For London-based artist, producer, and songwriter Sharon Katta, music is an act of survival. With the release of 'Death said, Breathe', a hauntingly cinematic project six years in the making, Sharon invites us into a deeply immersive world that blurs the line between music and lived experience. The five-track EP, anchored by its breathtaking seven-minute title piece, is a visceral exploration of despair, rebirth, and the fragile beauty of life itself.
Constructed from field recordings, orchestral arrangements, tribal percussion, and over 100 world instruments, the project reaches far beyond the traditional single format, mixed in Dolby Atmos with Grammy-winning engineer James Auwarter, it becomes a full-bodied experience, intended to be felt as much as heard. From gunshots to waves, storms to choirs, the soundscape tells a story of collapse and catharsis, charting Sharon’s own journey through darkness and into healing.
So with the new EP out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Probably drums or percussion. My mum often reminds me how I used to lay down cooking vessels as drums and use pencils as sticks to play around. So drums were my first jam. Later, when I was a little older, I got into guitar and keyboard; mostly self-taught, like everything else.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up in church. My dad’s a pastor, so for most of my childhood, all I listened to was gospel music. Mostly regional stuff in Telugu, that’s my first language, and a tiny bit of English contemporary Christian music here and there.
What was the first album you remember owning?
It was a gospel cassette in my local language, but I can’t remember which one. Later, I had a few CDs of contemporary Christian music in both Telugu and English. Apart from that, I never really bought albums because YouTube was already becoming popular by then. Eventually, I got into pop and fell down a rabbit hole of western music — discovering everything from Pink Floyd to modern artists like Kendrick. Where I come from, we didn’t have that kind of access; there were no record stores or music shops, and my background never really fit into that world. So yeah, forget about an iPod — that was way too posh for where I grew up.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
The other day I was listening to Hand of God (Outro) by Jon Bellion and I was like, “Damn, I wish I could write songs like that.”
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I’m unfortunately inspired by pain, struggles, and hardships. But on the bright side, they're everywhere, from my personal life to what I see in other people. There’s so much to say. You just need a moment to pause and really look at life.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’m currently sitting with Dave’s new record, A Boy Who Played the Harp. It is very sharp and really makes me confront my truths haha.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I don’t know. I’ve never really thought that far ahead.Hahaha.. Maybe Raye?
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being able to articulate something and then revisit that feeling later. I think we all want to be known and understood, and this is the closest I get to that. Sometimes I find myself revisiting parts of me that I’d neglected or didn’t fully understand. It’s SO rewarding on so many levels!
And what is the most frustrating part?
Well, completing a record. That’s hard for me.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Before presenting Death Said, Breathe at Abbey Road Institute, James (Grammy engineer) told me, “Don’t act like you don’t belong here, because you do.” I needed that. Sometimes I still hear that little evil whisper we all have; mine says, “What are you doing here? Are you really good enough for people to give their time and attention to your creation?”
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Sharon Katta's new EP 'Death said, Breathe' is out now. Check it out in the player below.