Over the years, the music industry has grown more accessible to artists from all walks of life. As a result, countless musicians can now give success a shot, especially in light of all the advancements in digital technology and the available tools designed to push aspirants toward the limelight. However, the doors being blown wide open has unsurprisingly led to the saturation and cutthroat level of competition in the music scene, a challenge that demands both new entrants and established powerhouses to distinguish themselves from their equally talented peers. Multi-talented singer-songwriter Christine Sako has also felt this pressure to stand out, which drove her to go all-out in the hopes of being discovered. But from the get-go, the promising talent has always been a must-watch, thanks to her distinctive artistry and impressive discography.
The voice behind the 2021 track “Coda,” Christine Sako delved into songwriting at an early age. The Minneapolis native wrote her first lyrics in sixth grade, but a callous remark from a friend discouraged her from penning lyrics for years. In 2002, it was hearing Avril Lavigne’s hit single “Complicated” that reignited the fire. “I knew I had to take a stab at being a bad-ass, guitar-wielding songwriter,” she shared.
Since then, Christine Sako has gone all out in establishing her name in the music scene, capturing the hearts of listeners in the process. In 2009, she toured with the indie-pop band Now, Now and spent the next two years opening for bands such as Paramore and Paper Route. Come 2012 and the passion-fueled artist would re-visit her solo ventures, driving solo to San Diego, California, with her guitar and a 25-key MIDI controller. This new chapter of her journey played a significant role in the expansion of her discography and the heights she’s reached so far.
Last year, Christine Sako made an impressive comeback, bringing to the table a roster of standout tracks that demonstrated her potential to emerge as a household name one day. From the guitar-driven pop ballad “Sediments” to the upbeat indie-pop song “Seasoned,” the multifaceted personality showcased her talent at crossing genres and making any sound her own. But nothing highlighted her power more than “Coda,” a synth-heavy single that touches on the struggles of navigating the complex waters brought about by someone’s return.
“It invites listeners to the re-opening of a chapter of a book you thought was already well-read and closed,” explained Christine Sako. “The crux of the song is about being tired and wanting to move on in the midst of being aware that history is repeating itself. Yet in spite of this desire to let go, there is underlying friction, a tugging in the direction of what we know is not ever going to end well. It’s this conflicting feeling that drives the pleading to have the other party leave well enough alone since the strength to do that on their own isn’t quite there.”The drop of “Coda,” which was met with high praise, signaled not only Christine Sako’s explosive re-entry into the music scene but also reminded the industry of her prowess at livening up the space with quality tracks deserving of a thousand repeats.