Known for his fresh indie-dance creations, Sasha Rome is quickly becoming one of New York City’s most exciting acts. The songwriter-producer-guitarist blends old-school rhythms and beats with sleek guitar riffs for a sound that impresses at the club, at home, or on stage. Over the past few years, Sasha has opened for artists like Channel Tres, Psychemagik, and Kiesza, further continuing his rise and introducing audiences to his effusive sound. As he prepares to drop his debut EP, Criminal, Sasha is giving us its groovy title track.
On “Criminal,” Sasha enlists the help of Stripess and artemis orion for a track described as “quintessential Sasha Rome.” Containing Sasha’s iconic indie-dance sound, “Criminal” taps into the obsessive side of love, rounded out with Stripess’s edgy production and artemis’s charming vocals. Sweetly, artemis delivers significant lines like “Hold me like you’ll stay and never stray away” and asks, “Would you make me your criminal?” You can check it out below.
Telling us more about “Criminal,” Sasha explains,
“When I started this song, I was inspired by old school and lo-fi house, but I wanted to put my own Sasha Rome spin on it. I played the fast chords on my Prophet and instantly got a groove going with the chords and the drums. Stripess then chopped up the chords and added more groove to the bassline and drums, taking the production to the next level. I sent it to artemis orion, who added the lovely vocal topline, which I quickly fell in love with. To complete the song, I added guitar in the breakdown and heavily affected her vocals in the last drop, along with adding the finishing detail work. It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve worked on, with an undeniable groove and beautiful vocals I can’t get enough of.
I love the message behind the song because I think it’s a feeling that most of us have felt at some time or another. A love so strong that you’re willing to do anything for that person, even if it goes against your boundaries or morals (maybe even something “criminal” as hinted in the lyrics). It’s a love that goes beyond healthy and can be all-consuming. It’s usually followed by pain and heartbreak, but can serve as a powerful lesson we can grow from.”
You can listen to “Criminal” on platforms like SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Music.
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