Los Angeles based indie pop artist Sierra Blax just released her new video for “Box of Chocolates.” Best known for her creative blend of sultry bedroom pop and R&B infused elements, she draws inspiration from renowned artists such as Jazmine Sullivan and Amy Winehouse to produce songs with a modern sound laced with nostalgia and classic soul personality.

In “Box of Chocolates,” Sierra looks past disappointment and disillusionment to find peace within herself. She confides: “You can think of ‘Box of Chocolates’ as a love letter to one’s higher self. Through times of sorrow and pain you eventually have to come to a place of acceptance and love; this song represents the navigation through all those emotions.” In the accompanying visuals, Sierra is seen glammed up and waiting on a lover that never shows, but instead of giving up, she finds the strength within herself to accept the grim circumstances and enjoy her time alone. Featuring her signature warm and soulful vocals over a vibrant pop melody, the song weighs in as introspective, inspiring, and has a special way of making you feel that everything is going to be ok. 

Originally from Kaua’i, Sierra incorporates the lush island aesthetics into all of her music and PopWrapped caught up with the talented singer-songwriter to talk about her new single, its video, how she crafts her sound and what’s next for her to tick off her bucket list. 

What themes are tied most to your music? What messages are you looking to share with your listeners?

The themes that are tied most with my music is definitely finding self-love/worth. I usually like to paint an image in my song-writing to where I can share the hurt in a story but usually, I like to find a way to create hope and make things light at the end of the day. 

I hear a lot of soul and even hints of R&B in your music. Tell me about what influences have helped to craft your unique sound.

I appreciate you saying that. R&B/ soul music is definitely my first love when it comes down to the singers that I looked up too. It all started when I was a teenager and my vocal coach had her students and I listen to a bunch of Mo-Town music. I remember just being so inspired sounds of Aretha Franklin, The Supremes and Stevie Wonder. That was when I discovered the belting mechanism in my voice and then it wasn’t until recently after listening to artist like H.E.R., Snoh Aalegra and SZA, that I really started to fall in love with that soft, airy/falsetto way of singing and song-writing.

Your latest video for “Box of Chocolates” follows you as you are let down in love. Tell me a little more about the narrative and concept around the visuals.

Yes, exactly! The overall theme of this video, is self-love. I know I mentioned that before but we really wanted to have that be the ultimate message at the end. I worked with a friend Paige Adlhoch, the Director/editor on this project, and she came up with the whole story line and I loved it right away. Essentially, we wanted to show that even if you’re being stood up on a date where you really had your hopes up, it can still be an opportunity for one to really take that time for themselves instead. And many stories and films show women getting glammed for someone else but in this case, I’m getting ready for no one but me; it’s a moment of empowerment. The concept around the visuals was based on a 70’s/80’s theme and we also took inspiration from movies like American Hustle. 

Which icon, or icons, in music would you would like to work with in the future?

Realistically, if I could be in a room working on music with someone I look up to it would have to be artist like Amber Mark, yebba, Anderson Paak, Harry Styles, H.E.R., Miley Cyrus and if I’m really thinking big, Bruno Mars, Adele, Mark Ronson.

Finally then, what’s next for Sierra Blax?

I’ve been working on soooo much music and some songs are so different than what I’ve been typically putting out, so I’m excited to step into this new sound. I recently was in up-state New York working on songs for an EP album, so fingers crossed that will be ready to go by the end of the year. Keep an eye out!

Check out the video for “Box of Chocolates” above and for more information on Sierra Blax, give her page a like on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Instagram.