SASKIA

After finding Saskia on TikTok, singing an original which comments compared to the likes of young Adele and Nora Jones. I wanted to have a conversation about how she found the confidence to pursue music. Leading to us discussing subconscious influences, close minded attitudes, and the impact of a supportive community online.

To start I just want to get an understanding of what sparked your creative want to make music?

I grew up in a pretty musical family. Every car journey turned into a sort of choir practice, singing harmonies. As my parents listened to a lot of great female songwriters like Carole King and Nora Jones, I’ve only recently realised how much of an impact that had on me as a songwriter. I don’t remember feeling especially inspired at the time, but now I notice so many parallels as I listen to songs from my childhood.

I like how that shows you don’t need to be impacted immediately in a way, your influences will stick and show in loads of areas of your life. They’re there but you just don’t know it.

With Nora Jones, I had gone to uni and was feeling quite homesick. “Come Away With Me” was played on one of those Spotify-generated playlists. Without really understanding why, I felt this overwhelming sense of comfort. I didn’t know that this album was something my parents listened to a lot when I was a very small child, I had discovered it on my own and felt such an affinity with her music. There’s something really beautiful and circular about rediscovering music from your childhood.  

For aspiring creatives who are hesitant to showcase their work what advice would you offer to help them take that first step?

I was so hesitant at first, so I understand what that feels like. It can be overwhelming. But I had a bit of a realisation when I moved to London. My eyes were opened by all the opportunity and freedom of expression. Growing up in Devon, it was something I hadn’t experienced in the same way. I had to understand that no one’s ever going to find you or your art unless you put yourself out there. You haven’t given yourself a chance until you do!

It is something you don’t realise is in the back of your mind until you think about doing it.

I sometimes care too much about what others think of me. But imagine if that was the reason you never did anything in your life. Imagine if that stopped you from perusing your passion or sharing your creativity. This idea really changed that outlook for me. 

And realistically they might think about it for a second, and then move on from that thought, they don’t actually care.

The more you do it the less self-conscious you become about posting online. It’s tough to start though, it’s more about practice than anything. 

We’ve covered that starting is the hardest part, but would you say it has taken a lot of persistence to continually get over that fear again and again.

 I think the nature of being a creative is falling in and out of love with what you do over and over again. Almost every video I find myself having to talk myself into posting it, overthinking different aspects of it. I’m sure that other creatives could agree on this, but it’s usually things other people would never spot! It takes a certain amount of discipline in order cultivate creativity in moments you don’t have it. 

Creativity can flourish in a supportive community, can you share how building connections has positively impacted you, or how you want to further connect with more creatives/artists in the future? 

I feel like TikTok is a pretty powerful tool to make connections. This is so useful when putting your work out there, it’s allowed me to meet people I work with now. The music industry is such a different place than it was even 5 years ago, almost all of my music connections have come through TikTok. Within the last year I’ve started working with people all around the world, it’s crazy to me!

And even on other social media platforms you just don’t get that reach.  

Other platforms feel more confined to your area, or people from surrounding social circles. TikTok seems to throw a video anywhere around the world. Recently I’ve had some really moving comments. I could have never imagined the way you could connect with someone in a comments section before posting. 

Reflecting on your own experience how has pursing your passion enriched your life and overall well-being, what benefits do you think others can gain by following their own creative aspirations?

I can say I feel content in knowing that I’m pursing something I’m really passionate about. I’m really grateful for music, and to be a musician, that’s the fundamental that keeps me going. Being a creative can feel like taking a big risk, so that’s something to be proud of! 

Follow Saskia on -

Instagram: @saskiamusicc

TikTok: @saskiamusic_