There are those days when you wake up and feel utterly overwhelmed by the burdens you carry. Whether it’s personal thoughts that rob you of your peace or the weight of the world’s pain pressing down on you, these deeply human feelings can scar your soul. In such moments, resilience, openness, and focusing on the good things — the good people out there who support us, the beauty of nature, and the small moments of joy — become essential. This is the essence of the new single “Green Eyes” by Saguru, an artist whose music always delves into the depths of human emotion. The analog recording process used for the new tracks adds a vintage feel, enhancing their emotional intimacy and depth. “We used a lot of old instruments and miked them up to capture the sound as it floats through the room. This makes the songs feel very tangible and approachable and I’m super happy with how they turned out,” he explains.
Saguru, founded by Chriz Rappel in 2016, has quickly become known for its intimate, melancholic, and dreamy soundscapes. Influenced by artists like Alex Turner, Bon Iver, and Ben Howard, Saguru’s music captures the essence of human emotion and experience. We had the pleasure of talking to him about his new release, his personal reflections, and the importance of the here and now.
photography by Thess Riva
“Green Eyes” tackles profound themes of weltschmerz and the human condition. What inspired you to write this song, and what personal experiences influenced its creation?
I try to capture emotions in my songs. There are a lot of thoughts that are constantly driving me around like: am I doing enough to stop climate change? Am I giving enough back to society? What justifies my existence? You can get very lost in these spiralling thoughts and at some point you feel paralysed and absorbed by it. That’s the emotional state the song depicts.
The song speaks to a cyclical nature of hope and disappointment. How do you perceive this cycle in today’s world?
There are certainly many moments of hope, but when you look at society it is almost impossible not to be disappointed. It’s 2024 and people are still fighting each other, we see inequality in all areas and right-wing parties celebrating successes. It makes you wonder whether society is incapable of learning. Meanwhile, we are destroying our own livelihood for selfish reasons. However, hope must never be lost and especially in times like these it is important to take a stand and stand up for your own values. Peace, love and respect, that’s all that matters.
The symbolism of “green eyes” in the song is intriguing. Can you tell us on what these “green eyes” represent to you?
I have chosen the colour green as the colour of hope and sustainability. The eyes represent foresight. “Your green eyes they knew it all along” – These lyrics allude to the cycle of hope and disappointment.
“I have chosen the color green as the color of hope and sustainability.”
You mentioned that all the songs were recorded analog, giving them a vintage feel. Could you tell us more about that?
Last year I came across Tom Appel’s Stereoloft Studio near Munich. I liked all the productions he had done and I had the feeling that we had a very similar idea of sound. So we got in touch and started working together. It was a perfect match and the production flew by and was a lot of fun. We used a lot of old instruments and miked them up to capture the sound as it floats through the room. This makes the songs feel very tangible and approachable and I’m super happy with how they turned out.
Your lyrics often delve deep into human emotions and existential themes. How do you approach writing lyrics?
I always start by playing the guitar and singing in a fantasy language. This usually results in a few key words that show me the way. In harmony with the music, I then try to capture my emotions in words.
Your songs often convey an intimate, melancholic, and dreamy atmosphere. Would you say these characteristics also reflect your personality? (smiles)
There is definitely a large intersection. In a way, my music is also a reflection of my inner thoughts and feelings. I surrender to the feelings and let them blossom in the songs, that helps me to process things.
“Focus on the here and now, because that is all that really exists and all that is important.”
How do you handle moments of feeling overwhelmed by the world, and what advice would you give to others experiencing similar feelings?
Focus on the here and now, because that is all that really exists and all that is important. Meditating, doing sport or making music, which for me is also partly like a kind of meditation.
What are some personal routines or practices you have to stay grounded and creatively inspired?
I always get up early and start my day with a peaceful cup of coffee without hustle. Apart from that, daily exercise is important to me and a clear cut between work and leisure time. Creativity needs time and space to grow. You can’t force it and you shouldn’t drive yourself crazy if you get stuck for a while.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
There are, of course, many, but the first name that comes to mind is Jacob Collier. He is truly an absolute genius and one of the most talented musicians of our generation.
How do you see the role of music in addressing and processing complex emotions and societal issues?
Music can always be an anchor and a safe harbor. A refuge when you are at a loss. A place where you feel comfortable – a home.
Where do you see yourself in around 10 years?
I prefer to focus on the here and now rather than getting lost in thoughts of the future. I hope that the ten years older me` will be in a happy and settled state of mind.
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