Queued&A:
‍Sarah Barrios

How did you get into music?
I grew up in a very musical family, so I've been surrounded by it for as long as I can remember. I started writing and playing guitar when I was 13 but didn't really take it seriously until I was 19. My parents were always super supportive and brought me to open mics and gigs, so I'd say they really helped in that sense. I never really thought making music full time was possible for me until I just decided to give it my all. That was a big turning point.
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Congrats on the release of your latest EP, Conversations with Myself. What is the story or inspiration behind it, and what is the meaning of the EP title?
Thank you so much! The story and meaning behind the EP and the title kind of go hand in hand. I was feeling very introspective at the time and found myself quite literally having conversations with myself about who I was, who I wanted to be, my mental health, etc. An existential crisis if you will, haha. I tried my best to capture what the inside of my brain sounds like during those moments.

Which of the tracks on the EP is your favorite or most special to you?
Every song holds a special place in my heart for different reasons, but I think “Bedroom Floor Feelings” and “Somebody I'm Proud Of” will always feel extra personal. Both songs talk about feelings that I'm still trying to process. To learn to love myself and be proud of the person I am and to not let my own fears and anxieties take over my life.

‍What usually sparks an idea for a song, and how do you stay inspired?
Every song is different. Most days, songs are sparked from my own feelings or from things I've written down in my journal. Other days, it's a photo I found on Tumblr or a movie scene. Inspiration comes and goes, but I think the fact that we exist and feel things at all is pretty wild and something I write about a lot.
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How has the global pandemic affected your artistry?
It's been such a colossal mix of feels. On one hand, it's been really tough not creating music with others in person, not getting to play shows or meeting all of the incredible people who have taken the time to listen. It's definitely affected my mental health a ton, and that has affected what I write about. But in a strange way, even though I haven't seen anyone, I feel less alone now than I did before. So many people across the world have come together on the internet to talk about their feelings, and it's nice to know that someone out there feels the same way you do.

You have collaborated with several artists recently. Who has been your favorite to work with?
All of them. Rence, Marc, and Syd brought so much vulnerability and personal touch to each song, and I'm honestly just grateful that they felt comfortable enough to speak openly on topics that some artists wouldn't. They really brought this EP to life in a way I never imagined, and I love them for it.
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Which artists would you like to collaborate with in the future?
Ugh, I have so many. Hayley Williams, Harry Styles, and Stevie Nicks are my holy trinity. But I also really love Carlie Hanson, Clairo, BLACKPINK, Jon Bellion, Labrinth, the list goes on.
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What are your plans and goals as an artist for this year?
I want to push my own boundaries for vulnerability and music. It depends on the pandemic but I'm dying to perform live and meet people at shows. I have so many ideas for how I want it to look and sound, I'm hoping I'll get to share it.