We wanted to welcome you into the weekend with some seriously serene turns, and we believe that Sara-Danielle is the perfect person to help us with this. Dropping her brand new EP “Another Self”, the singer-songwriter has served us up what can best be described as a sonic delight. With classical, jazz-tinged instrumentation melting into Sara’s elegant and wispy vocals, the six-track masterpiece is sure to transport you away from the week’s qualms.

When discussing the new project, the artist explained, “I wanted to explore in the studio, try new things and work more in collaboration with my producer than just by myself at home. And that’s what we did! The process was also very natural and intuitive. We just followed our ideas and explored where it led us, and it allowed me to be authentic and true to myself. I was very comfortable, so I was able to pour my heart into each song. I think it makes the record very personal.”

Upon the release of the EP, the artist sat down with Wonderland to discuss her upbringing in Quebec and Montreal and how she has matured as an artist.

Head below to enjoy our interview with Sara-Danielle…

Hey Sara, how are you?
Hi! I’m doing good, thanks!

How has this past year been?
Oh gosh, what a year! It’s been full of big highs and lows, a roller coaster, I’d say. I’ve started working with my manager and my label, people I absolutely love, and it’s amazing to see my career unfold with their support. I’ve done a lot of creating and studio work, and I had the greatest time. I’ve also had the opportunity to work on my show and perform it a few times. But I must say, as for a lot of artists, the pandemic has been hard on my mental health, with all this uncertainty in the air and cancelling shows. But I’m surrounded by great family and friends, and I’m hopeful for the future!

Talk us through your early beginnings, how did you first get into music?
I started playing the violin at a young age, traditional Quebecois music. I’ve also always loved to sing, I sang all the time as a child and teenager, such as songs from my favourite bands, but never thinking of making a career out of it. I just loved music; I listened to a lot of it. But at the age of 16, I started studying music in Cegep (early college in Quebec), and that’s when I knew I wanted to write my own songs and make it a career.

Where are you from?
I was born in Ottawa and grew up in Gatineau, Quebec. But I moved to Montreal at 16 for college, and I’ve made a home here, so I consider it to be my hometown now.

Do you think your hometown impacted your sound in any way?
I’d say maybe, yes, but I don’t come from a very cultural city. I grew up on the Ontarian border, with an Ontarian mother, but I’ve lived in Quebec and spoke French my whole life. I was much more exposed to the American, anglophone culture than to the Quebec one, even though I lived there. So my inspiration for songwriting was very diverse, and not attached to a culture in particular.

And now you’re dropping your new EP, “Another Self”, talk us through your mindset going into the project?
I didn’t have a specific idea in mind at first. I wanted to explore in the studio, try new things and work more in collaboration with my producer than just by myself at home. And that’s what we did! The process was also very natural and intuitive. We just followed our ideas and explored where it led us, and it allowed me to be authentic and true to myself. I was very comfortable, so I was able to pour my heart into each song. I think it makes the record very personal. So the mindset was: ‘I have some songs, let’s play with them and see what happens, what story they have to tell us.’ And, I’m very happy with the results!

This is your sophomore project, what do you think is the difference between this and your last?
I think as I grow older and I evolve as a musician and woman, I get more confident with who I am, and you can hear it in this record. My sound is more precise and authentic too.

And looking back, what song means the most to you?
I think it’s “Draw Me”. It was the last one I recorded, and I felt very at ease while recording. I felt free, and I was able to get out of my mind and just tell my story through it. It was a special moment, so it’s a special song to me.

What do you hope people take away from your music?
I hope it brings them joy, comfort, and relief. I hope they can recognise themselves in it.

Who would you say inspires you?
Lianne La Havas, Charlotte Cardin, Beyoncé and Lana Del Ray to name a few. But also my friends, my family and the people I work with. I learn a lot from them, they make me stronger.

What is next for you? What are you most excited for?
A full-length album! I’m so excited to get back to writing and into the studio. Also, getting back on stage and performing with my awesome band.