SINGER / SONGWRITER SANDY HSU CHATS FINDING INSPIRATION IN COLLABORATION AND HER LOVE FOR MATCHA BUBBLE TEA
HEY SANDY, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO TO PEOPLE YOU HAVE JUST MET?
I would describe what I do to someone who I've just met as an intense desire to archive and find meaning in my blip in time. But mostly I just say that I am a singer songwriter / artist / producer.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS CONSIDERED YOURSELF TO BE A CREATIVE PERSON?
Yes, always.
WHAT’S YOUR GO TO MUSIC/ARTIST YOU LIKE TO LISTEN TO?
Fiona Apple. I have CDs of all her albums in my car, so she's the default soundtrack to all of my journeys, and I love that.
IF YOU HAD TO WRITE A RECIPE ON HOW TO MAKE YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD BE THE INGREDIENTS/ELEMENTS YOU’D INCLUDE?
What an amazing question! I think I would like to include matcha because I love the ritual of preparation as well as the health benefits, adaptability, taste and colour.Then I would also like to include tapioca pearls because it's one of my favourite mouthfeels ... So, I would most likely turn out to be a matcha bubble tea. With soy milk!
WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
Always nature.
IS THERE SOMEONE YOU DAYDREAM ABOUT WORKING WITH IN THE FUTURE?
So many people! I think SlowThai and I should put out a song together.
DID YOU FIND THAT THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED YOU CREATIVLEY? HOW WAS IT JUGGLING YOUR WORK AMIDST THE ON GOING LOCKDOWNS?
In the beginning, I was definitely optimistic in that I saw it as a time where I could potentially get a lot of creative work done. I haven't been as prolific as I was hoping to be, but having said that I have put out new music this year and worked with new collaborators, which has been very exciting and fulfilling.
I'm really proud of my latest single, 'Endless Summer'. The collaboration process was so streamlined and organic. It felt really amazing to all be vibrating on the same level. It's my favourite song that I have written and released.
HOW DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE DEVELOPED YOUR CREATIVE CONFIDENCE?
Interesting question. I think it must be just through repeatedly doing it, and finding validation within myself but also when people show interest in my work. I have definitely felt intensely crushed by imposter syndrome before, but had to learn and realise that that kind of thinking is super unproductive.
ARE YOU WORKING ON ANYTHING SPECIFIC AT THE MOMENT?
I have been working on my next record, and want to continue collaborating with artists that excite and inspire me.
You can check out more of Sandy’s work via the links below Sandy Hsu
@sandyshoe