Low-Fi Backstage with Sahra da Silva

Music has accompanied Sahra since she can remember. “I grew up with my mom who loves music and we sang and danced together a lot.” she remembers. Her mom had always been a great support for the artist both in her music and in her personal life. “She (her mom) is definitely one of the reasons why I am singing and playing today.” she acknowledges.

Sahra grew up with a good mix of pop, rock and Americana, namely The Beatles, Dire Straits, Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan or Stevie Ray Vaughan. “I have always loved music with a lot of heart, passion and honesty.” she shares. In her teenage years when she struggled with being confused, wild and emotional, she discovered Fiona Apple. “Her jazzy, bluesy, dark, personal and very direct universe really spoke to me. I realized how therapeutic it can be to put your feelings into words and music and that way tell the world about your struggles.” Sahra reveals.

In her early twenties the artist was drawn towards a more organic old-school sound and discovered the blues jam at Mojo Blues Bar in Copenhagen. “I instantly fell in love with the vibe of the place  and I quickly got a job in the bar and shortly after I started playing there with my own band as well.” The Copenhagen jam scene has served as a space where Sahra could develop with soul, blues and jazz.

Sahra to this day finds joy and  inspiration in many different genres. Amongst her current biggest influences are Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, Etta James, Big Maybelle and D’Angelo.

Sahra does not only draw inspiration from different genres, she also experiments with them herself. In the early days she sang a lot of pop and country. However, she grew into a soulful blueswoman. “ I think no matter how much I experiment with other genres I have always been and will always be that.” she admits. Although she does have her primary focus set, that is not stopping her from growing. She has worked with all kinds of music from jazz and blues to reggae, folk, house or even techno.

Sahra’s love for music transcends genre and era, she simply loves being a musician.  She is grateful to be able to do what she loves every day and finds it rewarding when people appreciate her work.

It was Sahra’s curiosity and creative drive that got her to find Low-Fi. She saw this concept online and immediately signed up. “I remember thinking it sounded like a great concept with a lot of possibilities and it sure is!” she added.