Iranian-American singer-songwriter and pop recording artist Sanaz unveils her heartfelt debut EP, 'Chapters,' a 6-track journey through the pages of her life.
Based in Los Angeles, Sanaz brings a unique flavor to the pop scene, blending her classical opera training with authentic storytelling. Her music is infused with cultural richness, and it's already gained international recognition with songs like "In The Name Of God" featured on Iranian International TV and Spotify's "Women of Iran" playlist.
'Chapters marks Sanaz's official entry into the music world, offering listeners a vulnerable collection of songs that explore love, loss, and personal growth. Each track represents a different stage in her life, creating a musical autobiography that is the perfect introduction to this pop powerhouse.
The EP opens with "Our Little Home," a warm, inviting track that feels like a blanket of comfort beside the fire in a house you can proudly call home. It's a sweet ballad that leads into track two, "Three Steps," a beautifully melancholic breakup anthem that chills us to the bone with Sanaz's gentle vocals and equally tender instrumentals.
Midway through the EP, "Mirror" ups the energy with a smooth electric guitar and tender bass licks—but Sanaz's lyrical content is much deeper. It's another look into the toll a relationship can take when toxicity enters the chat. "Rest" provides a gentle reprieve, peeking into Sanaz's relatable experience of seeking rest, a deep breath, and anything to get this weight off her chest.
As the EP nears its conclusion, "Hold On" emerges as a standout track. Its serene acoustic guitar alongside Sanaz's stunning vocals make this a deeply immersive listening experience—reminding herself to cherish moments with special people, even the sad ones.
In the outro track, "Just Another Chapter," Sanaz takes what started as a melancholic breakup tune and turns it into an anthem for hope. "It's not the end of my book; it's just another chapter,” she sings. It's empowering and bittersweet and serves all the emotions felt in a disastrous breakup.
Turn the pages of these compelling 'Chapters' with Sanaz's debut 6-track EP, now available on all digital streaming platforms.
Welcome to Buzz, Sanaz! Congratulations on releasing your debut EP, Chapters. What inspired you to structure this project around life’s different stages?
Thank you so much! Chapters really came from my own journey of reflecting on the ups and downs I’ve experienced. I’ve always seen life as a series of moments. Each chapter has its own lessons and emotions. Some chapters are filled with joy and excitement; others are more challenging, but they all shape who we are. I wanted to capture that in this EP, not just to tell my story but to create something others could relate to, no matter where they are in their own lives.
“Just Another Chapter” from Chapters evolved from a sad ballad to an uplifting anthem. Can you walk us through that transformation process?
“Just Another Chapter” was originally written during a really tough time. It was slow, heavy, and full of heartache. But when I brought it to the studio, my producer Ronny made me see it in a completely different light. He encouraged me to step back and look at the bigger picture, reminding me that even the hard parts of life are temporary and lead to something new. That shift in perspective changed everything. We reworked the song, and it started to feel more hopeful. It was a reminder that no matter what you’re going through, it’s just another chapter, and better days are ahead. It was such a personal and healing process for me, and I think that’s why the song evolved the way it did.
Your background in opera is impressive. How has that classical training influenced your approach to pop music?
My opera training has given me so much more than just vocal technique. It’s taught me how to tap into emotion and deliver it in a way that feels honest. I still use that foundation when I’m writing or performing pop music, especially in how I approach dynamics and phrasing. Opera is so powerful, and I love bringing that intensity into my pop songs but with more intimacy. I also love layering vocals and harmonies, which stems from my opera and a cappella background. It’s all about creating something rich and complete but still intensely personal.
Which song from Chapters was the most challenging to create? Did you face any emotional roadblocks or obstacles during your songwriting?
“Hold On” was by far the most complex song for me to write. It’s about losing a close family friend who had such a huge impact on my life, and writing it felt so heavy because I wanted to get it right. I wondered, “How can I capture everything this person meant to me in a single song?” It wasn’t just about expressing my grief but also honoring their memory and the way they lived.
Every time I sat down to work on it, the emotions were overwhelming, and I found myself rewriting verses repeatedly because it didn’t feel like enough. But I also felt
this deep need to finish it, almost like it was my way of saying goodbye. Ultimately, it became a really personal tribute, not just about loss but about holding on to the strength and love they left behind.
As a debut EP, Chapters is making quite a statement. What do you hope listeners take away from this collection of songs?
I hope that people who listen to Chapters feel like they’re not alone in whatever they’re going through. Life can be messy and unpredictable, and this EP is about embracing all the stages of life, whether it's the heartbreak, the healing, or the growth.
I hope the listeners can connect with these songs on a personal level and find a sense of comfort or inspiration. I want them to feel like they can relate to these stories and maybe even see their experiences reflected in the music.