Interview mit Sarah P. zum Song „Cybele’s dream“ | Was im ersten Moment wie der Name eines längst vergessenen C-Promis klingt, ist eigentlich eine alternative Berliner Musikerin mit griechischen Wurzeln. Sarah P. veröffentlicht nach ihrem Debütalbum eine EP namens „Maenads“ – und gibt im Interview Auskunft zum sehr besonderen Song „Cybele’s dream“.
How did you write „Cybele’s dream“ in the very beginning?
I’m always starting from the music. I had this rough song idea where I would mix more oriental sounds with electronic beats – that’s what I opted for. Months later, when in Athens, I came up with the lyrics for it, inspired by conversations I had with my parents about our family history, as well as memories of mine.
What can you tell us about recording the song?
I recorded it last summer in Athens at my favourite Artracks Studios, together with George Priniotakis, Clyde Jabra and Yannis Markopouliotis.
What’s your personal favorite moment of the track?
Perhaps the last chorus (around 4.00) until the end. The guitar sounds and the drums create an explosion of emotions, much like the Asia Minor culture. From their music to their cuisine, it’s all about the surprise elements that are bringing joy to the people and make them feel at home.
How can I understand the lyrics?
Cybele’s Dream is inspired by the stories of my great-grandparents who came to Greece as refugees from Smyrna in 1922. Some were lucky enough to escape the great fire and start a new life in Greece – my family were among these people. But as they moved from the one land to the other, they carried the “curse” of always trying but never truly belonging. For the Turkish, they were Greek and for the Greek, they were Turkish. I thought that, although I drew inspiration from my family history, the topic of seeking refuge in a new land is very current. Like my ancestors, millions of people have been crossing the Aegean, in recent history. The image is very stark. People stacked in boats, carrying the few belongings the managed to salvage before left their homes, with the hope not only for a new start, but for ceasefire and peace.
What’s your favorite one-liner of the song?
“Smells like home, like cloves”, because it’s taking me back to my grandma’s kitchen.
Why did you choose to put „Cybele’s dream“ at this position of the EP?
It’s a nostalgic track – the calm before the storm.
At what point of a concert do you play the song?
I’m currently not performing live, but hypothetically speaking, I would play it towards the end.
What songs would you put around „Cybele’s dream“ on a mixtape?
Misirlou by Tetos Dimitriades & O Pasatempos by Imam Baildi.
At what moment should I play the song?
You should play it whenever you feel like it! Music is to be experienced by the listeners in an individual way. At least, that’s how I feel about my songs… I always invite the listeners to make them their own.
Sarah P. hat eine gesamte EP mit sehr verschiedenen Songs veröffentlicht – hier könnt ihr euch das Gesamtwerk namens „Maenads“ anhören: