Introduction to Sarina, a Young and Promising Musician
Sarina is a young Haitian-American singer, songwriter, and producer who is known for fusing Pop, Hip Hop, and R&B into her sound. Born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, she aims to use her music to inspire and heal others. Growing up immersed in Haitian culture she is heavily influenced by the sounds and tempos used in Haitian music.
Since then Sarina has released two projects, ‘Come to the Light’ and ‘Glass Paradise’, and has amassed over two million streams on Spotify. Both projects each explore different genres from R&B to Afro-Caribbean music.
On June 18th, 2021, her first EP ‘Glass Paradise Deluxe’ got released. It walks the listener through phases of love and emotions, her voice transports you to a dream-like universe, accompanied by chill instrumentals. The deluxe edition leads off with the EP’s original three tracks and is followed by Pop-infused sounds and styles featuring Maryland native artists, Matt Mcghee and LATENIGHTJIGGY.
Speaking on the EP, Sarina shares, “Glass Paradise sounds like how I want summer to feel. When people listen I want them to feel like they are at peace, in their favorite place in the world, with their favorite person. This project was created during quarantine. It was my way of being able to travel without going anywhere. I hope that no matter what season it is or how people are feeling they can listen and escape to somewhere that feels like home.” She reached her goal with Glass Paradise - listening to it makes you feel light and at peace, gradually falling in love with her voice.
Oneul had the honor and opportunity to discuss her new EP, her goals, working with women-owned media…
Here is what we learned:
What are your goals for the future?
One of my main goals right now is to start performing and to go on tour! I can’t wait to give my songs more life in person and to connect with the people who support me.
What piece of advice would you give to someone looking to do what you do?
To be yourself and make the kind of music you want to make. Also to be patient and trust that your hard work will pay off as long as you stay focused and don’t lose sight of what you are doing all of this for.
Did you encounter hardships being a black woman in the industry?
People definitely do not take me seriously sometimes or they don’t believe that I write my own songs. It can be frustrating at times but I am blessed to work mostly with people who are great and respectful.
Glass Paradise is the best summer EP full of a variety of emotions! Will you direct your work towards a new feel next?
Some of the songs I have been working on recently definitely are different from the ones on Glass Paradise. I enjoy experimenting with new sounds and trying to write about things that I haven’t written about before.
Who has influenced you as an artist?
Artists such as Whitney Houston, Ariana Grande, and Kehlani have influenced my sound as an Artist but my work ethic comes from my mom and artists like Beyonce and Nicki Minaj. Seeing how hard they work definitely inspires me.
Having done music ever since you were a child, is there someone around you that influenced/inspired you?
My dad would always play music in the house. I know that is definitely where my love for it came from. MTV would always be on so watching music videos all the time and listening to music was always something that was happening in our house.
Is your experience different working with women-owned media?
The questions are always great and I love that these platforms are made to highlight and celebrate women and what we have to offer in the industry.
Who would you want to collaborate with next?
I would love to work with a female rapper next. Flo Milli is amazing and I would love to have a song with her one day.
How do you get inspired to write/compose music?
Usually, melodies are what inspire me to write. It is better for me when I hear the beat first and then from there, I can figure out what the story is.
What message do you want to convey through/with your music?
I just want people to be able to feel something when they listen to my music whether they relate to what I am saying or just are able to feel better than they were before.
