Sasha Rome has teamed up with Artemis Orion and Stripess for their collaborative single, “Criminal”. The song serves as the title track to Sasha Rome’s debut EP, Criminal. Listen to the track now below.
Ahead of his debut EP Criminal, Sasha Rome taps fellow producer Stripess and singer/songwriter Artemis Orion for the project’s title track. Best described as funky cyberpunk, DC-native and Bay Area-based Stripess brings his edgy flair to the forefront of the collaborative effort while LA’s Artemis Orion adds her honeyed vocals to the topline. A laissez-faire house anthem with a healthy serving of groove on the side, “Criminal” is quintessential Sasha Rome.
Sasha Rome said of the track, “When I started this song I was inspired by old school and lofi house but I wanted to put my own Sasha Rome spin on it. I played the fast chords on my Prophet and instantly got a groove going with the chords and the drums. Stripess then chopped up the chords and added more groove to the bassline and drums taking the production to the next level. I sent it to Artemis Orion who added the lovely vocal topline which I quickly fell in love with. To complete the song I added guitar in the breakdown and heavily affected her vocals in the last drop, along with adding the finishing detail work. It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve worked on with an undeniable groove and beautiful vocals I can’t get enough of.
I love the message behind the song because I think it’s a feeling that most of us have felt at some time or another. A love so strong that you’re willing to do anything for that person, even if it goes against your boundaries or morals (maybe even something “criminal” as hinted in the lyrics). It’s a love that goes beyond healthy and can be all consuming. It’s usually followed by pain and heartbreak but can serve as a powerful lesson we can grow from.”