Music Spot: Christine Sako - Sediments

From time to time, we shine the spotlight on a SoundGym member by reviewing one of their releases for our Music Spot feature. In celebration of the fact that we are adding her music to our SoundCoins Store, we are going to take an in-depth look at Christine Sako’s 2021 single, ‘Sediments’. 

Sako's musical journey began with a pivotal moment in 2002 when she heard Avril Lavigne's ‘Complicated’. The song struck a chord with her, and she knew that she wanted to be a “bad-ass, guitar-wielding songwriter”.

However, Christine was initially hesitant to share her music with others and would record her songs secretly, only sharing them with friends on AIM under the guise of finding them online.

With the positive feedback she received, Sako was encouraged to pursue her passion for music. In 2009, she landed an opportunity to tour with the indie-pop band Now Now, and after two years of opening for notable acts such as Paramore and Paper Route, she decided to focus on her solo ventures.

Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Sako embarked on a solo cross-country trip to San Diego, California, in 2012 with nothing but her guitar and a 25-key MIDI controller.

After settling into her new home, Sako began writing and recording for her debut full-length album, The Math Project, which she released in 2014. The record, a hybrid of acoustic and synth-based pop, was inspired by the laid-back California vibe that had captured Sako’s heart.

‘Sediments’ is a guitar-driven pop gem. This understated yet incredibly tuneful song features sparse instrumentation with delicate electronic touches that create a melancholic and introspective atmosphere.

The vocals are understated yet convey a sense of raw emotion. The lyrics address the universal theme of heartbreak, but with unusual and engaging imagery; "Two steady rocks set in the ground, but the sediment's showing.

" Geological metaphors are not that commonplace in the world of pop! Musically, the track often doesn't resolve at the end of sections, conveying a  sense of yearning and perhaps showing a lack of resolution in the feelings of the singer.

This smart stylistic choice leaves the listener feeling the same sense of longing and uncertainty as the protagonist of the lyrics.

If you want to hear more from Christine Sako, you can check her out on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and YouTube. For updates you can follow her on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, or you can take a look at her website.