Singer-songwriter Sasha Guirand began her musical journey at a young age. Since then, she has been working hard to produce meaningful music to share with the world. Under the stage name SashaCamille, she has released multiple songs on streaming platforms such as SoundCloud, Apple Music and Spotify. In this interview, she reveals the details of her music career, from what inspires her music to her writing process.
Her Campus (HC): Where are you from, and why did you get into music?
SashaCamille (SC): I was born in New York and lived in Valley Stream before moving to Florida at four. I’ve always loved music. Whenever music videos would play on the TV, I would sit right in front, watching in awe. My grandpa and older sister would teach me to play songs on this little battery frog I got for Christmas. I learned how to play songs by listening until I could mimic them on the tiny keyboard. Once I started school, I was attracted to music classes like a moth to a flame. I started writing my own songs in middle school.
HC: How would you describe your sound? What influences you and your music style, and how do you come up with ideas?
SC: I would describe my sound as a lover girl going through the motions of life. I listen to a lot of different music, and I take inspiration from every piece of art I experience. One minute I can be very RnB and Indie but the next, I can completely tap into Alternative/Pop Rock. I take inspiration from movies, other songs, emotional life experiences, crushes, failed romances, blooming romances. My mind is constantly racing with a million thoughts, so I tend to freestyle ideas.
HC: Who are some of your biggest supporters/inspirations?
SC: My biggest supporters would be my friends and family, who have cheered me on throughout my journey and never discouraged my dreams or aspirations. Also, my high school English teacher who is one of my favorite humans on this planet. Inspiration-wise, I tend to admire male vocalists and bands like Frank Ocean, Steve Lacy and Phony Ppl. Also, very old school music like Cab Calloway, Etta James, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye and Ella Fitzgerald.
HC: Describe the journey of writing, producing and releasing your first song(s).
SC: The first song I ever released was “Resentment” on SoundCloud in September of 2020. I wrote it for a project I was working on with a bunch of local artists from Broward. I submitted it to the guys producing that album, and they loved it but went with another song. Months passed since I touched the song, and I wanted to do something with it, so I asked for permission to use the guitar beat. I worked with a friend to finish producing and engineering the song for me then I released it on SoundCloud. A year later, I’ve released it on all streaming platforms! In January 2021, I directed a Valentine’s Day photoshoot as the cover to match the love theme of 2021. I wanted to prove to myself that I could commit and lead a musical project with a small team; it was very fulfilling.
HC: What is your songwriting process?
SC: If I have a beat already, I record myself freestyling to it, listen back to the recording, keep what I like and change what I don’t. If I’m making a song from scratch, I sit in front of my keyboard and see what type of instrument I want to use. Then, I find a good chord progression. If I’ve gone through something recently, I’ll try to reflect on that situation and freestyle based on that.
HC: What has been your favorite event and why?
SC: I started performing at venues for the first time this year, and my favorite performance has been AFROCON. I’m a big dork, love anime and cosplay and love hip hop. AFROCON was a mix of all those things, so I was fangirling at the opportunity. The fact that I made money was the icing on the cake. The energy from the crowd and environment was so beautiful, and it really made me realize that I am more than what I think I am.
HC: Do you have any advice for people starting their musical careers?
SC: Do not let others get in your way, especially yourself! I continue to repeat this to myself because it’s so important. Do what makes you happy because you should be enjoying the process as much as the result.
HC: Do you have any regrets pertaining to starting your career in music?
SC: I wish I had more confidence in the beginning so that I could’ve pushed my sound out sooner. In others, I’m looking for proper communication. I’ve realized that people will try to take advantage of you if they see you as easily manipulated. Now I’m not afraid to get anything off my chest.
HC: What is your favorite song that you’ve written and the inspiration behind it?
SC: It would probably have to be one of my unreleased songs. I have this song called “I’m Alone,” and I wrote it during a very dark time in my life where I was just extremely unhappy and lonely even though I had lots of people around me. It felt like no one would really listen to what I had to say about anything. I didn’t feel loved or appreciated. This song is my favorite because it was one of the first times I’ve ever experimented with wordplay. There’s a small change; it gives the impression that there is hope. Despite everything, I’ll make it through.
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