Premiere + Q&A: Sasha and the Valentines "Tears for Mars"

MusicQ&APremiere

Oct 6

☆ By SOPHIE GRAGG ☆

WITH A SOUND THAT’S A PERFECT BLEND OF SMOOTH SURFY ROCK AND CHARMING SYNTHPOP - it takes one listen to fall for Sasha and the Valentines. The Austin based group brings a sweet flow to each of their tracks, layering perfectly with vocalist Sarah Addi’s ethereal vocals. Their latest track “Tears for Mars” showcases a prominent edge to the instrumentals while sticking to the entrancing vocals we adore. Bringing an original touch to their soundscape, the group manages to craft a flow with each track that seems to take you on a hazy, dreamlike journey.

We have the pleasure of premiering “Tears for Mars”, a song that touches on the toxic side of human nature, both in relationships and our planet. “Tears for Mars” serves as a glimpse into upcoming music and the “drama” their music explores. Dive into “Tears for Mars” and read below to learn more about the track, their inspirations and more.

LUNA: For those unfamiliar would you mind introducing yourselves? How are you all doing?

ADDI: Hey, I’m Sarah (she/her) from Sasha and The Valentines. We’re a 5 piece dream pop band based in Austin, TX originally from Massachusetts. We’re doing good; hanging in there through COVID, living together, playing a lot of Mario Kart, painting, and going on walks.

LUNA: “Tears For Mars” serves as a metaphor for the toxic relationship humans have with our planet as well as the toxic relationships we have from one another. Can you share a bit about what sparked this idea?

ADDI: I planned on writing a series of songs that addressed all the various relationships in my life. For this song I was thinking about a past relationship that was pretty toxic; the type of relationship where the person was super negative and leeched off my energy. If I wasn’t constantly building them up, I wasn’t worth their time. It felt like a perfect metaphor for humans and our planet. We’re the toxic partner who sucks the life out of our planet and now that we’ve ruined it we’re hatching an escape plan. I thought it was kind of messed up when I first saw an “Occupy Mars” shirt; I was like, that’s so rude! Leave Mars alone lol. The song kind of reaches the conclusion that these types of relationships are unstable and don’t tend to last very long.

LUNA: Sonically, what are some key elements you’re drawn to with your musical lately?

ADDI: I think I’ve always been drawn to bright synth leads and warm pads. I’ve been playing with some retro key tones and warm tube reverb sounds as well.

LUNA: How have you seen quarantine impact your creative process?

ADDI: I’ve really made sure not to rush anything. I think during this time it’s easy to look at what everyone else is doing and try to force creativity. For me my process has always remained the same; I write when I feel inspired or when a melody kinda builds in my head. It’s really hard for me to just sit down and say “ok, write a song”. I really applaud people who can take all this spare time and bang out song after song, it’s just not something I’ve ever done. I’m a slow burn kind of person. That being said, I’m still being creative almost everyday, with painting mostly; I’m also a graphic designer as my day job.

LUNA: Does “Tears For Mars” serve as a representation for the direction new music is headed in? How does it compare to the songs of Green?

ADDI: Yes for sure! Hopefully you’ll see more big production from us; moving away from lo-fi to a more cinematic sound. Our new music, as they say in Project Runway, “has drama.”

LUNA: Musical or not, what’s been inspiring y’all these days?

ADDI: Memories & nostalgia, movies & TV (Star Wars, Big Fish, West Side Story, cartoons, Steven Universe, Avatar the Last Airbender, The Dark Crystal, Russian Doll, Dark, Pen15, to name a few), relationships, arguments, being with loved ones, everything happening in the world right now. Listening to a lot of music (Tennis, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Her’s, SZA, Dahlak Band, ABBA, French Yé-yé, Phony ppl, Midnight Sister, Blood Orange, etc., etc...)

LUNA: Through a scroll through your insta it’s easy to tell you have a beautiful visual side to your work. What do you like about bringing that side to life?

ADDI: Thank you! This project has been an outlet to reveal our softer sides. We are usually shot by our bassist John Bergin and John’s photos have a beautiful intimacy to them that we love. The whole vibe we try to curate is warm, sparkly and personal.

LUNA: What do you hope the rest of the year has in store for y’all?

ADDI: AN ALBUM RELEASE BABY! And a big virtual party with all our friends.

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Issue 13 is OUT ⭐️ Our best issue yet featuring cover star Kari Faux + Alfie Templeman, MICHELLE, Spencer., Samone Zena + photos by Donée Buetessa, Zachary Francois, Logan Delaney, Darrell Jackson, Athena Merry, Andrea Riba, Jonathan Roensch & our audience ✨ 💌 20% of proceeds from print copy orders placed this week will be split between The Loveland Foundation & the Black Image Center Fundraiser. Link to the digital copy & to order a print copy in our bio - have fun checking this one out it’s fire xx