Sada K – Long Story Short

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would describe it as uplifting, soulful and inspirational. It’s just full of love.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Definitely Stevie Wonder. He is probably at the top of my list because he has been able to create songs that are really timeless and speak to many generations. They are always uplifting and positive. With every genre you can think of, he’s been able to touch. I really admire him. As far as more current artists, I really listen to a lot of people, but I think Stevie is my absolute favorite.

Q) Where did the title for your album Long Story Short come from?

A) It’s really my way of sharing my story. It’s really hard to share big parts of your life in three minute songs. I just decided to go with it. It came to me one day and I decided it would be a cool way to creatively express my story. I’ve gone through a lot in my life. I have four interludes and ten songs. So, it’s kind of like a journey from beginning to end that is separated by the interludes. It tells a lot about me and introduces me to the world as a solo artist. I really hope that people can take the time to listen to it top to bottom to get a feel for the story I’m trying to tell.

Q) How much of a hand did you have with the production of your album?

A) All of my hands, feet and whole body! I did this independently. It was a lot to take on, especially after being in a band that was signed to a label. I got to learn a lot and I had a lot to do with the production and the structure. The creative freedom was there and so I really enjoyed the process. It was a lot! I wrote and brought in my favorite producers, some of my friends that write and have done really well in the music industry. It was a lot of calls being made and a lot of things I had to handle. I had people on my team, but it was me trying to figure out how to do everything on my own.

Q) Where do you get the inspiration for your lyrics?

A) Just life. Life hasn’t always been easy for me. A lot of things have transpired in my life, with my knee injury and my parents battling cancer. It’s really observing people and seeing what is needed. No matter what people believe or what they are going through, they always need love and compassion. That’s what I really wanted my album to reflect, love and hope. I wanted to be able to use the things I’ve been through in my life and not let it just be something that happened to me. I wanted to turn it around into something good to be able to help someone who may be going through the same things that I have in the past.

Q) What is the song writing process like for you? Do you need music before you can create the lyrics?

A) I don’t need to. I usually have concepts in my mind. For this album, I really knew what I needed to say. I pray a lot and took a lot of time to meditate and pray to figure out how I was going to introduce myself as a solo artist. I just prayed and waited to see what happens after that. I’ve sat with guitar players and by myself. Sometimes I’d sit with the producer in the studio and just start from scratch. I’d start humming melodies and lyrics came to me. If I’m stuck in my mind, I’ll phone a friend to come help me make it sound a little better or stronger because I believe iron sharpens iron. I’m never too proud to ask for help. This process was a lot of fun.

Q) What is it about your song “Live Love Laugh” that fans are connecting with?

A) People are connecting to it because it can talk to people of all ages and it’s been really fun to be able to see kids singing to it in their cars. Adults will come up to me and tell me that they really enjoy the song. I think it’s because it is trying to convey that no matter what we are going through in life we have to make a conscious choice to embrace whatever comes our way. We have to find someway to live and not be so hard on ourselves and love one another. Let some things go. Find some joy and be able to laugh. Life is funny. We can’t take ourselves so seriously. I’m glad people are connecting with the song because the purpose was to remind people that we are so blessed to be able to have this life. No matter what we are facing, we need a simple, sweet reminder to remember be thankful, live, love and laugh on this journey we are on.

Q) What can fans expect from a live Sada K performance?

A) A lot of passion and singing from my heart. Now that I’m able to really move around and get back on stage, I just get so excited! It’s just a different feel from the album. The album is wonderful, but at the same time when I’m singing from my heart in that moment I just feel so strong. It’s a fun experience. I like to interact and know who I am singing to. Depending on the set up, I’m always ready to sing and give my heart and soul. After the shows, I always love to connect with people. I never get up on stage and then you never get to see me. I love to go to my merchandise table and connect with people, hug people, sign whatever they have and take pictures. I love connecting with people. I like to hear how the songs have touched their lives. It’s very important to me not to just sing, but to connect with the people who are kind enough to listen.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way to connect with your fans?

A) I need everybody! There is a song on my album called “Make It (I Just Want To See Us Win).” I just really do want to see us all win. I know that we all need each other. I think that social media is very valuable and it allows me to connect with people all over the world. Even if this album can change one life, I’d be so thankful. I have a really big heart and I feel I can connect with people so many levels. If anybody takes the time to tweet me, even if it is just a thanks, I always try to respond back. I believe peoples’ time is valuable. They don’t have to do or say anything so I appreciate it when people do reach out and comment or tweet or share something that I’m trying to promote. I’m always very thankful and humble that people take the time to say something to me on social media. I love the fact I can connect with people all over the globe. It’s an awesome, awesome tool.

Q) What can fans do to help promote your music?

A) Share the links and I like to say “play it forward.” There are a lot of songs on there that were created to help fight depression and help people be uplifted and encourage unity. There is a song on there that I wrote specifically about the time I spent helping my mom when she was first battling cancer. That song I believe can be very, very powerful for people. I had one lady tell me she listened to my music when she is at the doctor’s office doing dialysis. So, I know that this album can really, really help people. If people enjoy it and connect with it, I just ask that they share it with someone else. Help me get the word out there. Being an independent artist it is tough sometimes because it is hard to get it into the hands of the people you really want it to be in. Just word of mouth is so powerful and I believe that if we all continue to share the music that it will grow and everyone will be able to be a part of it. Stick with me on this journey.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?

A) Thank you! A million times over thank you! I’m just really thankful and humbled by the response. People are writing me stories to say how certain songs have helped them and changed their lives. I think someone told me that with “Live Love Laugh” one of the parts says “slow down at times to reflect” so they slowed down their car. They were speeding somewhere that they almost got into a wreck and avoided it by listening to my music. That kind of blew me away. So, I just want to say that those who have been listening thank you and their support means a lot to me in my career. People are watching and trying to see where this is going. I’m so grateful to anyone who interacts with me on a regular basis. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My music can be found on iTunes, Google Play and anywhere that digital albums are sold. If they want me to come to their city, reach out! Go to my website and let us know because I’m ready to hit the road and meet all the people who have been listening to me.