Paris-based artist SACHA marks the beginning of a new chapter for his music, with the recent unveiling of two stunning, acoustic live performance videos. As he hints towards what listeners can expect from his upcoming EP, he closes the door of his old musical project Johnny Longlegs and enters an exciting, more authentic new journey. 

Starting off with “Nothing Else,” the multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and producer, also known as Sacha Arnaud, takes us back to a time of his life where he would flit from place to place, exploring more about both the world and himself. Then there is “Flowers,” a beautiful love song which sees SACHA digging deep into his feelings. Both songs are filmed in a stripped-back, minimalistic style, where the artist takes things back to their basics, sonically and visually. We are offered an honest look at who he is, as SACHA lays it all out on the table. 

Variance spoke with SACHA about the new releases, his transition between musical projects and his upcoming EP, CHANGE OF HEART.

You just dropped two live performance videos, “Nothing Else” and “Flowers”. What inspired you to release these two songs as live performance videos? 

These 2 songs were part of my Johnny Longlegs EP "Flowers". I wanted to find a transition between my old self and the new music that I make so I thought it'd be a good idea to record them in the style of my upcoming EP. 

“Nothing Else” narrates a period of your life where you were living a vagabond lifestyle. What was it about that time that was special to you and did you learn anything about yourself?

I guess what felt exciting was the fact that nothing lasted, everything was very ephemeral and didn't matter in a way. It was definitely a double edged sword, I felt so much freedom and the capacity to do anything I wanted to at the time but I was also running away from the many things inside that needed to be dealt with. I think this period opened the door to a deeper analysis of myself.

“Flowers” is a love story. Do you find it easy to be open and honest within your lyrics or are there ever any topics that you struggle to write about?

Hmmm, it's always hard to be entirely honest in your writing, though it is what I strive for. I think it's easy to put layers in between your words and your feelings without even noticing. There's how you really feel, and how you think you feel, or even what you think you should feel. Sometimes I try too hard to make the words make sense but the way you feel isn't always like that. My process is changing a lot these days and allowing more stream of consciousness. 

Can you tell us about the musicians you have performing alongside you in the video and if there were any behind the scenes moments you wish to share?

Ah yes, these 2 are some of my favorite people in the world. Jesa is an incredible musician, I don't think I've ever connected musically with someone the way I connect with her, the emotional depth of what she brings to the music is immeasurable. Rémi Klein is a sort of genius composer, he can play anything and sing incredibly well and is the most selfless guy, whenever we meet I know I'm gonna feel great. I love working with them both, it's more than that, we grow together and I'm free to be vulnerable around them. 

You spend a lot of time in both Paris and Berlin. How does each city inspire your sound and are there any local artists from each city that you recommend we’d check out?

I actually don't spend much time in Berlin anymore, I moved away almost 5 years ago. But yeah there's a lot of music coming from there, give my buddy Ed Prosek a listen, or GAVRIEL who I think really is onto something special. If you're into something a little wilder you can check my old flatmate's band Skin On Flesh. 

Paris is filled to the rim with great music, first you should listen to Jesa and Remi's band LORD$ but also his solo music. I produced an EP for Katrin Merili that's gonna be released over summer, very excited about her music coming out. My buddy nutone, up there producer,  Bada-Bada is one of my favorite bands in town, Sophye Soliveau is an amazing singer and performer, La Chica is absolutely mind-blowing too. So many people to mention... 

Both videos showcase your incredible musicianship and live talent. Do you have plans to tour at all so people can witness it for themselves in the flesh?

Thank you. I'm working on lining up a few shows during the fall, we'll be announcing dates after summer.

You are transitioning from your former musical project Johnny Longlegs to SACHA. Can you tell us more about that and the decision to change your artistic direction?

After 2 years of performing and writing as Johnny Longlegs I realized I was lacking fluidity, something wasn't clicking inside of me. I needed more honesty, less embellishments. I felt like I was hiding behind a name that isn't mine and under layers of shiny production tricks. The last show we played under that name just felt like crap to me and that's when I decided to rethink what I do, how, and why. 

Can you give us some insight of what we can expect from your upcoming debut EP, CHANGE OF HEART?

CHANGE OF HEART is the first brick of this truth-seeking process. These are songs I care deeply about and wanted to share in a more direct way, it speaks of identity and family. We're actually in the process of writing the next EP, which we'll record in the fall as well. Very excited for what's to come.