I am a 17-year-old singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. I started as a classically-trained pianist and cellist and was then able to teach myself more “traditional” rock instruments. As of right now, I play nine instruments, but I’m always working on growing that number whenever I can.

Band Name: Sansha Blue
Person Interviewing: Chris Paraggio
Song name: Stuck
Music Genre:: Alternative, Alternative Rock, Indie, Indie Rock
For me, the song is a nod to existentialism, and the periods we all have of acknowledging and questioning our own existences. If I say the song is a conversation with myself, it might sound darker than it actually is. I think it’s less of a conversation, and more an acknowledgment of a specific idea…

Like, you can change who you are, but you’ll always be you, and there’s absolutely nothing you can do to change that. The idea just always interested me.

  For the most part, all of the artists I listen to have changed (or currently are changing) the music scene around them. I’ve always been inspired by disruptors; I love seeing people successfully break out of the norm, and I feel that this is where you find the most interesting stuff.

I’ve been heavily influenced by artists like Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Nirvana, or David Bowie. I think they are all great examples of disruptors. I’ve also been influenced by a lot of bands that are less known to the public as of right now. I could list names forever, but I guess my main point is that I love the interesting and new sonic landscapes that come out of abnormality.

I live in New York and I spend most of my time in my home recording studio. I typically start with an idea, whether it be a vocal rhythm, a series of words, a riff, or a chord progression. Then, depending on the type of song, I’ll either go to the piano or guitar to melodically produce the song until it’s complete. Once I know what I’m doing for a song, I head into the studio, record each instrument, and layer them all together. Unless I need to drastically change something, I usually prefer to record a song in one sitting. My goal in doing this isn’t to rush the recording, but to ensure that I stay in the same headspace while I record every element. I’ve spent 17 or 18 hours straight recording to make sure everything in the song has the same feel.

 

I never strive for “perfection” in my recordings, but I do need the song to sound like it does in my head to be happy with it. In general, I think highlighting the raw or imperfect qualities of a recording can give it a more emotional impact.

  I always have multiple recording projects going on at once; this past month, I have worked on/am currently working on somewhere around 6. Some of these are small, some are larger, some are solo, and some are collaborations with different people. I decided I wanted to take on as many projects as I could this month. I think it’s been important for my development as a recording artist and entrepreneur.

 I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons and skills this year about myself and my place in the music industry. This past year has truly taught me the importance of balance. Balance is important in my personal life, my academics, my song mixes… It’s just important everywhere.

I’ve also learned the skill and the importance of multitasking and staying organized. Between various separate recording projects, I have my own musical schedule planned out across the next 5 or 6 months. I’ve gotten a lot better at staying on top of things, which is a trend that will continue in the years to come.

Finally, I’ve begun to understand how to handle publishing my music. Putting yourself out there can be a hard thing to do, but I think it’s worth the reward of making yourself heard.

 Next month, I will be attending the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music within the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. I can’t think of a better place for me to be. I’m really looking forward to the education and experiences I’ll obtain during my time there, or even during my first semester!

“I think you should turn around at the end of the day and say ‘I really like that piece of work’ or ‘that piece of work sucked’, not ‘Was that popular, or wasn’t it popular?’” – David Bowie

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