There’s an endearing duality to the work of Strama, highlighted skilfully on the Londoner’s debut EP Silver Lining. Facing poignant and forlorn themes like bereavement, heartache and self-depreciation head on, Strama manufactures her despair into wistful juxtaposition of dark and light, using natural and ambiguous imagery to depict a journey towards solitude and hope. 

As adept as a producer as a singer/songwriter, Strama’s enduring musical acumen is strikingly underlined across the EP, with the entire body of work created by solely her. A thematically rounded, stylistically diverse and emotionally resonant body of work, the honesty of Strama’s writing, the passion of her performance, and the nuance of her production amalgamate a distinctive and pious divulgence into the inner workings of a mature artist. 

I caught up with Strama to discuss her musical origins, limitations of genre-labelling, the stigma around female producers, and her stunning new EP.

Who is influencing you?

Everything and anything! But if I had to choose one  artist right now I would say Jorja Smith. 

How and why did you first start writing?

I started writing lyrics and making melodies since I can remember and then songwriting more seriously since I was 13/14 years old. There wasn’t really a reason, I was just sad and used poetry as catharsis haha. 

To you, what does it mean to be a creative?

Someone who feels free to express themselves through other mediums. And also who enjoys doing things differently. 

How would you define your sound?

I’m still searching for my sound to be honest, but for the moment I would say it’s maybe dreamy and soulful. 

How do think you stand out from such a flourishing scene?

I think being in control of my own music does help set a tone, so I don’t sound too similar to anyone else. I’m able to trial and error things musically and directly express myself into the music so I think this already helps me sound like my own person as opposed to trying to articulate to another producer in the room what I want and mimic someone else. 

Do you think that the industry boxes artists into a sound or genre?

Yes, I really don’t like it and I think this just ends up dividing listeners. I reckon the future of music is going to be genre-less, take Rosalia’s latest album for example, that’s something I’d like to strive towards. Today we hear blurred fusions of sounds but they like to just call it one thing when in reality there’s so much more going on. 

Do you feel more at home as a singer/songwriter or a producer?

Maybe songwriting, production is a newer skill to me but I really enjoy doing both. 

There’s definitely a lack of successful female producers, why do you think that is?

A lot of reasons, such as men and women being treated differently in a studio setting. By the way I’m not saying this is every producer as I’ve also had great experiences and have a lot of respect with my male friends. But there’s a lot of taboo power shifts in this field and sadly too many inside stories of abuse and people taking advantage of your vulnerability. Especially when you’re young, it can be intimidating being in a room with grown men telling you what’s right and wrong. I also think when you’re made to feel unwelcome from the get go, like being told multiple times  ‘you can’t do this’ or you ‘don’t understand’ ‘it’s too complicated’ before you’ve even had a chance to try it, you slowly start to believe it, which is crazy because everyone has to start from somewhere! 

How do you think that can change?

Creating safer spaces where women can express their creativity. For example when I produce for other artists I usually only work with girls, it’s such a different dynamic and it makes everyone feel more included in the process and it’s fun. Guys do it literally all the time, so should we. 

Love the new EP! How did you bring your Ideas to life?

Thank you so much, I’m glad! It was made at home so it’s all DIY. The ideas came from just observing what was going on in a post pandemic world and how people were feeling. 

How do you feel having released your work to the world?

It’s a funny feeling, but I’m happy it’s done haha. 

What’s the themes and concepts behind the new EP?

Things like love, lust, grief and friendship. I wanted to reflect on feelings of general everyday life.

What do you want listeners to take away from it?

Hopefully feel connected to the music and find comfort in it!

If you were introducing yourself to a new listener, what track would you play them?

It would be between Milk and Honey and Cycle I think!

What’s to come from you?

I’m already writing my second project and producing a couple EPs for a few emerging artists, so I’m quite excited for all the new music to be released.