Westleaf Staff
What's up Leafers? Welcome to the latest edition of On the Rise where we interview upcoming Hiip Hop/ R&B talent. Today's guest is 19 year old artist, Sahsenem Saphira. Saphira's sound is poppy yet soulful similar to greats such as Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston. Sahsenem is making moves in her town so we had to tap in! Check out the interview below.
Westleaf Staff: What's up, Sahsenem? Your vibe is dope. When did you start making music?
Sahsenem: Professionally, I started in 2019. The main reason was an accumulated frustration of all the historical events. It is difficult to explain but as a 19-year-old I've felt an overwhelming anger for not having an impact on stopping cruel things outside my world. I was struggling to understand the "standard lifestyle" in which people were obsessed with--hedonism. Consuming drugs to compensate, having short term relationships to fill the void in themselves.
Westleaf Staff: That's dope! So how did your early life shape your interest in music?
Sahsenem: In the house I grew up in I was always playing some R&B, that evoked my interest...
Westleaf Staff: Dope! So who is your biggest Musical influence?
Sahsenem: Im listening to a lot of artists but there are two that definitely shaped me and my musical taste. Firstly, it's The Weeknd. Not only his soothing vocals... but also being a gifted storyteller, talking about "dark" things with ease and always putting his whole soul and feelings in his lyrics impressed me, there I found an intense relation and connection with my own. Moreover, the lyricisim attracted me, because of its openness. Significantly as an artist, he got a huge role in redefining that biased perception in our society that men shouldn't show their vulnerability(…) I also appreaciate Toygar Işıklı, he is one of the most competent composers my ears ever heard, he can explain stories take you to different worlds without even using one word at all.
Westleaf Staff: Great choice. Mike is a legend. So what makes you a unique artist?
Sahsenem: It's the viewpoint... that I don't even reveal.
Westleaf Staff: Dope! Much respect. So what does art mean to you?
Sahsenem: Art means to express yourself without any limitations, there are no rules at all. You dont have to follow anything or anyone. You just have to let your creative impulse takeover. Let it come out of you.
Westleaf Staff: That's deep! So what's next?
Sahsenem: That is something you have to figure out.
Westleaf Staff: I wish you much success this year! Before we go, describe music in three words.
Sahsenem: Melancholic modern pop/ indie nuanced with a nostalgic R&B.
Follow Sahsenem:
Ä°nstagram : https://www.instagram.com/missrodrigueezz/
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2pQASXilPBvFRcmTVrKwCg
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/70B24uIzZur4OKAydhCSl0?si=o-LTk7-wRfKFfc55Eocexg
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/%C5%9Fahsenem-saphira/1472798407
