Transitioning to Pop

SASAMI reflected on the transformation her music underwent while touring for her previous album, Squeeze. Engaging in an intense touring experience with a metal band took a toll on her health and performance. “Touring Squeeze with a metal band meant I trashed my body and my voice,” she admitted, describing her physically demanding performances. Recognizing the need to prioritize her vocal health, SASAMI decided to focus on songwriting that placed her voice at the forefront and explored the nuances of pop music.

A Standout Collaboration

Featuring Clairo

One of the highlight tracks from her forthcoming album is “In Love With a Memory,” which includes a collaboration with artist Clairo. SASAMI noted that the song’s narrative evolved over time, showcasing the conflicting emotions of two individuals navigating a relationship’s complexities. “Eventually I realized the story didn’t belong to just one person, but both sides of the relationship,” she explained. SASAMI sought a partner with a compatible yet distinct vocal presence, leading her to Clairo, whose versatile voice and melody movements brought depth to the collaboration.

Working with Rostam

SASAMI’s connection with producer Rostam Batmanglij also played a significant role in her new musical direction. Their collaboration began during a pandemic rehearsal for HAIM, where she was substituting for a band member. Familiar with Rostam’s work, SASAMI considered him a natural fit for her project, aiming to merge rock and pop sensibilities in her music. “I knew for Blood On The Silver Screen that I wanted to work with people who were good at bridging rock and pop, and he was the obvious choice,” she shared.

Influences and Inspirations

While SASAMI has not played the new album for HAIM in detail, she acknowledged their significant impact on her creative process. She admired their unique sound and ability to weave diverse references into their music, which encourages her to hone a distinct identity in pop music. “The best pop artists can almost be parodied because their sound is so distinct, and that’s something I’m still really working on and struggle with all the time,” she stated, emphasizing her ongoing efforts to define her artistic voice.