Sarah Barrios – Have We Met Before

By starrymag | June 11, 2021

By: Alejandra Gil M

 

 

Q) The way that you tell stories through your music, you said to have been influenced by a diverse spectrum ranging from Jane Austen to Sci-Fi books, the Beatles and Fleetwood Mac to Jon Bellion and Paramore. How did that help you step on your own as a songwriter?

 

A) I think the one thing that runs through all of the music I enjoy and the books I obsess over is storytelling. Paramore and Fleetwood Mac have always transported me to a different place and time, same with the books I escape into. So, I’ve tried to incorporate that same level of storytelling in my own music. I want my music to give someone a place to escape and feel safe in.

 

Q) How would you describe your sound in general?

 

A) I think my sound is ever-changing, but I’d describe it as honest, guitar-driven, personal pop music. Something that makes you feel at home.

 

Q) Your single “Have We Met Before” with Eric Nam is out now you describe it as two people being so meant for each other in every lifetime, universe or alternate reality, that they always seem to find one another and fall in love. Talk about the process behind it.

 

A) I’ve always love the idea of a love that transcends time. I think there’s something so heartbreakingly beautiful about two people who are so meant for each other, no matter the circumstances, that they find one another in every life. I really wanted to bring that story into musical reality.

 

Q) What was the writing process like for the song, did you have the lyrics or the music first?

 

A) We actually wrote the song over a Zoom session! I had the title in my journal for a while and I had tried to write the song, but it just never seemed right. I mentioned the title to vaultboy and it just…clicked. I think this story could really only be told through two people and I’m so happy with how it turned out.

 

Q) My favorite part of the song is: “Have we met before? Maybe in another life, I knew you, maybe if I try I’ll see right through you, and I’ll remember who we were.” What do you expect people to take away from the song?

 

A) That’s one of my favorite lines, too. [smiles] I hope this song can help people escape into a world where they’re the main character in a romance novel. To give them a feeling of a warm cup of tea or coffee with a friend. I hope it transports them somewhere else.

 

Q) Both of your voices combined and the lyrics to this song have a very nostalgic and romantic feeling that I can´t quite describe. How was it to give such an intimate performance with the restrictions that we have because of the pandemic?

 

A) I’m so grateful that the masks and vaccine were available so we could be together to perform. We had everyone spread out and in masks apart from myself and Eric, and we were able to properly sing it together and give the song a more intimate feeling.

 

Q) Was it hard to get the both of you in the same room?

 

A) At first yes. We weren’t able to be in a studio when I wrote the song, so I cut my vocals on the floor of my closet!! [laughs] But, thankfully, we were able to get together in the studio for Eric to record his vocals, and that was so cool to watch and hear.

 

Q) Have you received any feedback online that has stood out about “Have We Met Before”?

 

A) I’ve received a lot of messages from people saying that it feels like a movie. That they feel transported to a different place and time and that is exactly what I hoped for the song.

 

Q) The song was written by you and TikTok influencer vaultboy. How did this collaboration come to be for you and what did you enjoy most about your experience?

 

A) Yes! This was our second zoom session together and I’d say it was a success. vaultboy has a beautiful way with words and making them detailed without being confusing. I can’t think of anyone else to have brought this idea to life with.

 

Q) You and Eric Nam have worked together before on a song called “I Don´t Miss You.” What attracted you to do another song with him?

 

A) I’ve always loved Eric’s voice and the way he approaches songs. He puts his heart and soul into them, and the second we finished this one, I knew he would be perfect to tell the other half of this story.

 

Q) A lyric video of the song is also on your YouTube channel. What´s the inspiration behind it?

 

A) I really wanted to convey the feeling of daydreaming. That’s how the song idea came to life. I was in a coffee shop in London, sipping tea and people watching and the title came to me. What better way to explain that than a video of me doing just that?

 

Q) We saw you have upcoming performances coming up, what do you miss most about live performances?

 

A) Connecting with people. Music takes a different form when you get to share it with others, and I can’t wait to finally be with everyone.

 

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and your music?

A) Thank you for everything. It’s cliché, but I truly would not be here without you all. You guys constantly make me feel strong and get me through the day and I can’t wait to hang with y’all this summer at shows!