Saskia is a self-described "happy girl making sad music," and with the release of her debut EP The Noise, she cements herself as an exciting new voice in the world of emotionally charged, alt-leaning pop.
Raised by the sea in the south of England, Saskia began songwriting from a young age. Fast forward to today, and she's turned the pages of her journal into a raw, honest, and intricately produced musical debut.
The EP opens with “Intro,” a track that echoes the ambient, ghost-like textures of Burial. It's an atmospheric and ambiguous entry point, setting the tone with distant vocals and emotional reverb that gently usher the listener into Saskia's layered sonic world.
“Don’t Cry For Me Mama” is a standout, both sonically tight and emotionally tender. Floating between the raw intimacy of Nia Archives and the sweeping drama of Florence and the Machine, the track pairs harmonised vocals with a simple four-on-the-floor drum pattern and bass guitar. It's a masterclass in restraint and balance: hopeful yet sorrowful, polished yet human.
“Kind of Woman” offers the project’s acoustic moment. Stripped back to its emotional core, Saskia’s voice leads with clarity and vulnerability. The production is simple: acoustic guitar, gentle percussion, perhaps even a harp, but it’s the emotional integrity that lingers. There’s a tonal resemblance to Yebba here, but Saskia’s songwriting and delivery feel uniquely her own.
Then comes “Shine A Light,” a sultrier, more indulgent track. Its syncopated bass, whispered vocals, and minimalist production lend it a sexy, slightly whimsical energy. Less sorrow, more swagger; it's a surprising but welcome tonal shift in the project.
We return to the emotional depths with “Take It All Back,” the penultimate track. Rich in both instrumentation and feeling, it’s a vocally driven piece that moves like a tide, rising and falling with heartache and longing. Instruments swirl in and out organically, creating a lush, layered soundscape that feels both intimate and cinematic.
The EP closes with “Static (Outro),” a breathtaking finale. It’s ambient and gospel-tinged, with sustained, pedaled notes and layered harmonies that suggest both melancholy and transcendence. The production is rich in texture but never overwhelming, letting Saskia’s voice soar and settle in equal measure. It feels like closure: whole, resolved, and quietly powerful.
The Noise is a vulnerable and emotionally resonant debut. Saskia’s lyrics read like diary entries: raw, poetic, unfiltered, while the production complements that honesty with surprising range and maturity.
For Saskia, this is just the beginning, and it already feels special.
Connect with Saskia: Instagram
