We got a chance to talk with rising pop artist Sawyer Utah about his just released EP WHEREVER U ARE, his start in music, his biggest influences, and what’s next.
First off, where are you from? And how’d you surrounding shape your love for music?
I’m from La Crosse, Wisconsin! I went to a Waldorf school for all of my school years until 7th grade. It was a super creative/artistic school, and my 1st grade teacher actually started teaching me guitar. Combined with my home life of singing with my brother and parents (and watching each season of American Idol), all these aspects helped shape my love for music!
How did you get into music? What was the moment when you knew this is what you wanted to do?
Honestly, ever since I started playing guitar – and especially playing open mics as I was 8/9/10 years old – I never stopped and have loved it every step of the way. There was definitely a moment in middle school where I started playing to larger crowds at school talent shows and was like “oh I love this”!
Which artists were a major influence on you coming up?
Chris Daughtry and John Legend are two that come to mind when I think back to when I was first loving music!
Who are some of your favorite artists currently?
Loving Keshi’s new album – and always love some LANY and SZA on the go-to playlist!
How would you describe your music and sound?
I hope it gives off feelings of nostalgia and calming. It’s definitely a little dreamy, with some western undertones!
What do you want listeners to take from your music?
I hope people find comfort in the songs and feelings that I portray with my music. I want people to know that they are not alone in their life, and maybe even feel feelings things they’ve never felt before.
What’s your process when it comes to crafting music?
It definitely depends on the song – but a lot of times I’ll start out with some sort of beat I cook up. Maybe a little riff on the guitar or something. And then I’ll freestyle some melodies and words what feels right to convey a specific feeling. I try to create a cohesive world of meanings, feelings, and sounds.
Congrats on your debut WHEREVER U ARE âœ! How does it feel now that it’s done?
Thank you so much!! It feels great having the songs out in the world, as they were all such a long time coming. I feel like I’ve lived with them for sooo long, but in reality people are just finding out now and hearing them!
Why’d you feel now was the right time for a complete project?
I felt like these songs were cohesive as a whole, and revealed a really good starting point to show who I am as an artist. It truly feels like a representation of my feelings and experiences over the last couple of years!
Do you have a favorite track off the album, and why?
As of now I would say “TEXAS”. This was the first song that came out on the project that I wrote and produced solely. There was a magic in how I created it that only I experienced. Every single sound in that song was specifically chosen for a reason, so I think I’ll always have a special feeling about it!
Your music is a unique blend of styles and sounds that pull from a lot of genres? Is that an intentional approach?
I think I try not to think too much about genre when creating, but really about a feeling. There’s a feeling I feel when I listen to each one of the songs on this project that feels cohesive. I can’t quite put a finger on what that is, but I know it when I feel it!!
What were some of your influences for the project?
The amount of traveling I did for writing and making music in the last couple of years definitely had a huge impact on the project. Hence the “wherever you are” idea for the title!
Besides music, do you have any other passions?
Yes!! I love skiing – I’ve always found it super calming and meditative for times when I’m not in the studio. I absolutely love it!
What can people expect from you in the future? Album? Tour?
I’m currently working on my next project as we speak, which I’m super excited about. Definitely some new feelings and sounds coming. I can’t wait for y’all to hear. I also just wrapped tour as the guitarist for Zach Hood – we opened for Andy Grammer! You can expect live shows coming this year from me too!! So so much coming soon!
We always say you have to be fearless to chase your dreams, do you agree?
You really do. I feel like if I let fear get in the way, I wouldn’t be able to make the most of opportunities that come. You never know what will happen if you say yes and do it!!
