Sasha – Interview

Have you prepared yourself for America?

I think so. (laughs)

Have you had to spend a lot of time away from home?

Over in Germany and Europe it’s different because it’s not as big. If you have a hit record and have to travel, it’s not that difficult to get home. But I came over here with one guitar player and we are doing acoustic gigs and I’m used to doing that in Germany for radio shows.

I was reading the bio and know that you have different types of music that you enjoy.

Yeah. I say grunge, but everyone instantly thinks Nirvana, but I like a lot of funk like Living Colour and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I also like Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. I did that kind of music ten years ago.

What was your listening progress? I mean, I’m curious how you went from that to pop.

That is an interesting question actually. It’s a little confusing, but when I was younger I listened to pop music, so I didn’t really make a break. It was always there, even when I was with my band Junk Food and wrote songs with them. We played pop music, but with guitars and hard drums so it was a different way to express myself. Now I’m back to pop music because I like all types of music except really heavy metal or too hard techno. I like songs where someone is singing. I love rock songs and especially good performers.

How has your songwriting changed? You seem to be singing with a message.

When I was eighteen and started writing for a band, they were more aggressive and I wanted to say something then and tell them how to change and how bad the world is and how good it could be. But after a while I found out that there was so much out there to talk about. And in Europe there is so much violence now that I thought I would bring some romance back because everyone wants to sing about politics.

How is it to come to America and go totally unknown?

It’s not too bad for a change. In Germany I can’t walk anywhere and not be noticed. It’s good for a change that no one knows me. It’s great because it’s like starting over. I have a chance to really break into America. I’m willing to work for it. I mean, I’ve been working at it since I was sixteen. It’s been over ten years, and two or three years ago is when it started in Germany and now here I am trying to make it in America.

When did you say to yourself that you could sing?

I’m still not perfect and I know what I have to learn. Doing shows is how I practice, I guess. I wasn’t really good when I started. I was at this New Years Eve party and about to be sixteen and so the music had to be turned off and we were singing by ourselves and the funny thing was that I wasn’t the best singer there, but I was the loudest one. So this guy came up to me and wanted me to join his rock band. So I said yes and we were together for like one or two years and then I formed Junk Food. I think that was my most important time for practicing and writing. In ’92 we won lots of newcomer festivals but never got a record deal. We didn’t get a deal because the labels thought our music was too strange, but the audience liked it. They liked it because it was so various; it had so many varieties. We made a demo in the studio with two producers and those are the same producers I work with today. So I didn’t go the typical artist to record company and they pick everything for me like the songs and producers. I’m more involved in the writing, more than probably lots of other artists are. I don’t write all my songs so I do write with these producers.

Do you look at the songs and see how much you have matured and your renewed look on life?

Yes. I think everyone has fallen at least once in love. That happens to everyone and I think they can figure out what these songs are about. Sometimes I write about love and honesty in general, but you still have to read between the lines.

Since you have a certain status and awareness back home, does it make it harder on your personal life?

I think it’s all about how you cope with it. I don’t want to be that superstar guy. I sometimes have a bodyguard with me, but I do walk alone. I’m happy to sign autographs, you know? But sometimes I try to figure out when to go downtown to shop when school isn’t out. (laughs) Sometimes it’s brilliant and people recognize me and sometimes I just want to hurry, shop, and go home. So it goes two ways. I think this is all about. I love to play live and sing and this is what comes with it, so I understand that.

How long has the album been out overseas?

The American version contains two albums. We made a compilation album that contains the best songs of both my previous albums. I want to release an album next year in Europe, but with that album I wouldn’t want to be too far ahead. Hopefully this album will find some recognition. We will probably work with some American producers the next time. I think it would have been difficult if we only put out the first or second album here because the style has changed and I want people to know the whole Sasha.

Is it weird talking about the songs still so long after the fact?

Not really, because we play all these songs live still so you can say it is like a concert track listing because they are the best songs.

You are doing something similar to what Robbie Williams did.

Right. You never walk that way without looking besides you and seeing what others do. He did do that, but he had tough times too. But I’m not going to dwell on the negative because if it doesn’t work this time then I’ll try again.

How do you feel when you are up for awards when you are up against a Robbie Williams and a Sting?

I just talked to someone and they asked if I was honest when I just say ‘It’s good to just be nominated,’ and in this case I can truly say ‘Yes.’ I mean, that was an amazing competition to be put in. I was nominated for Best International Artist by Mtv, and the European awards were held in Dublin and I’m not well known in England so it was rather strange when I was announced because no one reacted. But I was in a good competition with Ricky Martin, George Michael, Will Smith, Robbie Williams, and me.

I’m curious about the German pop scene. The Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and other groups have gone there first to make it.

You are right and the first who has mentioned that.

What is it about Germany that they were able to go there and become so popular?

I don’t know really, but the boy band thing was always big there. It’s curious that the first big songs from the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC were produced and written by Max Martin, a Swedish and German producer. The funny thing is they don’t talk about that anymore because they are now known as American superstars. I think for me it’s good to see because I know it’s not such a big difference that I’m not American. I think my chances are better because they were produced in Germany and made it in America and that makes me comfortable that I can make it here too.

Max Martin actually single-handedly reinvented pop music since it all but died in America after the New Kids On The Block.

That is true. Max Martin is incredible. I mean, he made it big with Ace Of Base. As soon as Backstreet and NSYNC started making it big in America, artists like Celine Dion and Bon Jovi started coming to Sweden to make albums.

Where do you go from here?

Well, I’m going to be here for about a month doing promotions. I’ll be shaking hands and doing shows.

+ charlie craine