Sarah von Reis, the Swedish singer-songwriter, has released her debut EP, Melancholia High Season. The four-track release is a stunning showcase of her talent and her unique take on alternative pop music. She’s had a long journey in the music industry, having been a member of the pop sensation Dolly Style, which she left in 2018 because she was ‘too political’. After breaking away from the group, von Reis spent the following year in the studio writing and creating her sound, resulting in her debut single “Anti Gravity (No One’s Daughter)”.
The EP opens with the title track and lead single, “Melancholia High Season”, an electronic-driven track that sets the tone for the EP. von Reis’ breathy vocals float delicately above the intricate electronic beats and warm synth tones, creating an atmospheric sound that draws the listener in.
The second track, “All My Ghosts”, is a standout on the EP, featuring a catchy chorus and a memorable melody. The electronic beats build throughout the track, creating a powerful sound that perfectly complements von Reis’ vocals.
“Only Lovers Left Alive” is another highlight of the EP, with its downtempo vibe and infectious melodic writing. The EP closes with “Salty Water”, a haunting track that showcases von Reis’ vocal range and emotional depth.
Melancholia High Season is a truly impeccable debut from Sarah von Reis, and a testament to her unique talent and sonic vision. The EP is a perfect showcase for her captivating moody indie pop sound, and the production is superb throughout. von Reis’ vocals are the standout element, with her restrained delivery perfectly complementing the atmospheric electronic beats and warm synths. This EP is sure to be the first of many great releases from this talented artist, and it’s exciting to see what she will come up with next.
We caught up with Sarah to find out more about her inspirations, her debut EP Melancholia High Season and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Sarah von Reis below.
Hey Sarah, how’s things?
Hey Plastic Magazine! Things are great as spring has finally made an appearance in Stockholm after six months of darkness!
How did you first get into making your own music?
I used to be a party of a Swedish girl group where I first started writing songs.
I quite quickly realised I’d found something I loved and had missed as a creative outlet without even knowing it.
Music and writing has been a huge part of my life since forever but I needed to be put in the right environment to start exploring songwriting. I was lucky enough to be able to do that on a professional level without all of the pressure of finding my own sound as a first experience and for that I’m grateful.
Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?
My first idol ever was Robyn. I fell HARD in love with her and her music! I cut my hair like her and begged my mom to get me the silver puffer jacket she wore (did not get one lol). I’ve followed her since I was around six years old and I’m so impressed by how she has progressed as an artist and the way her sound seamlessly has changed trough the years while still staying true to herself.
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?
Anyone who is brave and lucky enough to do what they want with their art without adapting to what the industry is looking for in this particular moment. It is so hard but when someone is true to them self, that is when the magic of music happens and that is what I live for.
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
I listen to a lot of different genres and type of music. The way I build melodies is greatly inspired by Swedish jazz that I grew up listening to and I’m obsessed with intervals that sounds a bit off. Lyric wise I find inspo in everyday life. I usually build my songs around a theme, sentence or even a word that I find interesting or cool and from there I start building a universe. For me, lyric always comes before melody.
What do you love about the music scene of Stockholm?
The music scene in Stockholm is a bit typically Scandinaviously anxious and I sometimes wish it would be more brave and curious.
What I love about it is that there is a huge passion for music and very many talented people around to be inspired by.
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
Id say the perfect setting is sitting on the bus, laying on the bedroom floor or honestly whenever you’re feeling a bit emo and in need of some songs to pretend you’re in a slowmo music video.
How has your sound evolved since you started out?
When I first went solo I was so excited to start writing for my own project but in the beginning I was very focused on that my music had to be broad and marketable. That of course resulted in songs that didn’t feel authentic to me which was the whole reason I wanted to go solo in the first place. Sound wise I started out a lot more like generic pop but I feel like I’ve progressed into something that still feels pop, cause I love pop music, but it has an indie and emo undertone that is very me.
How did you find making your new EP ‘Melancholia High Season’?
It was long and hard due to the pandemic putting a big long pause in the middle of everything but I have loved every second and every collaboration that I’ve had in this process. I feel beyond blessed to have the privilege to make music and creating art.
The songs are results of a personal journey and a step into parts of my diary.
What message did you want to get across with this release?
That it’s okay to love and be scared and to yearn and be jealous and have all the ugly feelings.
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
Right now I’m all about a good vibe and so I listen to SZA, Kali Uchis and Little Simz. Some Swedish acts that are on repeat atm are Boko Yout, Nao Mali and Dina Ögon.
What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
I want people to dive into their emotions and be emo and cry but laugh at themselves at the same time. That’s what I do all the time. Also, queer love!
What’s been your favourite live show so far?
That hands down has to be Solange at Way out West in 2019. Everything from the choreography to the stage production was genius. I’d give up a toe to relive it, honestly.
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
So, obviously Solange. I’m blown away from what I’ve seen online of RosalÃas tour so I’d say RosalÃa.
And joining the two of them would be Little Simz cause, yeah, Little Simz.
The festival would be somewhere in the south of Europe by the Mediterranean Sea and I’d be eating cheese and drinking wine while dancing around with my nine toes.
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?
Just do it. Don’t wait for the right time, the right people or the right whatever. Just do it, your time is now.
Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?
Im releasing a sexy summer banger about lesbian love and doing some live shows!
Im so excited to get out on the road and play my EP Melancholia High Season. This fall and winter will have some goodies in store as well.
Listen to Melancholia High Season below
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