Interview: sadHAPPY
5 min read
Sporting a brand new single and a promising EP on the way in the shape of Say Goodbye, which sees its release on August 25th, emerging hitmaker sadHAPPY is taking the road to pop stardom all in his stride. Writing songs from the heart and around topics that affect us all, the musician has captured the hearts of a fast growing fanbase thanks to a string of catchy singles and the promise of his upcoming EP at the end of the month.
With new single Dance Again doing the rounds, we caught up with sadHAPPY to talk about his journey so far and what the future holds for the promising new singer-songwriter. Here is what he had to tell us…
Brendon Veevers: How are you and where does this interview find you?
sadHAPPY: Hey Hey! I’m really well thank you! I’m in Scotland atm then heading to London in a few weeks’ time to start writing again!
BV: For those less familiar, how would you best describe the music you create through sadHAPPY?
sadHAPPY: I would describe the music as cry-dance music, something you can dance too but it leaves you thinking about the meaning of the song. I try to write so that the listener can relate to it in some
form.
BV: Can you tell us a bit about the name? How did the name come about and what’s the backstory?
sadHAPPY: The reason I decided to start sadHAPPY was having a space to acknowledge the two feelings and that you can feel simultaneously. I’ve had a lot of struggles with depression and anxiety and while I’ve made changes in my life so that I’m the best version of myself today, I’m still aware that I can be depressed or anxious and that’s totally okay!
BV: You have released a handful of singles so far with your latest being Dance Again which was
released on July 14. How have you found the reception to the single so far?
sadHAPPY: The reception for each single has been amazing so far. Everyone has showed a lot of love towards the music which I’m super grateful for! We had our first play on Radio 1 the other night for Dance Again and was proper exciting. Can’t wait to see what keeps happening with the support from
everyone.
BV: You’ve quickly become known for motivational elements to your music. What was the inspiration
behind Dance Again?
sadHAPPY: When we wrote dance again it was literally because we were having such an amazing time. Me, James Carter and Amanda Kongshaug rented an Airbnb in the middle of nowhere in Scotland and
started writing it. It was such a contrast of our surroundings as we were surrounded by so much nature and farms but we ended up writing this massive, positive dance song. And I instantly felt connected to it.
BV: As a songwriter, what themes, styles or topics influence you the most when it comes to writing
sadHAPPY songs?
sadHAPPY: It really just depends on how I’m feeling. I find it pretty much impossible to just make up scenarios in my head and to write about them. I have to find something that I have previously went through or I’m currently going through. Whether that be anxiety, loss etc. I also feel like the production can really lead the topic of the song. I love starting with drums and synths then asking myself how I feel?
And that guides me through the writing process.
BV: Do you find it easier to write music that leans towards sad ballad or more happy uptempo numbers?
sadHAPPY: My background has always been sad ballads but because I feel better in myself I can write more hopeful, happier stuff. It just really depends on how I’m feeling at that moment in time!
BV: Who did you grow up listening to and who do you regard as your biggest musical influences?
sadHAPPY: I get up listening to bands like Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, Keane, Bon Iver, John Mayer. My biggest influences have been Coldplay, Bon Iver and Fred Again.
BV: Outside of writing, how involved are you in the rest of the creative process?
sadHAPPY: I’d say I’m definitely very involved in the creative process, especially the production part post writing the song. I have to get it right and be very inspired before the track goes out.
BV: Dance Again is going to be on an upcoming EP. What can you tell us about the EP?
sadHAPPY: The EP is something I can’t wait to get into the world. I feel like the next few songs on the EP are a little more raw and emotional and inspired by what’s been going on in my life. Something I have a huge emotional connection too.
BV: Are there any plans to release a full-length studio record?
sadHAPPY: Definitely, I’m still discovering a lot about sadHAPPY and don’t want to rush putting out an album or anything. But yes I definitely plan on it.
BV: Do you have any live performances planned for 2023 or any plans to take the new single and EP on the road in 2024 that we can look forward to?
sadHAPPY: I’m in the process of building the live show atm and wanna take my time with it. I hope to do some shows this year for sure but I’ll definitely be doing more live stuff next year.
BV: Thanks so much and best of luck with Dance Again and the EP!
sadHAPPY: Thank ya!!
sadHAPPY’s new single Dance Again is out now and his upcoming EP Say Goodbye is released on August 25.
::: RenownedForSound.com’s Editor and Founder –
Interviewing and reviewing the best in new music and globally recognized artists is his passion.
Over the years he has been lucky enough to review thousands of music releases and concerts and interview artists ranging from top selling superstars like 27-time Grammy Award winner Alison Krauss, Boyz II Men, Roxette, Cyndi Lauper, Lisa Loeb and iconic Eagles front man/songwriter, Glenn Frey through to more recent successes including Newton Faulkner, Janelle Monae and Caro Emerald.
Brendon manages and coordinates the amazing team of writers on RenownedForSound.com who are based in the UK, the U.S and Australia.
