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Photo: Lauren VanDerLaan  

Indiana-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Sara Kays has cultivated a devoted following by wearing her heart on her sleeve. The rapidly rising artist's growing fanbase is a testament to her understated gift for empathetic songwriting, which sees her transforming her innermost thoughts into universal, bittersweet anthems that carry all the emotional weight and intimacy of a close friend confiding in you. All of this culminates in her latest EP, Struck By Lightning, a heart-rending collection of songs that feel like sneaking a peek into someone's diary.    

Struck By Lightning includes the familiar breakout hit, "Remember That Night?," a breakup anthem whose delicate yet haunting soundscape caused it to quickly go viral. The EP also includes previously unheard songs, including the Cavetown-assisted titular opening track. Trademark Sara and Cavetown, the joint single sees the newfound duo creating a veritable earworm out of profoundly sincere sentiment. "A friend of mine struggled a lot with depression and didn't necessarily always talk to me about it," shares Sara. "It can be frustrating when you know someone's going through something, but they won't say anything. So, the idea is, 'I'll sit out there with you in silence.'  

In the span of its seven-track run, a lot can be said about the impression Sara Kays leaves. In many ways, it feels like the next step forward for an artist destined to become a household name or a tender reflection whose straightforward emotional sincerity is unmatched, but more than anything, Struck By Lightning, feels like the embrace of a close friend - comforting, familiar, and warm. We had the chance to talk with Sara via e-mail about her new EP, how she write such emotive songs, and collaborating with Cavetown (who she'll be going on tour with later this year).  

For those who don't know, who is Sara Kays?

Singer/songwriter from Indiana

When did you first know you wanted to make music?

I loved to sing as a kid and started to get more seriously interested in music when I was around 12 and got my first guitar. I learned to sing and play a lot of my favorite songs and started busking/playing bar gigs. After a few years of that, I became more interested in writing songs and realized how much I loved doing that, which is when I knew I wanted to make music forever !

Your music often feels like reading from the torn pages of a diary. It's intimate, vulnerable, and cathartic all in one fell swoop. How do you approach songwriting?

I normally like to establish a concept or storyline before I go into writing a song, so a lot of times I'll write a few lyrics first before going into the melody. A lot of what I write about is pretty personal, and I try not to have too much of a filter on while writing, so that might be why it can feel like reading a diary :-)

What was it like watching people connect with "Remember That Night?"

It has been so cool and honestly validating since I've mostly avoided writing about my relationship/ breakup, because I wasn't sure how to put the way I felt into words. I posted a clip of the song the same night I started writing it and the immediate reaction surprised me. It's always nice to know other people are feeling what I'm feeling.

At its core, "Remember That Night?" is a breakup anthem. What are your best tips for heartache?

I guess the thing that helped me most with getting over the breakup was avoiding contact with that person. Spending time with family/friends also helps, but otherwise I've learned it just takes time.

What do you hope people take away from Struck By Lightning?

I hope people can take away comfort from at least one song. Every song is its own story, but I wanted to call the EP Struck by Lightning because that song talks about being there for someone no matter what, and I hope some of these songs can make people feel like someone is there for them in the same way.

Is there a certain song you're excited, or even maybe a little scared, for people to hear for the first time?

I'm excited for people to hear both new songs!! I started writing "Struck By Lightning" back in October, and I'm so ready for it to be out. With "Freeze," I wrote the chorus sometime last year and decided to finish the song for this EP because it felt like the perfect song to round out the project.

What was it like collaborating with Cavetown on "Struck By Lightning?"

SO sick. I have been listening to Robbie for years, so it's super cool to be able to work on something with him in general. I sent him this song with the second verse open, and when he sent it back I was so excited after the first listen. I love his verse and he added some parts to the chorus that really made it his own.

If you could have any one thing in the world right now, what would it be?  

clear skin

Your music touches upon serious themes related to mental health, body image, and more. How important is it for you to tackle such difficult subject matter in your music?

When I write about those topics, there isn't really a lot of thought beforehand on why I'm writing about it - I'm usually just really going through something and want to put how I feel into words. I try to be as honest as I can, and I'm really grateful that it can result in connection and comfort.

Penultimate question. Snack of choice?

Croutons

Who are your Ones To Watch?

Annie DiRusso is sick - can't wait to have her on tour with me. ella jane is another - been loving every song she puts out.

Struck By Lightning is available everywhere you can stream it.