Sara Kendall is a Massachusetts born, Brooklyn-based dark-pop singer-songwriter.
The Berklee College of Music trained musician is premiering her new single, “Fantasies,” today on Casablanca Sunset.
“Fantasies” features an introspective electronic instrumental and a chilling pop vocal back by haunting harmonies and precise production. It’s a sullen and severe look at a knowingly toxic relationship and the indulgences of it’s consequences.
Having experience working as both a model and vocalist, Sara has a style that is described as a “portal to her soul.” Her dark melodies and moody electro-pop delivery create a soundscape that is both engaging and real; despite the title of the tune.
Check out “Fantasies” and a brief Q&A with Sara below.
Casablanca Sunset: How long have you been writing music?
Sara Kendall: I’ve been writing for a very long time, although at the beginning it didn’t take a sonic shape. I used to use journaling as an outlet to release a lot of pent up emotion. When I wrote I felt like my feelings were validated and it gave them a form that was tangible. I’m an introverted person and when I felt lonely and unable to relate growing up, I wrote down what I felt I couldn’t communicate to others in my everyday life. Later when I started learning how to play the piano, I started writing songs. I remember being so young and I would start singing stream of conscious thoughts as I played and then all of the sudden I would just start crying. It wasn’t until I grew older that I realized how much I suppressed my emotions as a child. Writing was my release and it really helped me find my worth.
CBS: Who are some of your influences?
SK: This is always a hard question for me as I actually didn’t listen to a lot of music growing up. Today, my influences are sort of all over the place. I would say Thomas Hardy, Alphonse Mucha, Sevdaliza, Kate Bush, Trentemoller, and Chelsea Wolfe.
CBS: How does visual art and your experience modeling influence your music?
SK: I’ve always been attracted to dark, mysterious, and unsettling. I’m also incredibly inspired by a lot of victorian era work and art nouveau. I try to keep my lyrics descriptive and to give my listeners strong visuals to accompany the music, so visual art has always had a huge impact on me. As for modeling, I’ve met many talented individuals that end up being amazing collaborators for music work as well. Photographers, cinematographers, cast, crew, designers, make up artists etc. are all creatives who I can call to work with in the future on projects. In fact the makeup artist that I met through modeling at School of Visual Arts actually is now my creative director. She has been a crazy help in helping me make my visions a reality. We are currently working on a music video for one of the songs on the EP.
CBS: How did your time studying at Berklee College of Music impact your approach to music?
SK: At Berklee I was able to develop my ear, learn about the theory behind music, as well as go outside of my comfort zone and learn how to effectively collaborate with other creatives. I learned how to speak the language and how important it is to work as a team with respect, understanding, and support.
CBS: How would you describe your music to someone that has never listened to it before?
SK: As for the production, I would describe it as dark, gritty, hazy, and cinematic. As for the melodies and lyrics, I would say vulnerable, haunting, and severe.
CBS: How’s on the horizon and what can people expect from you?
SK: Right now I’m working on finishing a few more songs for the EP. In the next few months I’ll be releasing another single and a music video followed by the full EP. My band and I are also in the rehearsal stage and I’m excited to start opening for other artists soon as well as start exploring the possibilities of the live portrayal.
Thanks, Sara! You can find out more about Sara Kendall online here.