Sarah Gross on Her Latest Single, Her Influences, and Self-Assured Mindfulness — 20 Watts Magazine | Premier Music Publication of SU

By Isabella Grella

Sarah Gross delves into her latest single “New Déjà Vu” and the notable moments that led up to the release.

Sarah Gross and I meet in a busy Funk ‘n Waffles less than an hour before her gig, surrounded by crew members and friends alike. We make our way to a quieter location, weaving between instruments and staff members to finally secure a spot in the corner of the Funk ‘n Waffles’ green room. 

Despite all the chaos that comes with pre-show preparation and the release of a new project, Sarah remains unprovoked, focused and eager before heading onstage. Her years of experience in music and performance forced a sense of familiarity in Sarah; Still, her development as a musician was anything but effortless. 

“I used to play little coffee shop gigs. The more I played those the more I realized how much I love playing my music not just covers,” Sarah says. Inspired by her older brother to begin songwriting, Sarah began recording music when she was 16. 

“Last year I actually put out my first EP right before I got to college,” she says. Laughing, she continues, “And then I was like ‘ok people actually like it, so I guess I’ll make more.’” 

The EP she’s referring to, Between Stars (2018), serves as an introductory project that secures the dual singer-songwriter in a place of vocal excellence. Since then, she’s joined Syracuse University’s Main Squeeze A Capella, collaborated with other college artists and released her newest track, “New Déjà Vu.”

“It just kind of spiraled and now we’re here.”

A sophomore at Syracuse University, Sarah incorporates all her learnings — academically and professionally — in her music. As a Sound Recording and Technology major, she continues to work on translating her music for others to understand. “That part has been really awesome, getting to not only work on my music but work on other people’s music. That really makes me better,” Sarah explains. 

She continues, “You never stop learning in music.”