What Makes Sailorr Tick? The Quirky Habits That Fuel Her Creativity!
“Creating music is boundless and in a dream world, I’m not putting any parameters on what I think a song should sound or feel like.” These are the words of Sailorr, a rising artist who’s music blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. In this interview, Sailorr delves into her creative process, cultural influences, and personal journey of self-discovery. From her Vietnamese heritage to her evolving style, Sailorr shares insights into the inspirations and experiences that fuel her unique sound, offering a glimpse into the world of an artist who’s unafraid to push boundaries and embrace vulnerability.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Growing up in Jacksonville with Vietnamese immigrant parents, how do your cultural roots influence your music and creative expression?
I think coming from a traditional Vietnamese household was a double edged sword in a way because on one side, it forced me into a binary that I didn’t necessarily want to adhere to, which ultimately instilled a sense of diligence and dedication to my craft at an early age because the stakes of “failing” were so heavy for me. It drove me into a more taboo means of living and doing because being an artist is going against the norm for most people in my community. Making that choice to be an artist meant that I needed to execute my ideas to the fullest extent possible, at the highest level of effort I could, because if I was already going against everything I traditionally knew, I had
to give it my all, and to be able to stand behind it proudly. Living in the South also gave way to a lot of the music and culture that influenced me growing up, lending me the courage and motivation to continue making music because there isn’t a book or course you can take that teaches you this way of life. There are so many different things that continue to inspire me daily, and I am indebted to the ones around me that drive me to want to do better and continue learning.
@venusintokyo
@taottao__
@alexisbittar
Can you share a memory from your childhood that you feel continues to shape who you are as an artist today?
Every family gathering we had with my extended family was an opportunity for me to show people the current dance routine or song I was writing when I was a kid. I have vivid memories of playing DDR and dance battling my cousins and I think that’s what gave me the delusion to chase my dreams of becoming a full time musician.
Your debut album, “FROM FLORIDA’S FINEST”, showcases a range of vibes from uplifting jams to heartfelt ballads. What inspired this genre-blending project, and what message are you most excited to share through it?
Grappling with the growing pains of girlhood and all the challenges that may come with growing older and navigating through relationships is what mainly inspired all the music. I was able to record most of this project while transitioning between Jacksonville and LA which ultimately formed itself into what it is today without me consciously pushing a narrative to finish the music. It’s a direct reflection of everything I have experienced the past two years through love, loss, and discovery of different parts of myself that I had to take inventory of so I could continue growing. It’s healing, no matter how ugly it may look. It’s intimacy, no matter how weird it may feel. It’s honesty, no matter how scary it may be to face.
@dopl.world
@alexisbittar
@jeffreycampbell
You describe your sound as a blend of fantasy and reality. How do you balance these elements in your songwriting and production? If you could create your ideal fantasy world, what kind of universe would it be?
“FROM FLORIDA’S FINEST” was almost like a screenplay of all my worst impulsive desires and intrusive thoughts. I don’t think I’ve ever given myself an opportunity to dream of anything outside of that because when I wrote those songs I was in an arc of learning how to heal from my past relationships and losses. I think it’s important to allow the music to tell you what it wants and at that time I needed to express those emotions in that way. Creating music is boundless and in a dream world, I’m not putting any parameters on what I think a song should sound or feel like.
What’s been the most surprising lesson you’ve learned about yourself since rising to fame?
It’s become increasingly easier to say no to things I once felt guilty about before. The connections and opportunities that have presented itself to me have instilled a true sense of value in myself that I would never want to jeopardize through self-destructive tendencies. The community I’ve been able to build overtime through music is something I never take for granted and I think it’s important to count my blessings and stay grounded everyday because I never know what may come of tomorrow.
@venusintokyo
@dopl.world
@taottao__
@alexisbittar
Can you walk us through your creative process when crafting a new song or project? How do you know when a piece feels complete?
I let the music speak for itself. I never try to force anything. If I need to force myself to write a song, it’s not the time to make that song. I also feel like I never truly know when something is complete, it just needs to move me enough to want to share it because honestly I could probably work on the same song and make hundreds of versions of it and still not be satisfied. I think it’s important to know when you’ve
exhausted all your efforts and just be happy with the way it presents itself to be after you’ve given it your all.
You’ve mentioned that your personal style is still evolving. How do you define your style, and what influences your fashion choices?
Anything that makes me feel hyper feminine and comfortable is what calls to me at the moment. I really love different textures and adding bows to the things that normally wouldn’t have them. I always say if I can’t do a split in the fit, that I can’t wear it.
@venusintokyo @taottao__ @alexisbittar
How does your aesthetic reflect your identity and the music you make? What designers, and artists inspire your style?
I think my personal style is a reflection of my girlhood. I can still serve cunt while leaving room to wreak havoc. Although I have retired from crashing out, I still allow myself the room to know that I would look good committing arson if I had to. My outfits need to
fully embrace the entire spectrum of femininity— softness, hardness, grit, and strength. Current brands I’m liking IWANNABANGKOK, (nalinchanstudio), Cowboys of Habit, Heaven by Marc Jacobs, Mowalola, Metagirl Studio, BARRIERS, Godbody Gallery, FreakCity, Filthy, Martine Rose.
You’ve expressed that you’re still learning to be fully vulnerable. What does vulnerability mean to you as an artist and person?
I think the gift of being vulnerable is only granted to those that are willing to stand behind their beliefs without fear of being judged. It’s easier to say I don’t care about what people think than actually feeling it because at the end of the day, all humans just want to feel connection and acceptance. But there’s also beauty in connection and acceptance without striving for perfection, and I think that’s what I am still currently learning today— loving myself through all the imperfection.
@dopl.world @alexisbittar @jeffreycampbell
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Writer: Frida Garcia D’Adda (@fridadda_)
Photographer: Danica Robinson (@danicarobinson)
Assistant Photographer: Rebecca Steighner (@becsteighner)
Videographer: Rafael Arroyo (@rafaelarroyo)
Creative Director & Wardrobe Stylist: Mufashdia (@mufashdia)
Assistant Wardrobe Stylists: Laya (@layaikes) , Vega Harlan (@vegaharlan)
Set Design: Reece Koetter (@reece.qk)
Hair Stylist: Julia Elena (@colorbyjulz)
Makeup Artist: Dime (@beatbydime)
Assistant Makeup Artist: Sophia Cetta (@sophiacetta)
