Sarah Kellysen's fourth studio album, "Vertigo," is an indie dance/pop album. She is a queer artist from Canada who creates music that is relatable to anybody; however, she is writing from personal experiences, and she speaks about going through her journey through an LGBTQ+ lens. "Vertigo" is an album all about conquering different fears through different layers, such as being a queer person in society, overcoming breakups and the scars that remain from them, and standing up against powerful people. Sarah Kellysen is a diverse artist and actor who wants to stand out and make a difference in the world for those who may feel different on the inside and out.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Sarah Kellysen, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
I have always been into music since I was a little kid many of my family members played piano and were singers. I took some music lessons and theatre in high school. However I didn’t start doing music until I was on a web series called “ARTic” and the people over there pushed me to do pop music. Once I started recording I didn’t stop.
How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as a part-time job, family, admin?
It’s one thing “scheduling your time”. I basically schedule when I have studio time, other jobs, free time (which doesn’t happen often for me since I am a workaholic, I love all the things I do). Truthfully a 72 hour day would be lovely but it’s not reality.
Your latest release is 'Vertigo'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
The process of this album began in 2019 however when finishing up the original version of the album in early 2020, the world went into a pandemic so I decided to put this album on hold because I knew it wasn’t the time for this particular work. It was truly a blessing in disguise (no pun intended) because many events such as myself departing from a previous record label, changing jobs, going through a break up and much more life changing events happened. I think now was the time to release it and it seemed to have went above and beyond the success I could of ever imagined for my music.
Where did you get the inspiration for this album?
For this work my artistic inspirations came from Kylie Minogue, Dua Lipa, Billie Ellish, Frank Ocean, M83. I really wanted to create an album that is atmospheric, experimental yet could fit into modern day pop realm. I really wanted to do my own thing with this album and didn’t want to follow a trend but set my own.
How long did you work on the 'Vertigo'? Was it an easy process for you?
The overall process was 3 years it had many bumps in the road however when I finally worked with Angela Sunyoo Lee who is the executive producer of this album. The story and album came together. It all made sense.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Majority of my music revolves around identity and being not afraid to be yourself even in a world where as a minority that may want to take you down. Its all about not just fighting the power but standing in your own power.
What interests or hobbies do you have outside of music?
Well I also am an actor and I was in Live Free Entertainment’s Horror film recently called “Knock”. I will be doing more acting projects coming soon. Outside of work I love shopping going to the mall like any other girl. I love going on walks to the park and taking photos, Heavily into photography. Always down to try new restaurants. I’m also addicted to Hula Hoop.
How do you find yourself in the music business? When you started out in music, did you know it would be like this?
It’s not an easy business I was super young when I started, in-fact too young. There were many adults who were cruel to me in the beginning trying to create noise in my head. But I never listened and just continued what I am doing and here we are 4 albums later, still creating and thriving. I was always told when I was young the industry was filled with so much rejection so I knew what I was in for however the key is to keep the “drive” in order to succeed.
How do you nurture your own creativity?
I’m inspired by everyday life and my own experiences in every aspect of it. I also am inspired by stories I hear, people in the news and I thrive off what’s going on in the world. I am invested.
What are your plans for the future?
Well there are acting projects I am considering right now. Along with that I am currently working on my live sessions for this album Vertigo. I haven’t done a live sessions since before COVID so I have been in rehearsal getting prepared to film that. There are many more singles for Vertigo to come as well and many surprises fan have to look forward too!