Sakarias N. Lundstad, known professionally as SACARIAS, is the singer-songwriter and producer taking Norway — and the world — by storm. Balancing his time between working on his fast-rising musical career and serving in the Norwegian Armed Forces, he brings a unique perspective to the industry — no doubtably offering a sound and point-of-view that is entirely fresh. After first discovering his love and talent for music production during a 2017 exchange year in the US, in which he began experimenting with GarageBand, SACARIAS has developed a dynamic and introspective artistic voice — highlighted most recently in his newest singles “Therapy” (which has been on rotation on national Norwegian radio for over 20 weeks) and “People Pleaser”.

We caught up with SACARIAS about balancing his two careers, the inspiration behind his recent singles, and what’s to come.

Stream SACARIAS’s music…

Now for the interview…

Hey! What are you up to right now?
Right now I’m in the process of planning concerts and releases, and investing an increasing amount of time in the studio making music. Balancing this while serving in the Norwegian Armed Forces is quite the challenge, but I’m learning a lot, and I’m very grateful for getting to go on this journey!

When did you first begin creating music, and how has your artistry evolved to where it is today?
During my high school exchange year in the US, I came across Kygo’s song “Stole The Show,” which ignited my interest in music production. Initially, I started producing music in GarageBand, and I lacked the confidence to sing myself. But over time I gained the courage to sing in front of other people. Although my family initially considered it a passing phase and encouraged me to concentrate on my career in the Norwegian Armed Forces, they soon realized my genuine passion for creating music.

Over the years my artistry has evolved a lot, and I feel like that shows in my recent productions. I’m getting more comfortable with the “imperfect” sounds, and I often find myself keeping them to give the songs some character. Learning the art of writing meaningful yet playful lyrics is also a skill I’m giving more focus at this stage of my career. This has been one of the ways I cope with losing a loved one, as my father recently passed away.

How would you describe the essence of your sound?
I would describe the essence of my sound as internal dialogue wrapped in a bunch of feel-good melodies. It’s important for me that the listeners can relate to the lyrics, but also that it gets them moving, regardless of what the song is about.

How does your work in the Norwegian Armed Forces impact your artistry, and how do you balance both?
My career in the Norwegian Armed Forces and my musical career truly are polar opposites. My experiences in the military have taught me discipline and resilience, but surprisingly it isn’t always easy to apply this to my musical journey. However, the structured mind my job demands often shows itself in my music. I find it rewarding to serve my country while also having the opportunity to pursue this dream of mine – even though sometimes it can be A LOT.

We love your song “Therapy”! Can you tell us a bit about the origins of this track? What inspired it?
The song was inspired by dealing with someone close to me who repeatedly changed their personality and opinions to fit in or gain influence, often at the expense of their authentic self. The lyrics tell the story of how challenging it can be maintaining a relationship with such a person. The lyrics are drawn from how I often see people sacrifice their “true self” to gain approval from other people.

Similarly, can you tell us about how “People Pleaser” came about? What was the process from ideation to execution with this one?
Honestly, I was at a point in my life where I realized that it was time to take control over my own life. Like many others, I felt society’s pressure to perform, advance, and succeed, which led to an excessive amount of mental strain – always trying to please everyone else around me by living up to what I thought they expected of me. At the same time, I caught myself feeling “guilty”, as I live in a country where most basic needs are met. Do I have the “right” to feel overwhelmed when I have food on the table and a roof over my head, while others suffer without these basic needs? Hence the song’s hook; “I’m blessed, but I’m stressed».

How does it feel to put out emotional music and see people connect with it? Has it been frightening at all?
Putting out emotional music and seeing people connect with it is a powerful and humbling experience. Knowing that my music resonates with others and helps them navigate their own emotions I would have to say is the most fulfilling part of being an artist. And yes, it’s actually pretty f***ing terrifying.

What do you hope listeners gain from your music?
More than anything, I want them to really feel like they’re not alone. Whether it’s a song that makes them dance or one that brings tears, I hope my music provides a space for self-reflection and emotional release.

Do you have a career highlight thus far?
Without a doubt, “Therapy” being in rotation on national Norwegian radio for 22 weeks now really feels like a huge win.

What is next for you?
More music, more collaborations, and more growth as an artist. I’m constantly working on new material and exploring new sounds. I’m excited to continue sharing my music with the world and connecting with listeners on a deeper level. There are also some exciting projects in the pipeline, so stay tuned!