Following the release of her latest single, ‘Falling’, Lock Magazine had the pleasure of catching up with London-based Romanian singer-songwriter Michelle Sara to discuss the release along with her future plans.
Hi Michelle Sara, and welcome to LOCK Magazine, for our readers, could you tell us a little about yourself?
Hello, for sureee — thank you so much LOCK Magazine for having me today! I’m Michelle, a singer-songwriter based in London. Right now, I’m focused on chasing my biggest dream: making music that truly connects with people and growing as an artist. I’ve always been drawn to expressing emotions through songs — ever since I was little, music has been the way I make sense of everything around me.
Your latest single “Falling” is such a warm and cinematic track. What inspired the song, and what does it mean to you personally?
“Falling” is such a personal song to me, yet it speaks to a feeling that’s universal. It’s about allowing yourself to be — to flow, to trust, and to let go of control. The message is simple: be yourself, always, and enjoy every moment to the fullest. It’s about the fall, the flow, the freedom — embracing life and doing things your way.
You mentioned the song was written as a sort of unspoken dedication to your mother. Can you tell us more about that emotional connection and how it shaped the writing process?
I remember very clearly the day we wrote and recorded Falling. In the days leading up to the session, I set an intention to write something inspired by my mother — a true example of strength, courage, and unconditional love. I didn’t share this with my very talented and close co-songwriters, but somehow the idea naturally manifested throughout the whole process. My mother has always been my biggest supporter, standing by me no matter what, and this song is a quiet tribute to her presence in my life.
What message do you hope listeners take away from “Falling” when they hear it for the first time?
I hope Falling connects with as many people as possible, but most of all with anyone who needs a gentle reminder to embrace themselves fully. Life is made up of small, beautiful moments, and too often we let control or fear get in the way. I wanted the song to inspire listeners to let go, trust themselves, and find joy in those little moments.
Your vocals carry both delicacy and power. How do you approach vocal performance to convey emotion without losing that sense of lightness?
For me, it’s all about staying present with the emotion. I focus on connecting with the feeling behind the lyrics first and my voice just follows naturally. I try to keep it light and intimate, even when the moments get powerful, so the emotion feels real without being forced.
You’ve been praised for your heartfelt storytelling. How do you usually begin a song, with lyrics, melody, or emotion?
My songwriting process always begins with emotion — it’s the heart of everything I write. It’s the foundation that brings lyrics to life. I usually start with a feeling and let it flow into freewriting or stream-of-consciousness notes, which spark ideas and sometimes give me a verse. From there, the verse inspires the rest of the song. After that, I sit at the piano and explore chords while singing the words I’ve written, letting the melody and harmony grow naturally from the emotion.
How has living in London shaped your perspective as a Romanian artist creating in a global pop scene?
Living and studying in London has been incredibly inspiring for me, both as an artist and on a personal level. Everything I’ve learned, experienced, and been exposed to since arriving has shaped a new vision for my craft and artistic process — everything feels deeper, on a whole new level. I grew significantly here by constantly being challenged. It’s the place where I have the space to create, experiment and develop my projects in a way that feels both exciting and liberating.
“Falling” is about surrendering to love, life, and trust — three very powerful themes. How do those ideas show up in your life outside of music?
Outside of music, those themes — love, life, and trust — guide how I live day to day. I try to stay open to people and experiences, embracing vulnerability and curiosity. It’s challenging for me sometimes as well — that’s the beauty of being human, with all its ups and downs — but I always try to return to that feeling and state of mind. The song is deeply personal, and for me, it’s also a reminder to let go of the subconscious need to control every little thing cause in reality that’s an illusion. Whether it’s friendships, family, or new opportunities, I aim to trust the process, letting moments unfold naturally, enjoying the journey, and making the most out of it.
You’ve said your sound blends pop and dance influences with emotional storytelling. How do you see that evolving in your next releases?
My sound will continue to blend pop and emotional storytelling, but with each release I’d like to explore more. I want listeners to feel fully immersed in the world of each song and at the same time, emotional honesty will always be at the center of my music. I’m excited to experiment and push the boundaries of what my music can be, while keeping it relatable and heartfelt.
What’s next for Michelle Sara? Can we expect more music soon, maybe even an EP or live shows?
I’m so excited for everything that’s coming next. I already have a few songs ready to release — pop ballads as well — that I’m really proud of. Each one feels like a new chapter, and I can’t wait to share them with everyone. There are also plans for live shows and visuals that will bring the songs to life in a new way. It’s a really exciting time creatively, and I’m just grateful to be on this journey. Keep an eye out on my socials for everything that’s coming!