Sariyah Idan Expands Her Acoustic Storytelling on “Live In Berlin, Vol. 2”

Sariyah Idan is a New Orleans-based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and powerhouse performer whose work has earned her widespread recognition. Raised in New York and formally trained in jazz and folk, she blends those foundations with hip-hop, Latinx, and Caribbean rhythms, as well as elements of her Jewish heritage, creating a sound that connects soul, folk, jazz, and socially conscious storytelling. Her debut album, “Breaking Shadows,” introduced her deeply personal songwriting, followed by “Glitter & Blood,” produced in New Orleans, which further established her as a compelling narrative voice.

Her work has been featured on NPR and independent radio stations nationwide and performed at venues such as The Kennedy Centre, Skirball Cultural Centre, Nuyorican Poets Cafe, and The Jazz Museum. Beyond the stage, she is an active cultural organiser and community advocate, using music and live performance to foster connection and collective empowerment.

Sariyah spent a significant amount of time in Berlin and seriously considered making the city her home before ultimately settling in New Orleans. With her preferred recording engineer based there and a deep appreciation for the focus and engagement of European audiences, selecting the city as the setting for a live album felt like a natural step.

It was in New Orleans, however, that she truly refined her solo performance craft. Although much of her songwriting is arranged with a full band in mind and her studio recordings reflect that scope, she performs alone several nights each week in neighbourhood venues and along the well-known Royal Street busking corridor. The rhythm of street performance, shaped by the city’s culture and the spontaneous exchanges with residents and visitors alike, played a crucial role in the evolution of her latest release.

Following the release of her “Live In Berlin, Vol. 1,” Sariyah Idan now presents Vol. 2. The first instalment offered an intriguing collection of tracks, and this new chapter builds on that momentum with another set of compelling performances. Accompanied by acoustic guitar, she delivers a mix of original songs and carefully chosen covers, exploring themes that move from global concerns to personal journeys toward self-love. The album revolves around the idea of light, both the light we carry within and the light that surrounds us, while acknowledging the darkness present in society.

In tracks like “Why You Do,” her voice takes centre stage, revealing an impressive range and emotional depth. “Winter in America” stands out for its soulful delivery,  drawing listeners in from the first note. Other highlights include “I’m a Warrior,” a chant that places love at the forefront, and “Gracias a la Vida,” performed entirely in Spanish. The album closes with “Shine,” a fitting finale that lingers long after the final chord. 

“Live In Berlin, Vol. 2,” much like its predecessor, delivers a resonant and intimate listening experience. The album offers a journey that rewards close listening from beginning to end.

CONNECT WITH SARIYAH IDAN via @sariyahidan