Sarah R Jay - The Sun Within Truly Mirrors My Personal Struggles (UAE based Singer, Composer, 390K+ Followers)

 

Sarah R Jay

"For me, music became a healing journey, an essential source of balance, hope, and inner peace."


Q. Can you take us back to the beginning—what first sparked your passion for music, and how did your journey as a singer, composer, and producer begin?

Music captivated me from the moment I first pressed the keys of a piano as a child; it felt like discovering pure magic. Initially, I pursued music independently, without formal training, driven solely by passion and curiosity. Later, I finally began structured classical training in piano and singing, but those early self-taught years greatly accelerated my growth and helped shape my artistic identity. Gradually, my roles as singer, composer, and producer naturally unfolded, fuelled by the excitement of crafting something truly my own.

Q. Your music often intertwines electronic pop with cinematic storytelling. How do you approach blending these genres to create a cohesive sound?

For me, every song is a story expressed through sound. Electronic pop provides a vibrant and energetic foundation, onto which I layer cinematic elements for emotional depth and storytelling. Carefully balancing melody, rhythm, and atmosphere, I try to create immersive soundscapes that transport listeners into deeply felt, cinematic journeys.

Q. Sea of Sorrow has been described as a haunting ballad that transcends music. Can you share the inspiration behind this track and its significance to you?

Sea of Sorrow is deeply personal, inspired by my experiences since 2019 when I became actively involved in rescuing stray cats in the UAE. Together with my father, we've established a private shelter according to our possibilities, caring for dozens of wild or abandoned and neglected souls. Through this song, I wanted to channel their silent suffering into a powerful call for empathy and change.

Q. Your latest release, The Sun Within, is noted as an autobiographical anthem of hope and resilience. How does this track reflect your personal journey?

The Sun Within truly mirrors my personal struggles, including overcoming periods of depression and neurological challenges. For me, music became a healing journey, an essential source of balance, hope, and inner peace. Writing this track was both therapeutic and empowering, reflecting my belief that even in our darkest moments, we carry a powerful, radiant light within ourselves that guides us forward.

Q. Living in the UAE since 2018, how has the cultural landscape influenced your music and artistic expression?

The UAE's dynamic, multicultural environment has profoundly influenced my artistry, enriching my music with diverse global elements and encouraging creative experimentation. A direct example is my track “Dubai’s Moonlit Glow,” specifically composed as an ode to Dubai’s stunning nightscapes, a city designed to inspire millions worldwide to dream bigger and aspire higher. The innovative energy and progressive spirit of this country continually shape and elevate my creative vision.

Q. Your commitment to animal welfare is evident, especially with the release of Sea of Sorrow on International Homeless Animals Day. How do you integrate advocacy into your music?

Music is my strongest form of advocacy: it touches hearts, resonates deeply, and inspires action. Sea of Sorrow was my debut song highlighting animal welfare, but it certainly won’t be my last. This cause is central to my music, and I’m currently composing another track dedicated to this theme, planned as part of a 10-track album set to be released approximately three months from now. Each lyric and melody I write serves to raise awareness, inspire compassion, and drive tangible change.

I also feel driven by a passion for highlighting epic stories and historical themes through my music. I believe music has the power to capture young audiences' interest, drawing their attention to legendary moments and significant historical events that shaped humanity. Songs such as “300 Fallen Heroes”, honouring the bravery of the 300 Spartan soldiers driven by king Leonidas who fought at Thermopylae to defend their homeland from Persian invasion, and “Gliding to the Sun”, inspired by the timeless myth of Icarus, exemplify how deeply history and mythology inspire my work.

Q. Among the many styles you work with—like electronic pop, melodic techno, and cinematic soundtracks—which one feels most like ‘home’ to you, and are there any other genres or musical traditions you'd love to explore in the future?

Electronic pop and melodic techno truly feel like my musical home, where I naturally blend emotional storytelling with vibrant, energetic rhythms. Still, my musical curiosity has no boundaries, and I am very open to exploring new melodies, including influences from Middle Eastern music. Although fascinated, I feel I'm not fully ready yet; I need more time immersed in this rich culture to authentically incorporate and reflect its inspiring sounds in my future compositions.


Bio

Sarah R Jay is a UAE-based singer, composer, and producer known for blending electronic pop with cinematic storytelling. Self-taught in her early years and later classically trained, her music reflects a deep emotional core and a passion for advocacy. Her tracks often draw from personal struggles, animal welfare, and historical themes—like Sea of Sorrow and 300 Fallen Heroes. Inspired by the UAE’s multicultural spirit, Sarah continues to evolve her sound while working on a 10-track album dedicated to compassion, resilience, and epic storytelling.





Interviewed By Irene Elina Eldhose

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