At a mere 17 years old, multi-talented artist Sage Charmaine is already making waves in the music industry. With the release of her debut EP “don’t leave me” (songs co-written and produced by Rocky Lynch), her edgy and fresh sound distinguish her from the crowd. If relating to the masses is an important factor to success in the music industry, then Charmaine has managed to capture that element in the music and lyrics she chooses. I had the opportunity to interview Sage this month and here’s how it went down.
Hello, this is RiMo from Fresh Music Freaks. I’m here with Sage Charmaine to talk about her new EP “don’t leave me”.
Can you please tell us how this album concept came about?
I felt like this album represented a lot of growth for me as some of the songs are as old as two or three years. The concept is that as you listen and go through the EP, each song represents an emotion that you feel through loving someone. The overall idea is that you can feel all sorts of ways about somebody and still want them all to yourself no matter what, hence the song title and EP title “don’t leave me”.
In your song “Around” you have created a song that addresses a critical topic of bullying and how bullying affects us all. What inspired this song?
It’s just about people underestimating you for having less clout like follower count is what proves how talented an artist is. I’ve had many people underdog me or not even give me the time of day because of “clout” or my age, but I’ve been around and always will be so IDGAF and neither should anyone else. Respect everyone’s grind.
Your video for this track includes you performing and hanging out with your friends as they support you. Why was it important to you to have such a diverse group of friends in this video?
I just wanted the video to feel real to me. The whole “cast” isn’t even a cast, it’s literally my boyfriend and three of my closest friends. I wanted the chemistry to be there because aside from the blunt message of the song, the beat of “Around” is very light and fun so I wanted the video to showcase me and my besties just fucking around and having fun.
You have had experience in many areas of entertainment. Where does singing and songwriting fit into this element of your career?
I used to do some “child acting” I guess you would say, but I’ve always been a singer and songwriter. I wrote my first song at age seven, and I had already been singing since like age two or three so this has always been my main passion. Now that I’m 17 I love looking back on all the growth I’ve done as both a songwriter and a singer/performer and I only have more growth to do!!
You’ve gone on tour and experienced working with other artists while traveling. What was that like for you?
Yes, every experience has been awesome in its own way. I love traveling to new places and exploring the areas and the venues are always sick. All the artists I’ve toured with so far have also been really cool, and fortunately, artists that I liked and listened to previously to me touring with them so it’s always really cool to meet them and talk and chill.
How would you describe your music?
I’d “umbrella” term myself as anti-Pop, Indie Pop.
What kinds of music do you like?
Literally every single time, I’m wild with music lol. I’m from Texas so you know I have those classic Country roots and Folk (modern Country isn’t for me though sorry with exception to a FEW songs). I also like all different kinds of Rap, Indie, Emo, Classical, 50s and 60’s, modern Rock (such as Bring Me to Heaven or Pierce the Veil), and even Deathcore. JUST TO SUM IT UP, my all time favorite band is My Chemical Romance, and my favorite song of all time is “Come on Eileen“.
How many hours a week on average are you spending in your studio?
Currently, I’m completely independent so it’s hard and expensive to be in the studio as much as I’d like to be, but I’d say currently I go a few times a month. Each session I try to knock out at least a full rough of a song so I get my times worth hahaha.
“Respect everyone’s grind.”
Sage Charmaine
Explain your songwriting process, ex: do you write the melody first then lyrics?
It depends. I write when I feel like it, I also write my feelings down so I can reflect when I’m writing later on. I’ll make music at home on my own or I’ll go to the studio and start a completely new project there, lyrics and all.
Name an artist (doesn’t have to be a musician specifically), in 2019 who inspired you and do you think they had an impact on your work?
I’ve been really inspired by Cardi B and Rico Nasty as women and performers. I feel like their confidence has impacted me and my lyrics to in turn be more confident as well. For music creating, I’d say this year really had me gravitating towards exploring Indie.
How do you handle stress and the challenges of performing?
I have a lot of anxiety so my whole life I’ve learned to turn that nasty ass feeling you get that makes you feel like choking up your words or something into energy and excitement. It may be hard to just make yourself “let go,” but sometimes that’s exactly what you gotta do. You just have to tell yourself if you don’t go all out because you let the nerves get the best of you, you’re gonna look fucking dumb so just own it and do your shit.
As the end of 2019 nears, what are you most excited about for 2020?
I feel like looking back on how I’ve grown this year, everything in my music career doubled, from streams to followers. I can’t believe just how much I’ve actually grown and it feels so gratifying. I’m most excited to see what I morph into and how much further my music takes me this upcoming year. I hope to perform more too around the country so I can meet more of you guys (:
Thank you so much Sage!!
Check out more on Sage Charmaine here, and listen to her new remix of ” Not Really” below!
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*Featured Image of Sage Charmaine Via Katy Pritchett*
