Emerging singer-songwriter, Sadie Jean has had one hell of a start to her musical career. After making quite an entrance with her debut single, “WYD Now?” in 2021, the young artist has gone on to release a handful of vulnerable and incredibly relatable singles, including last year’s “Loscksmith” before kicking off 2023 with “Just Because” alongside a run of tour dates with Cian Ducrot overseas. Now, she is back once more with her bittersweet, nostalgic track, “16“, and it marks just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for her.
Born with an intrinsic sense of melody making and songwriting, Sadie had long cultivated her musical style before her debut single, “WYD Now?” went viral on TikTok and garnered 200M+ streams on all platforms to date. With just two releases under her belt, Sadie sold out Constellation Room in Santa Ana, CA, Mercury Lounge in New York City, as well as her first international headline at The Grace in London. Now, she’s hard at work on a yet to be announced project, which will have fans on the edge of their seats. In the meantime, we caught up with Sadie to talk about “WYD Now?”‘s success, the exciting start to 2023 and her plans for the future.
Prelude Press: You made your debut in 2021 with “WYD Now?” and since then have released a handful of incredibly successful tracks, “Locksmith” and “Just Because”, as well as your new single, “16” – what has been the most exciting or surreal moment for you since starting this musical journey?
Sadie Jean: I love performing live! Hearing people sing along to my songs is always the coolest thing. Even unreleased songs! It’s so surreal to feel so much love and energy from people in person and I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had because of my music. There is no better feeling in the whole world than getting to connect with fans in real life.
You also just spent the first couple of months supporting Cian Ducrot overseas! What was the highlight of those tour dates?
I got the chance to sing my then unreleased single, “Lights On.” The whole crowd sang along and turned on their phone flashlights during the chorus. And that was so cool! Honestly the whole tour with Cian and his whole team was an amazing experience, they really are some of the kindest and most talented people I have ever met!
What first inspired you to get involved in music? Did you have any major influences growing up?
I’ve been writing songs for as long as I can remember. If I had a tough day on the playground or a new crush I would go home and write a song about it. A lot of my musical influences are artists I would hear on pop or alt radio in the mid 2000’s on my way to school. I especially loved Coldplay, Taylor Swift, and OneRepublic
I’m sure nobody expects the first song they release to blow up in the way that “WYD Now?” did, but what was that experience like?
It was so crazy! I was actually in the middle of class when I found out that WYD Now? had made it onto the iTunes pop charts. Me and my friend kept sneaking out of class to celebrate in the hallways every few minutes. Honestly, I still don’t think I have fully processed it.
Did you feel any sort of pressure with the follow-up? Did you have any goals in mind when you started working on “Locksmith” and the songs that are coming next?
There was definitely some pressure but it was also so exciting! My goal with “Locksmith” was to be really honest with how I was feeling and share what came after “WYD Now?” story. It follows the same breakup but at a different point in processing it. My upcoming project really explores all that heartbreak in depth and I think fans of “WYD Now?” and “Locksmith” will really relate to it.
I’d love to talk about one of your latest singles, “Just Because” – it’s a pretty vulnerable track. Can you tell us a little bit about it?
I wrote “Just Because” after I found out someone I was in a relationship with had cheated on me. I was so angry and never wanted to see this person again but also naturally missed them a little bit and that song is really about those conflicting emotions. I think I’m a really easily overwhelmed person so breaking my emotions down into song form is always the most therapeutic. Just Because was especially helpful in processing all my contradicting thoughts.
What was it like working with Griff Clawson and Shy Martin on the song? Was there anything you learned from them moving forward?
It was amazing working with them and I always learn so much. Griff also co-wrote and produced “Locksmith” and “16”. At this point he really knows everything that’s ever going on in my life and I think that really translates over to the songs we are able to write together creatively. I hope to keep working with them both on many more projects in the future.
You are also releasing your new single, “16” – can you tell us about that song? What inspired it?
“16” is the most nostalgic song I have ever written and more upbeat than any other songs I have released. It’s about revisiting the places you went when you were 16 and seeing them all with fresh eyes, and really noticing how much time has passed. It really explores that feeling of longing and missing the joy of and carelessness of being 16 that I will never get back.
With “Just Because” and “16” out now, can fans expect more new music soon? What are you working on next?
Yes!! I am working on finishing up my first project, but the name of it is still a secret. I am hoping to release it by the end of the year. There may or may not be one more single before then too so keep a lookout.
What goals do you have for new music or for the rest of 2023?
I’m really looking forward to touring with Johnny Orlando for his North America tour in September! And of course writing more songs. I just want to keep making music forever and ever.
Thank you for chatting with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for your time! I think that’s it, I hope I can meet you at a show one day! Or you can always find me on my Discord.
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