Continuing his ascent to indie-dance stardom, Brooklyn’s own Sasha Rome teams up with Artemis Orion and Stripess for their collaborative single “Criminal” – the title track to Sasha Rome’s debut EP Criminal.
Due for release Wednesday, July 13 via Jadū Dala, the atmospheric house cut arrives at the heels of the EP’s debut single “Release”
Surveying futuristic soundscapes through a lens of the past, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer Sasha Rome makes nostalgic indie disco designed for driving dance floors and living room lounge to boot. Quickly becoming one of NYC’s most exciting dance acts to watch, Sasha Rome’s growing repertoire has graced some of dance music’s most inspired record labels from the likes Kitsune Musique, Dome of Doom, Playitlouder, and Jadū Dala with critical acclaim from tastemakers like BBC Introducing, KCRW, Dancing Astronaut, and Spotify’s Fresh Finds.
To match his stylish original productions, Sasha is also a master of the remix with official remixes for QRTR, Geotheory, and Mazde. An expert sound-bender both in the studio and on-stage, Sasha Rome has performed at bustling NYC venues like Webster Hall, Elsewhere, and Schimanski, in addition to opening sets for artists like Channel Tres, Claptone, Oliver Dollar, Psychemagik, and Kiesza.
Ahead of his debut EP Criminal, Sasha Rome taps fellow producer Stripess and singer/songwriter Artemis Orion for the project’s title track. Best described as funky cyberpunk, DC-native and Bay Area-based Stripess brings his edgy flair to the forefront of the collaborative effort while LA’s Artemis Orion adds her honeyed vocals to the topline. A laissez-faire house anthem with a healthy serving of groove on the side, “Criminal” is quintessential Sasha Rome.
“When I started this song I was inspired by old school and lofi 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 grooves 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.” – Sasha Rome
