Lyrics & The Lab: S.A.Y

Shy Girl Fly Girl- Someone Appreciates S.A.Y

A “fly on a wall” and a gifted musician meet at a bar. They order drinks and share thoughts. Dreams. Visions. Somewhere in that convo, one or both MUST have spoken into existence this future Chi-Town legend in the making. Makings of a fresh vibe in today’s R&B and soul. Makings of a unique perspective in today’s modern music. Let us all agree…S.A.Y should be here to stay!

“What inspired you to get into music?”, I asked the 25 yr. old. She smiled and responded back with, “I get this question a lot.” A sign that I am but a number in line who’s inquiring about this talented star on the rise. Known for her smooth, catchy and heartfelt tunes, shade wearing and “low key” demeanor; The St. Louis based LGBTQ+ artist naturally catches your ear AND eye.

Born and raised in the “Wild 100’s” area of southside Chicago, Saywon aka “S.A.Y”, had “music to her ears” from an early age. “My mom was a big Lauryn Hill fan; she would sing her songs around me all the time.”, she recalls. “That’s what I grew up with.” S.A.Y was surrounded by good music and good vibes; from the legendary Michael Jackson to the “new school”, such as SZA, H.E.R, Jazmine Sullivan, and Frank Ocean. Eventually, she channeled those good vibes, and put her own talent on display. “I started singing on Vine. I was also doing covers and dropping on YouTube. I was pretty good.”

After high school, S.A.Y moved to St. Louis, Missouri for college. Recently graduating from Harris-Stowe State with a B.S. in Biology, she never deterred from pursuing music. “I started working with a producer, but it didn’t work out. I knew how I wanted my music to sound.”, she says. “So, I saved up money, bought my own equipment, and started doing it myself.” The self-taught producer/artist released her Afrobeat/R&B single, “Non-Believer” in August 2021 on streaming platforms, followed by single, “Love To You” and “Sad Girl Hours” EP in October 2022.

Since her debut, S.A.Y has been receiving positive feedback from fans and supporters on her music. Early 2023, she released her heartfelt single “Regrets”, and has continued to grow rapidly in her local fanbase. “As far as my style, I’m still developing.”, says Saywon. “I like to mix it up. Sometimes, I sing with an accent. It’s really about whatever I’m feeling.” S.A.Y is known for taking to social media and sharing snippets of unreleased songs. Recently, she caused a stir with a snippet of her newly released track, “Was It Worth It”. “I finally dropped it! Everybody’s been on me about it.” she laughs.

S.A.Y- “Was It Worth It”

S.A.Y (which stands for “someone appreciates you”), is currently working on promoting, networking, and collaborating with other local artists. “Imma chill right now.” she grins. “…but I definitely wanna do an album with some collabs. I’m taking music more serious now.” As she continues to sail on her musical expedition…we couldn’t be prouder of the “shy girl from the Chi”. She’s worth the love and listen.