Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Sa-young
Introduction of the project – Magik 23 EP
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I remember being surrounded by live sounds in church, drums, claps, voices harmonizing without microphones. That raw energy stayed with me and shaped how I feel rhythm and emotion in every song.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
It started as a way to express what words alone couldn’t. I’d hum melodies that matched how I felt joy, pain, ambition. Over time, that became songwriting, then production, then full storytelling through sound.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
The “Magik 23” project represents expansion musically and personally. It’s about stepping into global spaces while staying true to my African roots. It started in 2023 when I met WondaMagik (Producer) and we decided to create a set of songs to bridge between where I come from and where I’m going.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before? Afrobeat meets Alte sounds with rhythm that makes you move and lyrics that make you
reflect. My vocals carry a warm depth and groove that blends smoothly with layered african percussion and drums.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music? Less is more. I used to fill every beat with sound. Now I focus on space and letting the
rhythm and emotion breathe so listeners can feel each line.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process? I create mostly in Ableton Live. A simple keyboard, a quality mic, and clean reference
headphones are enough. I also collaborate closely with producers like SamRyan, WondaMagik, Ultrasaundz to shape the final mix and master.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I’ve been listening to Asake a lot. His artistry and balance between global sound and local roots inspire me to keep my music authentic but widely relatable.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision? My journey from challenges to comebacks fuels my writing. I’ve lived through moments
of doubt and growth, and that honesty shows in my songs. I create from real emotions, not trends.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work? Resilience, confidence, and self-belief. I want people to feel seen, uplifted, and proud of
where they come from while dreaming bigger than their surroundings.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Patience. Every beat, every release, every season has its timing. Music taught me that consistency builds legacy.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Afro Nation and Coachella. Both bring global attention to Afro sounds and diverse cultures, the perfect stage for connecting with fans worldwide.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why? Burna Boy. His ability to blend consciousness with rhythm aligns perfectly with my
direction. It would be a collaboration full of depth and energy.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links) Sa-Young Music
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey? I want to build a sound that travels from Abuja to London to Vancouver. My dream is to
headline festivals, launch my own label, and inspire upcoming artists to create boldly.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That every song comes from the heart. I’m not solely chasing trends, I’m building connections. I want people to hear my growth, feel my story, and find parts of themselves in it.
If you want here you can add a representative Youtube video to insert below the interview 🙂 Youtube Music Videos
