23-year-old Strama has absorbed a diverse blend of influences, culminating in a dreamy soulful sound inspired by the likes of Erykah Badu and Sabrina Claudio.
The artist grew up listening to her parent’s Jazz, Motown, Classical and Cinematic record collection while training as a classical pianist. Strama is Italian-Romanian but was raised in The Netherlands, connecting her to multiple cultures and sounds. She then shifted her focus to self-taught music production, honing her skills over the past year. Producing her music, in Strama’s words, ‘has allowed me to take control and ownership of my art’.
“I’m excited to become part of the new wave of women contributing their creativity in the industry. Producers like Charlotte Day Wilson and Hannah V are killing it right now. Women and gender minorities are so under-represented in the industry. I will say though, I’m not a fan of the label ‘female’ producer, it suggests there’s a difference in ability and skill between genders when there obviously isn’t.”
Who inspired you to make music?
Great musical icons eg. Michael Jackson, but ultimately everything and anything, I like taking inspiration from lots of places which I think is really important to keep creative juices flowing.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
A blessing and a curse! It’s definitely changed the way we listen to music. I think we’re at an age where music is saturated and artist marketing/branding has a lot more emphasis than ever before, it’s not ‘enough’ to be good at one thing. At the same time you never know when opportunities happen, there are doors that could open, for example getting discovered through social media.
Have you got a ritual of sorts when making music?
If I’m working from home, my environment has to be really clean and in order, otherwise, I get pretty stressed out haha, I’m a bit of a control freak. I get more inspired when it’s nighttime, if I’m creating during the day I’ll gladly pull down the blinds.
How would you describe your music?
Maybe it’s emotive and dreamy!
What’s next for you?
I have my first headline show for my debut EP launch on the 7th of June in London, would love to see you guys there. My EP is out on June 8. Pre-Save https://viewmusic.lnk.to/SilverLining
What are your top two favorite songs of all time? Why those songs?
So difficult to choose! ‘El Cuarto De Tula’ by Buena Vista Social Club and ‘Caruso’ by Lucio Dalla.
What was the last series you watched on TV?
Formula 1: Drive to Survive
What do you think the greatest invention has been?
The bidet
Do you have any lucky items, objects, or traditions?
I just really like making lasagna
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
What’s the best advice for time management and efficiency?
If you had to describe yourself as a flavor, what would it be?
Pistacchio gelato