Maryland-based alt-pop rising star SABS has continued to make waves with her noir-tinged anthem ‘justlikethat’. It’s already her second track of 2025, and her momentum shows no signs of stopping. Drawing from a deeply personal experience underneath the lush production, there’s plenty we wanted to know about the track, so we went and found out!
‘justlikethat’ is about a toxic relationship and putting yourself first. Was writing the track a cathartic process? And is that something that you often find with songwriting?
Absolutely. Writing ‘justlikethat’ was a release for me—it came from a moment where I finally decided to cut off someone who had been draining my energy for too long. The songwriting process helped me process all the emotions I had bottled up—frustration, disappointment, but ultimately empowerment. I’d say most of my songwriting is cathartic in some way. Whether I’m writing from personal experience or pulling from emotions I haven’t fully unpacked, it always helps me make sense of things.
You’ve shared that you hope ‘justlikethat’ inspires others to protect their energy and stand their ground. What’s a song that has similarly empowered you, and did it influence this song?
One song that really empowered me is Praying by Kesha. There’s so much raw emotion in that song, and it’s about reclaiming your power after being hurt. While justlikethat has a different energy—it’s more direct and unapologetic—the core message of walking away from something toxic and choosing yourself is similar. I didn’t consciously reference any specific song while writing it, but I do think I gravitate toward music that makes you feel strong and in control.
Your overall sound has been consistently unique since your debut. How would you describe your approach to sonic identity?
Thank you! I think my sound is a mix of raw emotion, cinematic elements, and a little edge. I love blending organic and electronic textures to create a world that feels immersive but still intimate. Vocals are always front and centre—I want people to feel every lyric. I’m also drawn to contrasts, so you’ll hear softness mixed with grit, light mixed with dark. It’s all about creating something that feels emotionally honest.
How has your work at songwriting camps helped you to evolve as an artist? What were the most important things you learned?
Songwriting camps have been game-changers for me. They push you to think on your feet, collaborate with different minds, and step out of your comfort zone. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how to trust my instincts while also being open to new ideas. Sometimes, the best ideas come from letting go of control and seeing where the music takes you. I’ve also learned a lot about efficiency—how to craft melodies and lyrics quickly without overthinking. That’s helped me in my solo writing too.
Is there anything in the pipeline for 2025 that we should be keeping an eye out for?
Definitely! I’m working on an EP that I’m really excited about—it’s a project that dives deeper into my sound and storytelling. I also have more collaborations in the works and plan to do more live shows this year. So there’s a lot to look forward to!