Meet The Captivating Singer-Songwriter… Sandrayati

If you’re looking for an artist who delivers thought-provoking and immersive music, Sandrayati is the singer-songwriter for you. The emerging talent’s love for the arts first started when she was a child. Born into a world of folk music and activism, she grew up surrounded by the rich traditions of Java and Bali, which helped foster her love for music. In 2012, Sandrayati started her professional journey as an artist, releasing two tracks with the folk duo Nostress. Since that fateful day, the talented guitarist has continued to hone her craft and share dynamic music that nourishes and nurtures her expanding audience.

At the start of April, Sandrayati showcased her new sound with her track “Unwavering,” which is co-written by the GRAMMY-nominated Jordan Rakei and features multi-faceted singer, songwriter and producer SOHN. On the enchanting track, the duo combine ambient melodies with spellbinding vocals and lyrics that touch on themes of self-doubt and trust. We were able to chat with Sandrayati about her track, working SOHN, music beginnings and more. Check out her full interview below. 

Heya Sandrayati! Thanks for sitting down with SPINDLE. How’s life treating you at the moment?

well, thank you! I am currently on a 5 week tour around EU and the UK opening up for Ghostly Kisses. It has been challenging and so rewarding: re-flourishing the Live experience, and connecting with people in real time. 

We need to talk about your latest single, ‘Unwavering.’ From its haunting production to its emotional lyrical content, the song really tugs at the heartstrings from start to finish. When did the idea for the record first pop up for you?

I started writing it coming off of my last tour, it came from a place of real questioning of everything.. It was a necessary expression at the time. I then took the seed of the song to a few friends to help me make sense of it. 

What was the most challenging aspect of bringing ‘Unwavering’ to life?

I knew that I wanted to collaborate with a producer for this song, however it was such a personal one and I had a very particular vision of how I wanted it to sound, so it was a fun challenge to balance that vision with a trust for the people I brought on board. And I ended up loving that process a lot. 

You and SOHN make an epic team on this track, especially regarding your harmonies. How did you two link up for the song? 

We met on social media! I had been a fan for a while, and when I saw him comment on one of my videos, I reached out to thank him for his work. Originally it was Jordan Rakei who had sang SOHNs part, as he contributed to the writing process as well. Jordan was deep in an album campaign at the time and so I was inspired to bring SOHN on board to finish the song together.. and it has opened up to a blooming friendship, I love working with him. 

‘Unwavering’ comes over a year after you released your first album, ‘Safe Ground.’ What will your new music era have in store for fans? Will you be expanding on any ideas from your debut project?

The new music has been marinating in me for a while now! So some of it feels ancient, yet they are being birthed together now. Yes, there is a theme that is present in me that I touched on in Safe Ground that I will be expanding on in the new waves of music to come. 

Will you be releasing a new album or EP in the near future? 

I will be releasing my next album in waves. The first wave will come in June this year, Unwavering is a part of that :).

Let’s take it back a bit. When did you first realise that music was your calling? 

I feel like I am still in the process of realising that.. every day it shows up in a new way.

Is there an artist or album that you continue to look towards for inspiration? 

I was blown away by Feists’ new album, Multitudes. It moved me deeply. I do come back to her very often. I also come back to The Spirit of Eden often, and also a great album called The Box Tree. 

Will we be getting a music video for ‘Unwavering?’ 

Not yet! But I hope that SOHN and I can play it live together sometime soon.

Lastly, what else can fans expect from Sandrayati in 2024? 

I’m feeling pretty inspired these days, motivated and filled with a kind of magnetic pull towards creating.. so lots of new music coming! I would also love to develop a closer relationship with the people who connect with my music..to explore creative ways to do this.

Check out Sandrayati’s latest track ‘Unwavering’ here or below.