From Music Business Worldwide · · 2m
Sasha Alex Sloan's Songwriting Journey
Sasha Alex Sloan, a songwriter who dropped out of Berklee at 19, found success through collaboration and resilience.
In brief
Sasha Alex Sloan, a songwriter who dropped out of Berklee at 19, found success through collaboration and resilience. Sasha Alex Sloan became a successful songwriter after quitting school at 19, collaborating with artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Camila Cabello. Originally reported by Music Business Worldwide.
Early Music Struggles
Sasha Alex Sloan tried twice to study music but quit both times after finding classical lessons boring.
“My dad is from Siberia, and he hired me a very Russian piano teacher, because he wanted me to learn classical music.”
First Songwriting Success
At age 10, Sloan wrote her first song Pitter Patter after her mom encouraged her to create music instead of classical lessons.
“The first one I remember was called Pitter Patter, it was about stubbing my toe and crying.”
Berklee Dropout
Sloan dropped out of Berklee at 19 after a year of struggling with songwriting and feeling unprepared for the industry.
“I was like, this sucks. I hate having homework, and now the homework is about something I love, and ruining my hobby, which used to be fun.”
Viral Breakthrough
Sloan gained attention after posting a SoundCloud link on Reddit, leading to a publishing deal with Warner Chappell.
“I posted my SoundCloud link in the comments. The son of a music publisher found it, passed it on, and two weeks later, I got a call from this guy Steve Lindsey.”
Early Collaborations
Sloan worked with Charli XCX and Olivia Rodrigo, co-writing songs that became hits for major artists.
“I love Camila. She’s the sweetest, best person on earth, and an incredible songwriter.”
Songwriting Philosophy
Sloan believes songwriting is a muscle that needs constant practice and collaboration to improve.
“Songwriting to me is like a muscle, and you have to exercise it.”
Artist vs. Songwriter
Sloan prioritizes songwriting over her artist career, focusing on writing for others rather than releasing her own music.
“I think for a long time it was artist first, songwriter second. Now it’s songwriter first, artist second.”
Olivia Rodrigo Collaboration
Sloan co-wrote Olivia Rodrigo’s hit song What’s Wrong With Me with Robert Smith, which became a major success.
“I remember watching when they debuted it, and getting full-body chills. I was like, ‘This is not real life.’”
Writer's Block Solutions
Sloan uses conversations, TV shows, and books to overcome writer's block and stay inspired.
“Books are really helpful. TV shows, or just conversations; anytime someone says something cool, I write it down.”
AI in Music
Sloan is cautious about AI in music but sees potential for tools like Suno to help with song production.
“I don’t think AI should be coming out as a full song. For a songwriter who writes alone, Suno can be a helpful tool.”
Songwriting Influences
Sloan admires Carole King for simplifying complex ideas into relatable songs.
“I started listening to her at such a young age, and the way she uses language in her songs… I think the hardest thing to me, as a songwriter, is to take a big idea and make it simple.”
Industry Challenges
Sloan highlights the lack of control songwriters face in the music industry, despite their hard work.
“I always say, I would have done well at a corporation, because I love to be on time, I love to do my job, and when I go home I like to feel I’ve really contributed and that my boss is happy with me.”
Current Focus
Sloan now focuses on songwriting for other artists, with a schedule filled with sessions and collaborations.
“I think that’s the best way to become a songwriter, just to be constantly thrown in rooms where you don’t really belong, and you’re surrounded by people who are more experienced than you.”
Key Quote
Sloan’s current outlook on songwriting: it’s supposed to be fun; it’s not supposed to be scary.
“I have a new outlook now: it’s supposed to be fun; it’s not supposed to be scary.”
Future Plans
Sloan aims to continue growing her songwriting career while balancing her artist and songwriter roles.
“I think that’s what kept me going. Because I figured, I’ll be pretty bummed if I look back when I’m older and realize I only gave up because it was hard.”
The headline
Sasha Alex Sloan became a successful songwriter after quitting school at 19, collaborating with artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Camila Cabello.
