in Dalston. I’m sure that must be an exciting feeling for you. Going back to the idea of bring free, would you say that performing is the ultimate sense of liberation considering that you’re somewhat laying your artistry bare in front of crowds of strangers?
Sarah P. – I’ve so missed the stage! To be very honest, I feel more comfortable playing shows than thinking that there are people, somewhere in the world, streaming my music from one of those numerous platforms. I like the idea of creating an intimate feeling and communicating my songs in the most direct way. I like that I can see the people’s faces. I like that I can talk with them afterwards. We’re in this together, it’s not just the artists who make the evening. I see the live shows as an opportunity to interact and share a special moment with fellow co-people.
As a fellow Sagittarius, I want to go ahead and say Happy Birthday. As a person who is a champion of creating your own path, how do you vision the coming year of 2016 for yourself?
Sarah P. – Thank you so much! My very best wishes to you, too! I have this fascination about birthdays, in general. Most people hate them, but I love them!
I have to say that I’m ultimately flattered by your words. 2015 has certainly been all about planning and creating own structures. 2016 should be the year of action – I wish that we (my band and me) get the chance to tour a lot. My LP is scheduled for 2016, so there are so many things to look forward to. If there’s something I really hope for, not just for me but for the whole world, that’s the end of stupid wars. We shouldn’t mourn more people. It’s enough with the collateral damages, isn’t it?
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