Skandra
In less than one year since her debut, Indie-pop singer-songwriter SKANDRA has already dazzled TikTok users and indie fans alike. Her hit song, “Rivers,” completed with a picturesque music video takes the normal pop formula and quite literally shatters it. The electrifying chorus accompanies SKANDRA and her significant other while they smash plates, snap picture frames, and playfully desecrate a gleaming bedroom, thrilling synths and layered vocals matching the energy of the couple. “Rivers” invokes a timeless sensation reminiscent of early 2010s electropop, reflected by the chills we all experienced in that legendary chorus, and it’s just what the genre needed after its glory days ended. However, the viral TikTok hit is certainly not all SKANDRA has to show for herself, as her vocal talent and evocative lyrics illuminate from her earlier singles, “Ashes” highlighting her music’s masterful production through a slow rise, and “Tangerines,” a slowing song giving her space to showcase moody melodies and borderline-whispery vocals. We recently spoke with SKANDRA about her husband’s influence on her career, her mixing process, and more!
Congrats on all of the recent viral success-- what has this experience been like for you?
It’s been quite inspiring. It validates my hard work and has motivated me to make even better art. No one ever predicts or expects to go viral so I can’t say I was quite prepared, but I was happy to be very, very busy the rest of the year.
And to think this all started with a dream and a TikTok! Did you even imagine that your husband's video would receive such recognition?
When the pandemic hit the U.S., I postponed releasing the songs. After having put so much work into this project and so many years of not having released anything, I was feeling a bit hopeless. The state of the world, the industry and all else was really weighing on me. I told Ylane I felt like I needed a sign from the universe to keep going and as the wonderful husband that he is, he said, “Why don’t we tell the world your story?”. I laughed at the simplicity and quietly wondered, “Who in the world even cares?”
The night he posted the video, Skandra had gone from 750 streams to 1,500. I was floored and went to sleep happy. I woke up around 6:30 AM the next morning and procrastinated looking at my phone. I hoped for the best but expected the worst. Sure enough, I finally checked in and it had gone up to 60,000 streams. My eyes swelled with tears and as I turned over to face Ylane, he was asleep. I kissed him on the cheek and whispered, “Thank you. I love you.” Within a week, “Rivers” reached a 1,000,000 streams.
It's incredible seeing your musical journey being documented. With that said, let's talk about your life before this. How did you get started making music?
I began with writing poetry and short stories at a very young age. I probably had my father to thank for that. Not only is he quite a story teller but he’s a screenwriter. I think when you grow up around people who see magic where others may not, you end up doing the same. That’s what a writer is. I had played piano since I was 4 and naturally, the two merged and I fell in love with music.
Your sound is up there with the great music acts of today. Who are some of the artists that have helped inspire your musical style?
Thank you! As a musician, it’s so hard to pinpoint my exact influences being that I’ve listened to so many genres and types of music for so many years. I’ve had phases. I use to avoid a sound, now I love it. We evolve. If I had to choose a few, chronologically, I’d say Carol King, Bob Dylan, Dusty Springfield, Bjork, Cat Power, Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, New Order, Youth Lagoon, Alice Boman and this list could go on forever.
"Rivers" is a hit on Spotify! Can you tell us what went into writing the song?
"Rivers" began as an acoustic song I wrote on a rainy day. It was slow and almost waltz-like. It’s about the admission that though something may feel like true love, it’s obviously destined to end. It sorts through thought processes I had throughout that prior relationship. It’s about finding strength in this admission and being okay with it. My friend, Aaron from the band Twin Oaks, added some electronic elements to it. Sean from Dead Sara turned it into what many have called a "sad banger", and Travis Warner produced it into its final form. The song has been through quite a lot!
You can really hear the thought that goes into making your music. Can you introduce us to the whole team that helped you put this together? What is a typical day in the studio like for you guys?
My producer, Travis Warner, is a dear friend. I asked him to produce these songs because I felt very comfortable around him. I loved his personal music project, Frith, and I felt the passion, meticulousness and patience in his sound. I brought pretty developed demos to him and we reworked structures, replaced some syllables and chords, and found stronger sounds for each part. We tend to write bridges on the spot and I think we both kind of feel the same way about bridges. They’re just a quick intermission. Sometimes, we record the sound of a drop of water from the ceiling into a bucket or me yelling from 20 feet away. Whatever it takes.
Mike Schuppan is an incredible mixer whose repertoire proves it. He reminds me of Ron Swanson in that if you can’t find the specialty power cable for your old vintage keyboard, he’ll whip out the soldering iron and make you one. He’s got the heart of gold and a great sense of humor.
They both do. We all do! We have a lot of fun working together.
Dave Cooley is the master of masters. He’s mastered every song I’ve ever made.
Has the pandemic affected this process at all?
Fortunately, the Skandra team created a bubble. We isolate, we test and are very careful when we are going to work together. The pandemic has affected the possibility of interactions with fans and playing shows more than anything.
What are some of your favorite things to do when you're not making music?
I really love cooking. I never thought I’d say that, but I think it comes from the concept of self-care and realizing how much happier I am when I practice it. I’m quite an advocate for organic living and the importance of food in healing and keeping the body healthy. Cooking lets me concentrate on something that will not only make someone happy but healthy. It’s disposable art. If done well, it’s loved by all.
If there was one thing you could tell your younger self, what would that be and why?
I’d tell her that that crippling feeling of alienation doesn’t come from a place of insecurity but from intelligence.
Who do you owe your biggest thanks to?
I’d have to say my parents. They’ve always let me believe and do anything I was passionate about.
We're so excited to hear the new album. What can fans expect from the project?
I was hoping by Valentine’s Day! We’ll see. Somewhere between February and April. I’m wrapping up recording next week and then onto the visuals. Soon!