sakakosmos, a London-based Chinese singer-composer, producer, and pianist, is a rising artist with a remarkable ability to blend classical foundations with modern genres like R&B and soul. Despite being part of Gen-Z, her artistry reflects the wisdom of an old soul, infused with a deep commitment to storytelling and emotional expression.
In this interview, she opens up about her creative journey, the inspiration behind her upcoming album Silver Morpho, and how her diverse experiences have shaped her boundaryless sound. sakakosmos takes us into her world of conceptual music-making, where every note, lyric, and layer is designed to connect, inspire, and resonate on a deeply human level.
How did your journey with music begin, and what role did your classical training play in shaping your artistry today?
I would say since born...? Both my parents are classical vocalists specialising in Western and Eastern operas, so music is always in my blood. I began learning classical piano at 5, but as I grew and explored genres like R&B, soul, and jazz, I loved blending what I’ve learned since a kid with the varieties I’m passionate about now.
Your music blends classical elements with modern genres like R&B. How do you approach creating a sound that bridges these worlds?
I grew up exposed to a wide range of genres from all over the world. I was obsessed with J-rock and electronic game music when I was a teenager, afterwards I dived into the indie band music, and later found myself captivated by R&B or jazz & soul stuffs.
I usually begin with melody and chords when I write a song, let the composition flows naturally. Once the song has got a shape, I’ll add layers of instrument details and sound design effects to bring a more abstract feeling to my arrangements. It’s about capturing emotions and translating them into textures that bridge those different musical worlds.
What has been the most rewarding project you've worked on so far, and what did you learn from the experience?
I feel incredibly lucky to work with games and big IPs, but personally, the most rewarding project for me has to be my upcoming album ‘Silver Morpho’, which will be out next spring. It’s centred around the character Silvia, a creator who retreated into a forest to build her own dreamlike virtual world after being overwhelmed by external voices. But as she spent time in her world creating layers, she realises that her world only built from her own perspective feels incomplete. That’s why she finally decided to wake up and reattached to the reality, craving resonance and understanding with others.
The concept talks about Creation-Reflection-Connection which inspired by Genesis, but it’s kind of a modern (even cyber) version. It reflects how we live in a world dominated by digital connections, endless content, and external influences that shape how we think and feel. It’s kind of universal that everyone could be Silvia in some ways, such as searching for balance between self-expression and connection. I also hope that we could not only see themselves in her story but feel empowered to find connections with the world and with others in our own ways.
Also I’m so grateful for having Jerry(Xiangyang He) to bring Silvia’s world to life visually. I couldn’t believe that we made it possible for everyone to vividly experience Silvia’s colourful world—her creation, her thoughts and struggles, and her awakening. We still got more songs, stories, and visuals yet to be unveiled, and I’m looking forward to exploring them together with you all in the future!
Living in diverse international environments must have influenced your creativity. How do these experiences show up in your music?
I’m like a sponge which naturally absorb and “automatically” analyse on the musical and cultural roots of the places I’ve lived in. London has shown me a kind of subtle yet undeniable freedom—something that encourages expression in all its forms. In my music, this translates into blending different instruments and techniques, while creating a boundary-less, inclusive tone that focuses on pure, honest expression.
What drives you as an artist, and how do you balance technical perfectionism with emotional expression in your work?
I get asked this question a lot! My answer is always the same: Technique exists to serve expression. I usually choose specific techniques that best convey the emotion I’m aiming for. For example, there might be moments where I could show off technically, but I’d rather use a straightforward, understated approach if it feels more authentic to the story I want to tell. It drives me when I could be a storyteller, and express the story itself and beyond.
How do you find the balance between staying true to your roots while exploring new and innovative sounds?
I think everyone has a physical home, but as equal souls navigating this world, our true roots are within us. They’re shaped by our experiences such as what we see, what we absorb, and the things we can and can’t choose. These has already became part of who we are.
As someone who’s always drawn to innovation, I follow my instincts and the sense of forward-thinking that excites me. At the same time if I want to express nostalgia, I can tap into that whenever I choose, even open a new project to it. As artists, I feel like we don’t really need to put that much pressure on ourselves but finding a dynamic balance is something that happens naturally over time.
What do you enjoy most about composing music for different mediums, such as AAA games or live events?
I think I’m a bit of a weirdo (I don’t know if anyone could get it!). When I work on different mediums, I almost take on different “identities” or states of mind. Such as when I compose or sing for a game character, I fully put myself in their perspective. I might even adapt my vocal style or technique to suit who they are. But when I’m back and make my own stuffs, it’s all about the concept delivery and emotional expression.
Live performance is a completely different experience. It’s not just about the music but more about interaction. I feel so amazed how live spaces bring together people from all walks of life to share the same environment and become a part of performance. Even if you don’t even know what I did an hour ago before I came to the venue, we all throw ourselves into the music and forget everything else. That shared moment of connection where individual stories collide to create something bigger, is truly magical.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your artistic journey so far, and how have you navigated it?
I’d say... my social anxiety? But obviously it’s not 100% a bad thing because sensitivity often fuels creativity. Probably that’s why it helps me connect more deeply with the feelings that resonate with others. Everyone got their own vulnerable side, and for me the best way to deal with it is to just put it into my works.
"Turn what the unspoken into creation." That’s where my balance is.
How do you connect with your audience emotionally through your compositions, and what do you hope they feel when they hear your work?
Rather than telling personal relationship stories (no offensive!), I prefer exploring broader, human experiences such as our thoughts and feelings as individuals navigating this world. Even though everyone’s background and journey are different, I’ve noticed that no matter where we come from, we often share similar questions about self-identity, relationships, and our place in society.
What I want to convey is that no matter what we’re struggling with, we’re not alone. Imperfections? Confusions? That’s okay, it’s all part of being human. I hope my music offers more than just a listening experience but a creation to bring power, comfort and resonance. And if possible, I want my music to serve as an outlet for my listeners: something they can carry with them in their lives.
What’s next for you as an artist, and how do you see your music evolving in the coming years?
My first full-album project (PROJECT001 ‘Silver Morpho’) introduces Silvia as the main character and marks the beginning of the sakakosmos universe. You will also see more characters in the future with my new projects, telling stories that reflect the different stages and emotions of life. Musically, I’ll be exploring a broader range of styles, including soul and afrobeat, while continuing to create concept albums. Beyond that, I’m also planning to release piano versions and improvisational collections for a more intimate experience.
I’ll also be working hard on the visual elements and conceptual planning to bring more complete and exciting projects to life. Hopefully I could connect more with audiences through live performances, creating high-quality and more engaging experiences in the venues. I hope my work could bring a sense of honesty, companionship, and connection to more people. In the fast-paced overwhelming world, I want my music to be a small force that helps listeners feel released and inspired—something that encourages deeper reflection amidst the chaos.
By the REAL Editorial Team | Dec 12, 2024