INTERVIEW: Dark Pop from Sarah von Reis

Scandinavian pop music sensation Sarah von Reis is a Swedish artist and songwriter who’s been going from strength to strength with each new release. Her music weaves elegant melodies, slick production and lyrics steeped in the melancholy of the Nordic region, creating a sound that’s won over audiences worldwide.

In 2016, she achieved a significant milestone by signing with Universal Music Sweden and becoming a part of the pop group Dolly Style. The group’s success led to nationwide tours and appearances on popular Swedish television shows. After departing the outfit, Reis spent the following year in the studio, refining her craft and developing her own sonic vision. The result was her debut single in 2020, “Anti Gravity (No One’s Daughter),” which marked the beginning of her solo career and showcased her distinctive musical style.

Following the critical acclaim of her debut EP, Melancholia High Season, in the spring of 2023, Sarah von Reis returns with her latest single, “Phenomenon,” a queer anthem that radiates with dark, alternative pop stylings, offering a hypnotic journey through silky melodies and intricate sound design.

Produced by duo diandian, “Phenomenon” opens with shimmering guitar chords that glisten above a delicate beat, setting the stage for von Reis’s smooth and enchanting vocals to dance above. As the song unfolds, it evolves with the introduction of deep bass clarinet tones and gently pulsating percussion. This layered sonic landscape creates a dazzling and instantly memorable pop sound, sprinkled with subtle psychedelic nuances that add depth and intrigue throughout.

At the heart of “Phenomenon” lies a narrative that serves as a powerful statement and a celebration of queer identity. Sarah von Reis’s lyrics, delivered with her signature velvety voice, resonate with authenticity and emotion, making “Phenomenon” not only a musical masterpiece but also a cultural touchstone.

As “Phenomenon” charms audiences with its dark and alluring sound, Sarah von Reis continues to confirm her status as a compelling and innovative artist. With her upcoming debut album on the horizon, von Reis’s journey promises to be one filled with creativity and a profound connection with her audience.

We caught up with Sarah to find out more about her artistic career, her new single “Phenomenon” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Sarah von Reis below.

Hey Sarah, how’s things?

Hi Plastic!
Things are great, fall has arrived in Stockholm and everything is crispy and beautiful!

What’s new since we last spoke in March?

Since we last spoke I’ve done a few live shows, which has been so much fun! I’ve really missed being on stage where I’m the most comfortable.
I’ve also gone back into the studio and started working on my debut album that I´m releasing next year! The first single “Phenomenon” is out now!

Which artists have you been listening to recently?

I’m listening to Stella Explorer, Little Sims and on the pop side, I’m really enjoying the latest releases by Troy Sivan and Doja Cat.

You used to be a member of the successful outfit Dolly Style, what’s changed most about your artistic expression since that time?

In Dolly Style I had to adapt to a very specific genre in my writing and expression. It was heavily themed on unicorns, glitter and girl power which was so much fun and freeing in some ways. In solo-project I write from heart and from my lived experiences and the themes tend to get darker. Mental health, loneliness and heartbreak are things I keep processing through my music and it’s an important outlet for me. The soundscape is completely different, like night and day.

Do you prefer working as a solo artist?

In some ways I do miss being part of a group cause you always have someone to lean on. The music industry is sometimes rough and to have someone who is living the exact same thing as yourself is a blessing. When it comes to the creativity of it all I do prefer being solo as I am the director of everything I do and my authenticity is more important to me than ever, a lot because of my previous experience.

How did you find making your new single “Phenomenon”?

So much fun!!! I’ve been listening to psychedelic guitars for some time and I just wanted to create something a bit more light and vibe-y than my previous releases.
We wrote the song during a few hours and it came so easy.

What were inspirations for writing it?

The psychedelic sound of Khruangbin, saxophone (though we used a bass clarinet in Phenomenon as I find it sexier) of Swedish Viagra Boys and 2000’s pop all mixed up!

What message did you want to get across with this release?

The song is a queer anthem. It’s about finally letting yourself go and waking up sexually with someone. For a long time I tried to convince myself that I was straight and it put me in some sort of ice age emotionally and sexually. Phenomenon is my liberation song and a celebration of being queer.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to this release?

That being true to yourself is the most rewarding experience ever.

How did you find collaborating with diandian to produce the song?

diandian (Beatrice Jaksch and Gabriel Pettersson) who also co-wrote and produced “Salty Water” on my debut EP is a Swedish writer/producer duo. They are honestly two of the most genuine people I’ve met in the industry so far. The process of writing Phenomenon was super smooth and fun and they always listen and find ways to incorporate my visions without question. You will see more of this collaboration on my upcoming album!

Finally, what’s next for you and your music?

Right now I’m in the studio cooking up an album and planning tours for spring!
I feel like fall is the perfect time to hide and write and I’m thriving right now!

Listen to Phenomenon below