If you haven’t heard of Saro, you’re truly missing out. His voice is captivating while his lyrics offer a wide range of emotion. In honor of Pride month, Saro released “Daddy I Love Him”, an electro-pop infused ode to coming out. The song is a celebration of love and loving who you want to love.
We, at For The Culture Zine, were lucky enough to talk to Los Angeles-based Noir & B singer about his single “Daddy I Love Him”, the advantages of free styling his work, and advice on coming out to your parents.
Q&A With Saro
Q: Your recent song, “Daddy I Love Him” is a triumphant coming-out anthem. Walk us through the making of it.
SARO: Pre-pandemic I always recorded in the studio with producers so this song marked the first time I recorded final vocals myself. I free-styled the opening line about someone I dated who had recently gotten a snake tattoo on their face. Then it became about a different guy I dated that my daddy hated. It was a fun process writing from a narrative perspective.
Q: You stated that a lot of your earlier work is lyrically and melodically dark but during the pandemic you needed an outlet for light and that this song shows a more carefree side of you. Now that “Daddy I Love Him” is out, is this a side we can look forward to seeing more often?
SARO: This is definitely a side that is here to stay.
Q: How did it feel to perform on Night 1 of Outloud: Raising Voices?
SARO: Like showering in an avalanche of dippin dots.
Q: What is your first memory of being inspired by music?
SARO: I remember my mom playing Janet Jackson self-titled album on repeat and it was what made me start trying to imitate melodies.
Q: What is the biggest misconception that people have of you and/or your music?
SARO: That I’m a sad person because of much of my music is melancholy but everyone who meets me can tell I’m a pretty happy person. I get all that dark energy out of me when I write.
Q: Who are some of your favorite LGBTQ+ artists who have had an impact on you over the years and why?
SARO: Morrissey. I discovered the Smiths at a pivotal age when I was discovering my sexuality. I would try to read between his lines and related so deeply to the subject matter and energy of his lyrics and melodies.
Q: You freestyle a lot of your work, even in the shower. What are some advantages of free styling?
SARO: Fluidity. It allows me to think outside of the box. It allows me to be less rigid when it comes to song structure. It allows me to come up with lyrics that flow straight from my heart.
Q: What advice do you have for young queer folks who are struggling to come out to their parents?
SARO: Don’t force it. Take your time. Feel out when the moment is right. Hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Remember that anyone who doesn’t accept you for who you truly are does not deserve to have you in their life.
Q: What’s coming up next for you?
SARO: My debut album!! New visuals, more collaborations and I hope to tour soon after the album release.