The palpable magic of collaborations in music can be truly extraordinary. When an artist is able to find another artist to record with, there’s a strong requirement to bring two styles into one concept – and when treated with care, the result can be monumental. 

What makes a collaborative process even more fulfilling, is when two voices can merge on one track, and display the artists’ clear intentions with music, most recently perfected by singer/songwriter Sarah Barrios alongside veteran performer Eric Nam for the track “Have We Met Before”. 

The first collaborative endeavor between friends and artists acts disregards pop music trends in favor of a reflective, undeniably touching story about the potential for love. The track feels unconditionally eloquent, which’s almost so encapsulated in the feeling of being in love that it emotes a sense of sadness to listeners getting to appreciate this masterfully arranged music. 

Barrios, who is finally getting a chance to step outside of her songwriter credits to present her own craft, makes a name for herself on the track with her hauntingly beautiful depiction of love, with an immediately discernible sound. Her unrivaled vocal range is met with Nam’s interpretation of “Have We Met Before” matching her thoughtful and analytical outlook on a relationship. Both singers accomplish a distinctive sound that feels so opposite of one another but stylistically fits together to facilitate one of the most unexpected dark horse collaborations of the year (so far). 

Having performed live versions together (showing that they can in fact deliver), and perpetuating nothing but love for music and this joint effort, we spoke to both singers about the track, each other, and more. 

Firstly, I can’t emphasize enough how beautiful this track is! I listened to it like three times in a row, and it felt better each time! When you had the initial idea for this song was it always intended to be a feature from a two-person perspective or was that an idea that came later on? 

Sarah: Oh my god, thank you so much! I’m so glad you liked it! I had definitely always intended for this one to be a two-person perspective. There’s something so romantic about both people feeling the same overwhelming sense of familiarity towards one another, I couldn’t imagine the song any other way.

Anyone with a heart has to enjoy the wholesome idea of love that transcends this lifetime — and in challenging times, that level of optimism feels very necessary! Did that present any particular challenges as an artist(s)?

Eric: I had to put a lot of thought into trying to wrap my head around what this song could be. I feel like beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that this song can be incredibly romantic or also very sad, truly depending on the situation that the listener may be. Regardless, I hope that any song that I am a part of is something that is relatable and empathizable – I don’t know if that’s a word, but I think you know what I mean – and in these times I think looking at the opportunity to meet someone is definitely something that anyone can be excited and optimistic about. 

Sarah: I’m not going to lie, writing anything but sad songs this past year was pretty out of the question for me. I had a hard time finding optimism in such difficult times, but I think I also found that where there is darkness, light is always flickering in the distance. I’ve tried to let hope and light guide me and I’m grateful that it led me to creating Have We Met Before.

When you look at some of those more stripped, ballad-style tracks, a lot of them can be rooted in heartbreak or more sorrowful emotions, but you both brought hope to it. Was that an intentional goal as well, or just a cherry-topper to an already solid collaboration?

Sarah: In a way it was intentional, but I feel like it also just happened as we created the song. I really wanted it to feel like a movie, where two characters meet in a coffee shop and feel strangely drawn to one another. I’m a hopeless romantic so that definitely helped in the writing process.

The way you both have this ability to tell these stories individually, then harmonize so effortlessly is a tremendous showing of talent and I can’t help but wonder how you felt getting to hear this come together in its final form?

Eric: I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to match Sarah’s vocals in this song. She had sung it in such a beautiful way I remember being stressed out because I wanted to do the song justice and also make sure that I was adding to the song in a positive way! But when I heard the final product I was so excited and I think it’s just such a pleasing song to listen to, if I may so myself! 

Sarah: Overwhelmed. I cried listening to the final mix. The strings dance around the vocals, the piano lays itself bare for Eric’s voice to shine through like a warm cup of tea. Hearing the final result made me think, “wow, these two characters are real. They exist.”

Sarah, I always love getting to see a songwriter step out into the world as an artist – and you have a tremendously gifted voice that also has such a poignant calmness to it! Now that you’re starting to discover more about your own style and sound, what has been the biggest change from songwriter to singer/songwriter? 

Sarah: You are too kind! I think the biggest change was just putting myself more into the songs and connecting with the listeners. Writing songs for other artists is amazing because it gives me a chance to help someone create their own story and share their feelings, but when it’s your own, there’s something so much more personal to it, more vulnerable. I learn more about myself and get to hear how the songs have impacted others and that’s all I’ve ever wanted from music making.

You’ve also really been able to find your own lane, and your interpretation of this uncanny, charming acoustic-pop has been such a fun introduction to your artistry! If you had to pick an artist (or song) that helped shape your love for music, who (or what) would you pick as being a major influence?

Sarah: I grew up in a very musical household so I definitely owe my love for music to my parents, but Ed Sheeran, Hayley Williams and Stevie Nicks were big icons for me. In terms of how they each write songs, they all approach it differently and they all have different sonic sounds but the one thing that ties them together is their love for storytelling. When I listen to any of their songs, I learn, I heal, I feel less alone and yet also transported to a different place and time and that is something I’ve always admired.

Eric, you’re widely recognized as being an influential artist with experience as a singer, songwriter, and host, and I feel like you’re genuinely a good role model to so many! When you look at the next wave of talent in any creative field (or even anyone struggling to break into the areas they’re passionate about) is there anything you’ve learned that you feel comfortable sharing with anyone who might be reading this?

Eric: I think it’s important to be bold, ambitious, and passionate, but also incredibly humble. Humility is something that I think may often go overlooked especially when we are so eager to get things done and we think that we’re unstoppable, but more often than not, there are people who are better than you, smarter than you, stronger than you, or whatever, and rather than seeing them as a threat, look to them to inspire you and to learn from them. Being humble in how you position yourself, I think, sets you up for success in ways that you may not imagine and in ways that you simply cannot achieve on your own. 

The other piece of advice is to really ask yourself, why am I pursuing whatever it is i’m pursuing and what makes me happy? I think if you’re able to narrow in on what truly matters to you, it will save you a lot of time, heartbreak, and frustration. Be brutally honest with yourself. 

Eric, millions watched you speak out about racism and hate crimes against Asian Americans, and your thoughtful words touched a lot of people! Being able to speak up and amplify voices has been something powerful that also takes a lot of bravery too – has there been a response from that moment that has stood out to you from people who follow you on social media, or even people in your everyday life?

Eric: In general I think everyone has been very supportive, but honestly, how can you bash on being anti-racist or anti-hate right? I think a difficult question through this is “what are the actionable steps that we can take to make this world and the society we live in a better place?” This is something that I think I’m still actively pursuing and trying to figure out. “How can I contribute in ways that are meaningful?” If it starts with raising awareness and using my platform, great, but what’s next? Let’s take it on together. 

“Have We Met Before” is available now!