Q&A: Sawyer Utah Finds the Difference Between Love and the Thrill
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY INDI TEJEDA ☆
Photo by Orchee Sorker
LONG BEFORE HE WAS RELEASING POLISHED INDIE POP SINGLES—Sawyer Utah was writing songs in his parents' basement in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He picked up the guitar around six years old, played his first open mic at eight years old and eventually taught himself more than 10 instruments while learning to produce his own music. That early curiosity has grown into a career marked by emotionally candid songwriting, polished production and millions of streams.
Since making his solo debut with "Nights Like This" in 2023, Sawyer has continued to build momentum through releases including WHEREVER U ARE ✭ and WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN. Along the way, he's collaborated with artists including Zach Hood and Sophie Simmons while continuing to develop a sound that blends infectious indie pop melodies with vulnerable lyricism.
His latest single, "THRILL," takes another step forward. Built around bright, energetic production, the song explores the difference between temporary excitement and lasting connection, reflecting on the pull of situationships versus the search for something real. It also offers a glimpse of the next era of Sawyer's music, introducing a slightly edgier sound while staying true to the emotional honesty that has defined his work.
Fresh off the release of "THRILL," Sawyer spoke about the song's unexpected beginnings, the influence of New York City on his creativity and what's next.
Photo by Gracie Belk
LUNA: "THRILL" is your latest release. What was the initial spark behind the song, and how do you feel it reflects the direction your sound is moving in as an indie pop artist?
SAWYER UTAH: I initially started it as just a beat about six months ago and didn’t think much of it when I made it. I then ended up singing to it and writing that whole hook while I was in the middle of some workouts. All of a sudden I was like, "Yeah, this is the next single." Sonically, I think it is the perfect segue into the fresh sound I’ve been working on for the next project, maybe adding a little more edge.
LUNA: Your music has a strong visual identity. How involved are you in shaping the creative direction behind your photoshoots, artwork and overall aesthetic, especially for a release like "THRILL"?
UTAH: Well thank you! I really am involved in every step when it comes to working on the vision and aesthetic. I work with my creative director, Orchee, on everything and give her initial ideas, and she helps me so much dialing everything in and bringing it to life. For example, I texted her the whole motorcycle idea for “THRILL,” and we didn’t really hash it out much more after that because she just gets me. We showed up the night of shooting and everything was exactly how I envisioned it. Shoutout Orchee!
LUNA: You’re in New York City around the release of "THRILL." Does being surrounded by the city’s pace and energy influence the way you perform or approach your creativity?
UTAH: For sure. I actually used to make all of my music in NYC because the energy was just so inspiring. Songs even as early as "Nights Like This" and "One Last Time" were all made in Manhattan. I still love coming back to the city as much as possible to work because there’s just nothing like it, in my opinion.
LUNA: "THRILL" pairs infectious indie pop production with honest storytelling. What emotion or message were you hoping listeners would connect with most after hearing the song?
UTAH: I think the message that might connect most is the importance of real love versus situationships and what we perceive as real connection. I’ve always been one who can’t love someone just for the thrill. That was the message I was really feeling as I wrote that chorus, thinking about past times I might’ve thought it was real love.
LUNA: Now that "THRILL" is out, what’s next for you? Can fans expect more music, visual projects, or live performances before the end of the year?
UTAH: Yes! I have a house show coming up in Nashville on September 19 that I’m super pumped about. And I’ve been in the studio a lot recently working on new music for after “THRILL.” So, much more is coming!
