We had the pleasure of interviewing Sannia, and here’s what she had to say:
Q: What would you like your music to mean to people now and in the future?
SANNIA: There are songs that I’ve listened to and loved not just for their melody or harmony or songwriting or production, but because they are attached to a feeling or a moment in time. If I can release a song that becomes something truly meaningful for someone out there, or even reparative, that is my ultimate goal. I write music not just for myself and for self-expression, but so that anyone out there feeling the same thing feels less alone.
Q: That’s great! What did you enjoy the most about working with Jason Rodi on “Travelling”?
SANNIA: I could write an essay about Jason Rodi, he’s one of the best guitarists I’ve ever worked with or even heard. If I had to describe him as a guitarist to a stranger I’d say he’s a hybrid of Jimi Hendrix, Van Halen, and Lindsay Buckingham, with the face of a young Kenny Loggins (seriously). Jason’s ability to span every genre effortlessly never ceases to amaze me. His solos have a genuine voice to them, playing melodies rather than just notes. On top of being incredible, he’s also an incredibly kind and generous person to work with. It was a privilege!
Q: What does “Travelling” mean to you?
SANNIA: “Travelling” was a turning point in my relationship with a person where I was starting to realise that maybe the fact that I was tolerating their behaviour was part of the problem. My passive decision to just shrug things off and stay, despite all the red flags, was the inspiration for this song. And not long after I wrote it I actually decided to leave, so in that respect, it’s a little time capsule of an important moment of realising my own self-worth.
Q: Was there a pivotal moment in your life that set you on your path as a musician?
SANNIA: For as long as I can remember I was really determined to be a pianist, I spent all of my time playing and it just absorbed my life – it wasn’t until high school that I started occasionally singing along with the piano. It was an assembly performance where I sang for the first time instead of performing a classical piece that really set the ball rolling. People reacted so strongly to it that it made me really reconsider my priorities there. And the rest is history!
Q: What is your go-to vocal training routine before recording new music?
SANNIA: I should say something elaborate like pentascales or ascending arpeggios but honestly it’s just pineapple juice and singing the song over and over. Something I actually try and do is really over-sing in the setup takes just so I’m more comfortable once the red light is on. But I actually really love recording, it’s performing that makes me nervous!
Q: “Travelling” is a track on your debut album set to be released later in the year, and I really enjoyed it, but which song would you say is your favourite on the album? Why?
SANNIA: I’m not allowed to give away any names just yet… but let’s just say the last track on the album really packs a punch. It’s a song I wrote as a teenager just on piano and I’ve finally brought it to life with full production and I cannot wait to share it with everyone.
Interviewed by Zoey King
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