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We’re super-excited to be speaking today with celebrated singer/songwriter and producer extraordinaire Strama; greetings and salutations, Strama! Before we dive into the deep-end, how has your 2022 been treating you?
Hey guys, thanks so much for having me. 2022 was a ride, a lot of ups and downs! Overall positive moving forward.
Congratulations on the June 8 release of your debut EP Silver Lining! What was the genesis of this lovely EP?
Thanks! So the project narrates normal life experiences people have eg. love, grief, losing friends, mental health etc. and each song doesn’t tell a very happy tale but overall there’s a silver lining to the sad and difficult moments people encounter, that’s basically how life is.
Does the release of Silver Lining feel like a culmination of everything you’ve learned and picked up over an entire lifetime?
Probably not an entire lifetime, but definitely things I’ve picked up in the last few years!
Being a producer of note yourself, did you have a hand in producing the Silver Lining EP?
Joel Nicell who mixed and mastered actually helped me with some additional production in the songs I Know You Know and Home (Interlude). I also had a helping hand from session musicians who recorded some really nice parts for Milk and Honey and in Focus. Joel was a great friend throughout the whole project and he was a superb extra pair of ears for feedback.
What do you hope fans walk away with after listening to Silver Lining?
That they feel connected to the stories and that they can use the music as catharsis if they feel a bit down. It’s moody but also hopeful music.
There feels as if there’s a real through-line in Silver Lining which is lacking in some other releases; there’s a solid momentum which seems to build from one track to the next. Was this a deliberate choice on your part?
Yes, I wanted the EP to feel like you’re tapping through a range of emotions and that it doesn’t just feel like a chill playlist, it’s more of an experience that reflects what you might relate to in real life. Every song has its own characteristic.
You chose the magical tune of Milk & Honey off of the Silver Lining EP as your debut single. What makes Milk & Honey the perfect choice as the single to lead the charge of the light brigade, so to speak?
At the time it felt like the right single, it’s a really strong representation of who I am as an artist and how I can showcase my emotional sensitivity whether that’s sound design or lyrics.
On the heels of the release of Silver Lining, can fans look forward to seeing you on tour in the weeks and months ahead?
Honestly I would love to tour, I don’t think it’s possible right now but I’ll keep you posted with any new live shows!
Is it too early to ask if you have plans for a full-length album in 2022? Is this a creature that you’re focusing on at the moment?
I think an album is still quite early for me, I’d love to experience more things before. But definitely another EP in early 2023.
What’s the secret to being an effective and creative producer?
I’m actually quite chaotic, I think you’re asking the wrong person haha! But the best lesson I was taught is to learn to finish things and know when to stop. Making decisions when finishing songs is the hardest part for any creative I think, because it’s so subjective and you could potentially make changes forever.
As a singer and songwriter, which comes first for you: The lyrics or the melody?
Melody!
Are there any artists on the scene today who inspire you?
Rosalia – she’s numero uno.
You’re based out of the magnificent city of London, England. How do those roots inform you as a creative person?
I think it’s helped me with adaptability and being open minded to trying new things for sure.
Final –SILLY! – Question: Favorite movie about the music scene – Almost Famous or This Is Spinal Tap?
Unfortunately I haven’t watched either sorry, haha am I uncultured now?
