Interview: Sakako, Singer-Songwriter
Sakako is a 23-year-old independent singer-songwriter and recording artist whose distinct sultry sound and strong message of self-love sets her up as the next feminist pop star coming out of Toronto. “Sakako” is derived from her birth name Alisa Kanda Kovac which means “blossoming child” in Japanese. Her name is an ode to her childhood self and of her dreams coming to life. While keeping community arts and mental health advocacy at the centre of her artistry, Sakako also founded Arts from Home in May of this year to promote a sense of community and well-being within the Toronto music scene. Her third single, “Beautiful” will be released on January 8, 2021 as part of a 10-track album distributed by EAST, a Scarborough-based music collective of BIPOC women.
Congratulations on your latest single “Lost in Translation”! Can you tell us more about this release? What inspired you to write this song?
“Lost in Translation” is a very special second release for me because of all the people who were involved in bringing it to life.
I was inspired to write this song about someone who really impacted my life in the good and the bad. Let’s call them “J”. The confidence J exuded was enthralling and exciting. They showered me with compliments and truly believed in me as a musician—everything an insecure me would’ve wanted to hear. J always said what was on their mind, and their ability to be so honest made me really like them. As J and I got closer, I realized how they used their honesty as an excuse to be overtly mean and insensitive. They projected their own problems and jaded views by pumping up their ego and carrying a “I can do no wrong” attitude.
I often felt like I had been manipulated and used by this person into thinking I had done something wrong when I stood up to them.
Till this day it’s still very hard for me to validate how I felt during that time. Because for a long time, I thought it was my own fault for putting myself in that position and getting “too deep” into my feelings.
I honestly still care a lot about this person and I wish the best for them. I’ve come to understand that they, too, have a lot to learn and heal from. I simply care about myself more...way more.
“Lost in Translation” is an exploration of my emotions during that time, and a celebration of loving independence. It is a reflection of understanding why it’s a good thing to let go of people and things that don’t serve you. I am also very grateful for all of my friends who encouraged me to step out of that relationship.
Cover Art by Miyuki Yamada.
You started your music career in a touring jazz band The Toronto-All Star Big Band before performing solo, can you tell us a bit about that beginning? How does it feel now to go solo?
Being a part of the jazz band for two years has really helped me hone in on performance, teamwork, and what it takes to put on a memorable show. I met my mentors who I know can always count on as well as some beautiful friends during this time. This experience taught me a lot about the Canadian music industry, and gave me the chance to travel around to smaller parts in Ontario. It became evident that this was a crucial time to really explore my musicianship and to make mistakes and learn from them. Although I made some cringey mistakes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?
I also learned that as a woman in the music industry there are times people will try to take advantage of you.
Asserting boundaries and seeking support in times of need are essential in staying sane and protected in this type of work.
I feel super lucky to be working on my own projects now. I love being my own boss and having the creative freedom with my art. Putting together collaborative creative teams both for my own music and community projects have been my favourite part of it all. The process is so rewarding. I am blown away by the genuine kindness and creativity of the people I’m surrounded with. Everyday I am learning and striving to be a better leader, friend, and person.
What’s your songwriting process like? How do you stay motivated?
My voice memo and notes app are absolutely embarrassing with the amount of nonsense I jot down and record. It’s a useful tool to have because I’m constantly looking back at these notes and finding ideas that I’d like to explore further in my songwriting. I prefer to write collaboratively and be able to bounce ideas off of co-writers. This is definitely my favourite way to work. Finding people whose musical opinion I trust and value have made my process much easier.
I used to excessively loathe the writing process because of how easy it was to fixate on what other people might think of my work.
However, now that I get the chance to work with other creatives, I’m more confident and feel truly supported in the songwriting process. I learned to appreciate the process once I understood that I have people who will always support me.
I work closely with West End Studios producer Isaiah Gibbons. I send him anything from song references to sounds I like, and he makes tracks with the vibe we’re both trying to capture. He is a musician I really look up to and I’m so grateful to be able to work with him.
I stay motivated by listening to music and watching live performances by my favourite artists. The following singer-songwriters in Toronto that continue to inspire me include but not limited to: Emily Steinwall, Kelsey Vaz, and Dynesti.
Photo by Jungle Flower.
Who are your main musical influences?
My musical influences include SZA, Kehlani, Ella Fitzgerald, Aminé, Peggy Lee, and Tank the Bangas to name a few. I love the lyrical authenticity and rhythmic and melodic variations of SZA’s work. Kehlani is an incredible vocalist and performer, and her message of love and self-reflection are so inspiring to me. Aminé’s creative team and ability to bring so much personality to his music is what I would love to bring to my own music. My favourite band of all time are the Tank and the Bangas. Their music is really all about what it is to bring people together. Last but not least, my two jazz queens, Ella and Peggy, who have both overcome so much adversity in their lives and their music constantly makes me feel comforted.
What role does Toronto play in your music?
Toronto (the six!) is my home and plays a huge part of my music and artistry. What I love the most about Toronto is its creative hub. People from all parts of Canada and the world come to the city for this community. The ability to experience countless different cultures is what makes Toronto the best place to create and stay inspired. Naturally as I’ve lived here most of my life, this influence directly affects my music and I am here for it!
Toronto is finally being recognized as a serious player in mainstream music. Thanks to mainstream legends Drake, Jessie Reyez, and The Weekend. I hope to see more opportunities rise for the deserving and incredible musicians that this city is bursting with. Some local artists I recommend you check out include Lane Webber, RamonaVee, Pleasure Craft, and Kalya Ramu.
For anyone who has not heard your music, how would you describe your style to them?
My music is playful pop with heavy R&B, jazz, and hip-hop influences. Ultimately my style is a melting pot of sounds that make me feel good. I’m always exploring my personality, sexuality, and gender expression through my music and personal style, and I can’t wait to show more of that in the upcoming years as I grow into my artistry.
Canada’s first festival with an all Black, Indigenous, and POC line up!
You are also a huge mental-health and community arts advocate. Tell us about Arts from Home—its founding, mission, values, and the role it plays in the BIPOC community.
I started Arts from Home during the beginning of the first lockdown when I felt there was a lack of community as we were all at home scared and confused. I wanted to do something to help support people who had been hit the hardest by the pandemic and to also show support for the BLM movement. I gathered together a team of my friends and volunteers to raise close to $5,000 for various charities supporting the causes. After the fundraiser, I took the time to think about what kind of impact I wanted my platform to make. Our mission is to create equal opportunity and diverse programming to cater to the needs of our musical community.
On December 19th and 20th, I’m excited to share that Arts from Home alongside three other collectives is putting on Canada’s first virtual music festival with an all black, indigenous, and POC lineup. It is important for me and others to unapologetically take up space supporting the movement of equal opportunity in the music industry. I will be performing with 19 other emerging artists at the two-night festival. Tickets are available now on Artery.IS.
Bonus Question: What is next for you?
Stay tuned for January 8, 2021! I will be releasing my third single as a part of a 10-track album by EAST Music Collective. EAST is comprised of 10 young BIPOC women supported by Scarborugh Arts. I am so excited for this album to drop! It features original music by Toronto artists including Malaika Khadijaa, HANA, Hanna Mars, and Aieysha Haws.
I also hope to focus on school and continue with my collaborative work all of next year.
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You can find more of Sakako here, and listen to her music here. Her email is sakakomgmnt@gmail.com.
