The Artist Explains: SAENS - 'Runaways'
Emerging from Montreal’s diverse and fast-growing music scene, SAENS has just released his new track ‘Runaways’ - which see him combining down-tempo electronica with his soulful vocals. He took a moment to talk to us about the track in more depth.
Hey there SAENS, so your new track ‘Runaways’ is out now. Can you tell us what it is about?
Runaways is a song about both a relationship I had with a woman that was toxic yet really passionate. We'd see each other only within the space of her apartment, and it was like nothing else outside of there really existed, in a bubble . As time went by, I kinda found another meaning to it. In many of my songs, I always try to include a subtext, just like in screenwriting. I can comfortably say that runaways is also about the relationship I have with myself. Which is what we tried to showcase in the music video we did for it. It's like my subconscious trying to tell me I have to find the heart to love who I am and just run with it.
It is taken from your debut album ‘Drugs Don’t Wear Off’ - how is that coming along? When can we get to hear that?
It's been quite the journey to be honest. It took me some time to figure out where I wanted to go creatively. We live in such a weird time, both socially and musically that it really evolved over the past 2 years. I'm exploring a lot of new pop sounds, and 80's inspiration, and recently found the sound I want to put out. Their is something great about the 80's, in the freeness of pop, the drama and larger than life creators, it's really something that inspires me deeply. Realistically, I would say it september 2021 is when I want to put it out.
You studied theatre and film at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Institute in New York City - do you feel that has influenced your song writing style at all?
Most definitely. I approach every song as if I was a character in a movie. I know the song feels right when I can picture the whole thing visually.
Who are your favorite filmmakers and why?
Jean-Marc Vallee would have to be #1. He's from my home town Montreal, and I've had the chance to witness his work from the inside, and how he approaches his art. His dedication and craftsmanship is something I aspire to. He has this ability to connect with the characters in each of his movies, even the darker ones, and make them relatable enough to reach mass audiences. He also uses soundtracks instead of scores, to further push the narrative which is great.
There is a certain level of cinematic style to your music, is there a certain film soundtrack that speaks to you as a musician?
Drive has to be the one. But there are so many great ones. Anything Hans Zimmer touches is just pure gold, and often so makes the movie.