Sarah Klang in Conversation With FAULT Magazine
Sarah Klang X FAULT Magazine
Sarah Klang , the celebrated Swedish artist, has released her latest single, “Worst Mom,” offering a poignant glimpse into the rollercoaster of emotions that come with new motherhood. With her upcoming album, “Mercedes,” set to drop on October 20, 2023, Sarah Klang invites listeners to join her on a deeply personal journey that explores the highs and lows of this transformative phase of life.
In this article, we’ll delve into the inspiration behind “Mercedes,” Sarah Klang’s evolution as an artist, of course, her FAULTs.
Can you share with us the inspiration behind the album title ‘Mercedes’and how it reflects the themes and stories within the songs?
The album is named after my daughter – Mercedes. I knew I was going to name her that throughout my pregnancy, and since the album is about that time, and how I started looking back at my 20s, probably because I became a mom, I named the album that. It’s a coming of age record. Plus, Mercedes is the most beautiful name in the world!
Your new single “Halloween Costume” combines bright Americana-pop with difficult lyrical themes about teenage bullying and mental health. How did you approach finding this balance between the musical tone and the weighty subject matter?
I think you almost always have to balance a heavy and “sad” lyric with something of the opposite. Classic ABBA effect right? Happy and dancing, super depressing lyrics = winning concept. But ah, I feel it’s a bit cake on cake if you push everything to be dark.
Becoming a mother and entering a new phase of life inspired this album. How has this transition impacted your songwriting style and the stories you wanted to convey through your music?
Very much I think. With age and with going through everything that becoming a mother means, I have gained more self-confidence. Or maybe it’s that I’ve gained more self-esteem? I dare to write about what exactly I want in exactly the way I want. And I have probably started to feel that I actually want to do something positive with my music in a different way. Maybe not just stand on stage and sing my very best and hear that I’m amazing (okay, I want that too) but I think I want people to be able to relate and not feel alone. I want to do something good with the platform I’ve been given.
Your songwriting often draws from personal experiences – do you ever feel emotionally drained after pouring so much of yourself into your music?
No. I feel the opposite. I take shit out of a heavy heavy backpack and leave it in a song instead. After that I am lighter.
Your music has evolved over your career, touching on various influences from different decades. How would you describe the evolution of your sound from your earlier work to your upcoming album?
With the lyrics it’s very much like I said earlier, that I dare to be more honest and in that way maybe more stripped down in my sound. It doesn’t have to be a WALL of choir and strings for me to feel comfortable I think. Then the sound has almost taken some kind of time travel from being inspired by 60-70’s Pop to end up in 80’s and 90’s sound.
You’ve received critical acclaim and awards for your previous albums. With “Mercedes,” how did you challenge yourself creatively to continue pushing your artistic boundaries?
I’ve written an album during a terrible pregnancy and been honest about the whole process. That will have to do. I don’t believe in trying to push yourself all the time in your “art” in such a way that I have to outdo old works all the time. An album is a small piece of your life, about how your life was right there and then. Maybe some think it’s worse, maybe some think it’s better. For me, it’s what I produced.
You’ll be touring soon, what can fans expect to experience at your shows?
The world’s most excited and happiest band, and a Sarah who feels grateful and happy to be out playing her fourth album!
From your debut album “Love in The Milky Way” to your upcoming release “Mercedes,” your music has touched on various genres and themes. Looking ahead, are there any unexplored territories in your music that you’re excited to delve into in future projects?
I’m not closing any doors, so to speak. I let it develop organically with myself and what happens in my life. The only thing I’ve said will never happen is a Christmas album.
What’s been the most challenging musical hurdle you’ve had to overcome throughout your musical journey?
To believe in myself as a human being I guess. To feel that I deserve to stand on certain stages, be in certain rooms. But also that I don’t have to outdo myself every show. You do your best. You can’t do more than that.
What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the year?
Tour and to start recording a new album.
Sarah Klang, what is your FAULT?
Hahha that’s my borderline diagnosis then.