1.) We’re very excited to be speaking today with acclaimed Cuban-American pop star Sasha Prendes; greetings and salutations, Sasha! Before we dive into the Q&A mosh-pit, how has the summer of ‘23 been treating you?

Hi!! So wonderful to speak with y’all today! This summer has been absolutely incredible! It’s been full of studio days, new songs, and my first time ever having a record on various Music charts!! I’m still blown away by it all.

2.) Major congratulations on your latest single Shake This! Starting at the top, what was your inspiration for this gem of a tune?

We all have our moments and Shake This is there to lift your spirits, to look within & get y’all dancing!

3.) Who was your producer on Shake This and what did the collaboration between artist and producer look like in the studio?

Wow, I can’t say enough about my mega-talented producer D Lawrence! He is a musical genius & I have never had such a connection with a producer before. D stands next to me in the booth and walks me through each line step by step. Our work flow is on point because we just get each other. We freestyle, Ad lib and he gives me creative space to turn the song into my own. Not to mention we are always laughing and cracking jokes! His experience and quality is unmatched & Im so grateful we found each other!

4.) How is Shake This similar to some of your past music? How is it different?

Shake This is definitely different then my past music. For one, it’s a FUN song! Much of my previous records were sad, indifferent, angry, longing, and I threw in a love song here and there. It’s interesting because I’m extremely high energy, I’m constantly laughing and being goofy. Many people including D were surprised by this & felt my music wasn’t fully representative of who I am! The sad girl experiences allowed me to grow and handle adversity which I am grateful for. However, fun & sassy pop music truly encompasses my heart & my soul.

5.) In your humble opinion, what differentiates Shake This from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music scene?

The production on Shake This is so well done. The lyrics are unique, different, and powerful all while making you dance & sing along. We also have a Spanish version of the record and a Spanish feature on both versions. It was extremely important to us to embrace my Cuban culture & showcase that piece of my life. I haven’t heard anything like Shake This in 2023 & I believe the record holds its own in the music of this year.

6.) With the release of the new single, can fans look forward to an EP or LP release from you before the end of 2023?

Ahhh! It’s a secret but we will be dropping new music!

7.) What does your touring/performing dance card look like in the coming weeks and months?

I have several big performances coming up from New York to Miami! Rehearsing the songs, creating the choreography, working on crowd engagement and communicating with my audiences. The schedule is starting to get crazy & I’m ready for it!!!

8.) Who inspires you musically?

I’m inspired by so many artists – Taylor Swift and her vulnerability in her songs. Drake as well. Britney Spears is a pop icon and I aspire to be pop Princess like her

9.) You grew up as one of the only Cuban families in Kansas. How do those roots inform you as an artist and as a person?

I’m so proud to be Cuban! Our culture is beautiful, fun, loving, and family oriented. It was fun being different and exposing my friends to my family and rice and beans! I’m so grateful I speak Spanish & can practice regularly with family and friends. Latin music has inspired so many songs of mine too. Cubans & Kansans have similar family values, very welcoming and loving. We were different but we fit in & I had a wonderful childhood growing up in Kansas.

10.) When you’re away from your music, what do you do to unwind and recharge?

I binge watch SpongeBob seasons 1-3! I love the music & the underwater setting. It gives me peace, makes me laugh, and has this soothing little jingle that for whatever reason makes me really happy.

11.) At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving copious spins to your latest single Shake This?

I hope y’all walk away feeling better and inspired! The song is so relatable that it reminds us that we all go through tough times and similar experiences. Be kind to yourself, have fun, and if there is anything getting you down- remember to SHAKE THIS!!!