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Sarah Shafey Delves Into Album ‘Blackbox Universe’ — Interview

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Sarah Shafey interview

Sarah Shafey enjoys hopscotching from one style to another on her recent album, ‘Blackbox Universe. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, she excels musically and artistically by exerting a dose of mysticism through her genre-bending combinations. Read here the interview while you listen to each track carefully.

1 — What were some of the concrete ideas you had for this new album ‘Blackbox Universe’ before you even started recording?

I recorded the album over several years. I very rarely have concrete ideas for songs when I write them. The only thing I knew for sure was that I didn’t want to limit my creative expression by boxing myself into one genre. I wanted to just freely play around to improve as a producer and not think too hard about what I was doing. I prefer making music that way.

2 — I’ve noticed some tracks feature rockish vibes at times, while others are more inclined to synths and electronic textures. Which do you personally prefer?

Because I am a producer I like all genres of music. Literally all of them. So when I am producing it’s impossible to answer that question. But, when I am singing, I prefer singing to grunge rock. Either way, there always has to be some heavy synth and pad action.

3 — I know you’ve worked with Juno award-winner Hill Kourkoutis on this project. How do your songs come to you?

That was a fun experience. Usually, the songs start in my mind as images, concepts, themes, observations of people, human behavior, mumbling voice notes, a feeling, a random sound that I hear, etc. Then I try to embody the emotion that the thing made me feel and that will ultimately dictate the vibe/genre. I like to produce a pretty solid version of my songs and then work with a co-producer to add their own flavor and bring things to the next level. That is what Hill did, she brought the awesome.

Sarah Shafey Blackbox Universe album
4 — What’s the inspiration behind that fascinating album artwork? Is it Ancient Egyptian art?

My heritage is Egyptian and it’s a big part of who I am. I have always been fascinated by Ancient Egypt, especially the look and feel of it all. Very mysterious, magical, and riddled with symbolism. This album is an ode to myself to rise up and be strong and what better way to do that then to become an Egyptian goddess. It felt right.

5 – Which tunes do you feel have the potential to become future singles? Why?

“Competitor” because it’s anthemic and you can dance to it and “Caught Out The Door” because you can rock out.

6 – Would you say that you are experimenting with some new sounds or going in a new direction as an artist with ‘Blackbox Universe’?

Absolutely. Every album that I make I want to learn something new. With ‘Blackbox Universe’ I was playing around a little more with pop. I love pop music but wanted to still bring my own hue to the genre by adding some electronic synth color and rock elements to change it up.


7 – How do you think your career would have turned out if you never dropped this album?

This is an interesting question. The album has definitely helped bring some new fans and people such as you around (I thank you). Typically though, I let life take me where it takes me and I never look back to think “what if”. I believe everything happens for a reason for me and if the album didn’t happen I would still be right where I am supposed to be.

8 – What are your plans for after the promotion of ‘Blackbox Universe’?

I would like to do something that is purely instrumental. I have a classical music side project that I have wanted to do for years and I think I will go for it.

I am also always writing and producing new music so I am sure by the time I am done promoting this album I will have the next one ready to start.

9 — Tell us more about the music video for “Sticks And Stones.” Is there any funny anecdote while you were recording this clip?

The four singles that were released leading up to the album embodied a version of me (think multiverse). They were released along with a comic also titled ‘Blackbox Universe’ (illustrated by Sarah B. Moore) which you can find here. The final character “Alninilaka ”, otherwise known as Orion, is the one that you see in the Sticks and Stones music video. She is the fifth element Aether, made of stardust and magic, and embodies light, love, and peace. She is who I strive to be.

While putting the video set and outfits together with my people, I was playing my Spotify favorites playlist on the loudspeakers. Like I said, I listen to all music genres so there was a point where it went from dirty south hip hop and everyone dancing to meditation music and om chants. I am not sure if that killed the vibe or made the vibe. I will never know.

10 — Lastly, is there anything surprising your fans would be surprised to know about you?

I am an introverted extrovert. Throw me in front of a crowd of people to sing and I am golden. Put me in front of just a few people at a campfire and ask me to sing and I will freeze up, close my eyes, and roll away quietly down a hill as though it’s not happening.


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By Erick Ycaza

Hi, my name is Erick Ycaza. I have a BA in Advertising & Graphic Design. This blog is to provide you with daily music news and share my personal style. Surprisingly, I have been blogging and writing about music since 2007.

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