A beaming addition to his quickly growing repertoire, disco sound bender Sasha Rome returns ahead of his debut EP with the project’s title track “Criminal.” Featuring vocals and additional production help from Artemis Orion and Stripess, this indie-house triumph is a delectable collaboration balancing a slew of dance-inducing electronic subgenres.
“Criminal” is equipped with a vogue-like beat that thumps beneath blissful vocal prose while dazzling synths sparkle in tandem with dance floor crescendos. Equal parts glamorous and gritty, Sasha Rome orchestrates a careful fusion of diverging moods and tones to create a well-balanced listening experience. At the intersection of disco, pop, and house, “Criminal” is a thrilling final look at his upcoming Criminal EP.
“When I started this song I was inspired by old school and lofi house but I wanted to put my own Sasha Rome spin on it. I played the fast chords on my Prophet and instantly got a groove going with the chords and the drums. Stripess then chopped up the chords and added more groove to the bassline and drums taking the production to the next level. I sent it to Artemis Orion who added the lovely vocal topline which I quickly fell in love with. To complete the song I added guitar in the breakdown and heavily affected her vocals in the last drop, along with adding the finishing detail work. It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve worked on with an undeniable groove and beautiful vocals I can’t get enough of.
I love the message behind the song because I think it’s a feeling that most of us have felt at some time or another. A love so strong that you’re willing to do anything for that person, even if it goes against your boundaries or morals (maybe even something “criminal” as hinted in the lyrics). It’s a love that goes beyond healthy and can be all-consuming. It’s usually followed by pain and heartbreak but can serve as a powerful lesson we can grow from.” – Sasha Rome
