Emerging onto the pop music scene with her debut single, ‘NEVER LEAVE,’ Saharaa captures the exhilaration and vulnerability of the early stages of a relationship. Her heartfelt lyrics resonate with those who have experienced the fear of opening up to love. In an exclusive interview, Saharaa reveals her inspirations, the challenges she faced as an independent artist, and her hopes for the future. Let’s dive into the thoughts and experiences of this promising pop newcomer.
Releasing her debut single has been an awe-inspiring experience for Saharaa. She humbly admits that she still finds it hard to believe that her music is now out in the world, ready to be heard by listeners. Dreaming big, Saharaa envisions herself gracing the world’s grandest stages and collaborating with talented producers. However, her ultimate goal is to touch people’s lives through her music, leaving a lasting impact.
For Saharaa, music has always played a significant role in her life. Beginning to write songs at a young age, she developed a passion that she couldn’t ignore. Studying a popular music degree at UOA solidified her decision to pursue a music career. Saharaa emphasizes that she can’t imagine herself doing anything else—it’s simply what she was meant to do.
As an emerging artist and independent musician, Saharaa faced the daunting task of juggling various responsibilities, from PR and cover art decisions to understanding the intricacies of the music industry. However, through perseverance and the invaluable advice she received from experienced professionals, Saharaa navigated the process and successfully released her debut single. Her advice to aspiring musicians is to seek guidance from those who have been through the journey before, as their knowledge can be instrumental in overcoming obstacles.
Growing up on the enchanting Waiheke Island in New Zealand provided Saharaa with a nurturing community that supported her musical endeavors. While her music may not directly reflect her cultural background, the values instilled in her by the close-knit community have shaped her approach to collaboration and the way she connects with others. As she expands her horizons beyond the island, Saharaa looks forward to experiencing life in larger cities while continually drawing inspiration from her journey.
Read the full interview and listen to ‘NEVER LEAVE’ here:
1. As a newcomer to the pop music scene, how does it feel to release your debut single and share your music with the world? What are your expectations and hopes for the future?
It has honestly been the most incredible experience and for sure a pinch-me moment. At times I still can’t comprehend that my single is actually out in the world for people to listen to. I feel like you always have to dream big so I’d say my hopes for the future are to play on the biggest world stages, work with the most talented producers but ultimately write songs that impact people in some way, whatever that is.
2. What inspired you to break into the music industry and why?
Music has always been a big part of my life and I first started writing songs when I was about ten. I think from quite an early age I was passionate about music but I think it was when I started studying a popular music degree at UOA that I properly started pursuing a career in music. I can’t imagine not doing music. I feel like it’s just what I’m meant to do.
3. As an emerging artist, what challenges have you faced in pursuing a career in the music industry?
I’d say one of the challenges I’ve faced as an emerging artist, who is also independent, is basically having to do it all. From the PR side of things to coming up with the inspiration for the cover art. It can feel like quite a daunting process the first time around for someone who is primarily creative, having to become a business person. Also just trying to navigate and understand how the industry works and finding ways for fans to discover you amongst so many other talented artists.
4. How have you overcome them, and what advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
I feel like now that I have put out my first single I understand the process better and what’s involved. I know now how important it is to give yourself more time than you think you need in case any problems arise, especially once the release date is locked in. Advice I would give to aspiring musicians is to not be afraid of reaching out to other people in the industry who have been through the process before as their knowledge can be invaluable and you can’t be expected to know it all the first time around.
5. Growing up in New Zealand, how have your cultural background and surroundings influenced your musical style and the themes you explore in your songs?
I was lucky enough to grow up on a tiny island called Waiheke, just off Auckland city in New Zealand. I am grateful for the experience of living in a smaller community which has been very supportive of my music over the years. The music community is very strong and I got to hear lots of different genres and styles of music. The high school I attended, Waiheke High also had a very extended family feel and were immersed in Maori culture throughout school. Although I don’t necessarily take musical influence from that I think the values have impacted how I was to be in the industry. I love to work with others, collaborating and sharing ideas. After growing up in a small community I’m excited to experience life in big cities as I continue to progress in my career. I think my music will always tend to have themes that reflect where I am at in life at that time.
6. Could you walk us through your creative process when writing ‘NEVER LEAVE’? How did you translate the emotions and experiences into music and lyrics?
I always write about experiences I have or things I am going through in my life and for ‘Never Leave’ this was also the case. I like to start with chords and let any melodies and lyrics come to mind as I find this way I don’t overthink it and the real emotions come through. Then later I will go back and make changes to the lyrics and melodies. For this track, I wrote most of it before taking it into the studio, where the incredibly talented – Will Henderson produced it for me.
7. What is the message behind your debut track?
‘Never Leave’ talks about the beginning stages of a relationship, desperately wanting to be with that person but also feeling terrified it may all end. When you are used to getting messed around by guys it can be scary when you start to form genuine feelings for a person. The song encapsulates all the emotions felt with a first love.
8. What’s your biggest deal-breaker in a relationship?
I think my biggest deal breaker would be someone who is not trustworthy. Having trust in a relationship for me is the most important thing. I would also say another deal breaker would be someone who doesn’t get along with my family. My family have been my biggest supporters and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them, so it would be integral that they could fit in and be part of that.
9. How do you think your closest friends would describe you?
I would hope that my friend’s would say that I am a loyal, kind, and supportive person. I always try to be there for the people close to me. Someone who sees the good in people. Probably not the person at the front of the line. I tend to hold back in situations and not push myself on people. Funny, positive and really good at spilling my food on my clothes.
10. How would you describe your musical style, and how does it come through in ‘NEVER LEAVE’? Are there any specific influences or genres that have shaped your sound?
I would definitely say my music falls primarily under the pop genre. From a young age I was inspired by Taylor Swift and being a female in the industry I definitely look up to her and think she is such a boss. Taylor Swift was the first CD I owned. It’s funny now cause I was so obsessed with her when I was a kid and whenever I mentioned her people would be like “Taylor who”. Not anymore!!!!. She is a master songwriter and I will always be in awe of her ability to tell a story through music. My main musical influences at the moment are Gracie Abrams and Cxloe. I feel ‘Never Leave’ is a good mix of the two, a catchy pop song you want to dance to, yet still heartfelt and full of emotion.
11. How do you feel about the support you have received from your fans and the Zealand Music music community since the release of ‘NEVER LEAVE’? Has it exceeded your expectations?
It has been amazing! The best part has been seeing people add it to their playlists alongside some of their favorite artists or getting messages saying they love the song. As an artist, it can be scary as it can feel like you are putting a part of yourself out there for people to criticize. I also didn’t really know what to expect but it honestly has exceeded my expectations and this feels like this is just the beginning. I got to hear my song on the radio for the first time in New Zealand which was so cool. I have also been added to radio playlists, included in the NZ on Air New Tracks playlist for May and the NZ Music Month playlist. It has been so nice to have support from the NZ music community. Plus seeing my name alongside artists that I really admire and have looked up to has been crazy.
12. What can we expect from your upcoming music releases? Will they continue to explore similar themes or take a different direction?
As an artist, I always want to be writing about things that are relevant to what is going on in my life at the time. I think I will continue to write about similar themes in future releases but at the moment I’m feeling like my next single will be more of a personal one. It’s going to take a bit of courage to show a very vulnerable aspect of my life but I feel I always just have to follow my heart. I think a song will always connect to who it’s meant to and if you touch just one person in some way it’s meaningful and worthwhile.
The journey has only just begun for this rising pop star, and her authenticity and passion are sure to leave an indelible mark on the music world, Till then, bye.
The Hollywood Six 