An interview taken from our new digital issue Nr 21. KALTBLUT caught up with Emilio Sakraya ahead of the release of his third album ‘Blessings’, a cheerful yet meditative release pondering on all the experiences in life – its highs and lows. In his upcoming album, Emilio embraces the exploration of new styles and genres, showcasing his evolution as an artist in these last two years. Emilio wants this album to serve as a companion, offering comfort and guidance amidst life’s storms. Filled with melodies to soothe the soul and lyrics that inspire to embrace every twist and turn with positivity, grace and gratitude.
KALTBLUT: It’s been a minute since your last album release, ‘1996’. How are you feeling about releasing a new body of work into the world?
Emilio: I am thrilled about everything that’s about to come with this album, and I’m excited about how the fans are going to react to the sound. Of course, I’m looking forward to playing these new songs on tour, too.
KALTBLUT: Listening to the album, you can tell it’s personal. You’re opening yourself up to show the real you. In your songs, “Cacio e Pepe” and “Gartentor Freestyle”, you talk about how you’re constantly on the run, as you are always doing so many things. You’re not only a musician, singer, and songwriter, but also an actor and a dad. How do you balance all that?
Emilio: I enjoy everything I do. There are many things I love, and I refuse to give any of them up for another, so I do it all. Sure, it can be tough at times, but it’s also incredibly fulfilling. I genuinely relish every moment of it. I play a significant role in organising my schedule and determining when to tackle each task. Therefore, I prioritise self-care and cherish those fleeting moments of peace. I always look at the big picture, and I’m reminded of how far I’ve come. I’m just a young boy living his dreams. Each year, I aim to write an album, followed by touring to promote the music. This year, we’re promoting the album, and after, I’ll be going on tour again. Then, I’ll be filming again. I decided that I wanted this to be my life, and I feel happy and grateful living it every day.
KALTBLUT: When did your passion for music start?
Emilio: Since I was a little kid, I was always into music. When I was 11, I started to play the piano. I was a part of a school band where I played the guitar. I covered many songs back then. To be honest, I was more into music than the film business in my early years. I always wanted to become an actor, but I didn’t get jobs when I was young. I was a musician my whole life, though. I started to compose and write my songs when I was 19 and got signed with a music label when I was 20. It’s been eight years since then, and now I’m releasing my third album. I’m living my dream. It’s exactly the way I imagined it.
KALTBLUT: In your new album, there is a track called “Rote Ampel”. Your gift of storytelling shows. Can you tell me more about this track?
Emilio: I was driving around town with my car when I saw a young boy standing on the side of the street looking at my car. I looked at him and realised how crazy it was because I used to be a boy looking at cars. Now, I’m the driver. I started thinking about how much I had to go through and work to be the person in the car now. I was thinking about it all my way back and when I got into the studio I just needed to write a song about that moment and try to narrow it down to what it takes to become the driver and not the boy on the street. The process of writing that song was a reflection of my journey for me so far.
Read the full interview in the new issue here:
Stream Emilio’s latest studio album ‘Blessings’ here and follow him on Instagram at @emilio_sakraya_ to keep up with upcoming releases, films, and other projects.
Photos by @denisseaps
Interview by Daria Artemova @daria.art5
