Close-Up with SASO: My Leap of Faith
In collaboration with Dr. Martens, the undisputed face of decades of music style, we’re sitting down with SASO, an up-and-coming Danish singer-songwriter. SASO has struck out on her own in pursuit of her passions, stepping away from the world of academia to instead bring her soulful, emotive lyricism and storytelling to life. We’re often told that one day, you need to put your dreams aside and get down to “real” work, but for SASO that wasn’t good enough. Having already racked up millions of streams with sensational tracks like ‘Howl’, we spoke with SASO ahead of her debut album releasing later this month, to talk inspiration, self-belief, and styling.
Let’s meet SASO.
First off it’s great to meet you SASO, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us. You have your debut album “If You Say So” dropping on the 3rd of November, what was the experience of putting that deeply personal collection together like?
Likewise. I’m glad you wanted to chat with me. That’s right, I’m finally dropping my debut album which I’m very excited about. It’s exciting and a bit nerve-racking to release my first album because all the songs are very personal to me. I feel that the experience of writing the songs and later figuring out which songs to put on the final album has been a hell of a journey of self-discovery.
Your journey into music wasn’t always on the cards though, and you speak about leaving CBS to pursue your music career, how did you find the strength to take that leap?
That’s a good question. I think the desire to sing and write music as well as the support I received from my friends and family collectively gave me strength to go for it. CBS wasn’t the right fit for me, so going there made me rethink what I wanted to do with my life, and I knew that if I didn’t take the leap, I might always wonder ‘what if’. I guess ultimately, my decision to pursue music was a leap of faith, but it's been a journey filled with incredible experiences, self-discovery, and creative growth. I do not regret it.
Were people understanding of your need to make this move away from academia to pursue your passion?
I think so, or I hope so. I think the people around me were mostly understanding, at least that’s how it felt. But of course, I’ve also been met with skeptics and concerns, but I guess that is natural when someone near you changes path.
Your debut album tackles a lot of heavy feelings around youth, self-doubt, and personal identity, did you find you discovered more about yourself as the album came closer to completion?
Yes, the more I delved into the project, the more I looked and tried to reflect upon my own struggles, my feelings, and my identity. But besides investigating my own feelings, I also think that the process has helped me regain my appetite for music. It hit me that music is still what I want to do with my life. I also discovered that I’m in a state of mind right now where even though I’m only 24 and tend to struggle with heavy feelings, self-doubt, and so on – I’ll be alright.
When it comes to the pantheon of music legends, Dr. Marten’s holds a special place, what’s your favorite look to step out in and how do you prefer to style it?
I prefer to style myself in a way that makes me feel comfortable. I love wearing chunky loafers like Dr Martens. I love suit pants and especially during fall - big sweaters. One of the things I learned through making “If You Say So” is that it’s important to stay true to yourself, which is also why I want to show people a part of my personality through my style and looks.
Your new album is called “If You Say So”, is there a meaning behind that title you could tell us about?
To me, ‘If You Say So’ captures the themes of self-trust and personal growth in a slightly insecure yet sassy way. On one hand, the phrase has for me, functioned as a coping mechanism, a way to deal with stress and uncomfortable feelings. But on the other hand, it’s a declaration of trust in myself, a reminder that I know what’s right for me. It’s meant to serve as a reminder that we can overcome self-doubt and find our path by believing in ourselves and taking chances and that’s a message I’m excited to share with whoever listens to this album.
As a young musician, can you tell us what it felt like to not only hear your song on the radio but to see your songs get over a million plays globally?
Hearing my song on the radio and seeing my songs getting over a million plays feels surreal! It’s a feeling of validation and appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into creating music. Both experiences have been milestones in my journey as a musician. They’ve fueled my passion and drive to continue creating music.
You took the leap and followed your passions, do you have any advice for young artists out there hoping to do the same?
For sure! Put in the hours, practice, and strive to improve your craft. Be open to learning and adapting to new experiences. Have patience and MOST importantly stay true to your vision and believe in yourself!
It’s like asking a parent to pick a favorite child, but what song on “If You Say So” holds an ultra special place in your heart and why?
It is a difficult question to answer… But atm it’s probably the first track of the album. “Everyone Could Use Someone Like You” because it’s a heartfelt ode to my love and the support of those who lift us up during tough times.
And finally, if you were to headline this interview yourself, what would you call it?
If I were to name this interview myself, I would call it “My Leap of Faith”.
