EXCLUSIVE: Sandra Lynn Talks New Single ‘Lose the War’

Rising singer/songwriter Sandra Lynn has established herself as one of Country Music’s sweetest new voices that reflect both her love for Country and her roots as a California girl.

Sandra recently released her emotionally charged single ‘Lose the War’. The track world premiered on CMT and Parade.com and continues a narrative in Sandra Lynn’s music releases that reflect three chapters of a relationship.

Here we chat exclusively to Sandra Lynn to discuss her new release, touring plans, and more:

Growing up in California, what or who inspired your love of Country music?

Growing up, I listened to all kinds of music, but Country music is what I’m most drawn to. I think part of that is because as a child, I loved listening to strong female country artists such as Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, the Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain, to name a few. When I started pursuing music as a profession, I realized what a big impact these women had on me with their music–through their sound, voices, lyrical content and persona. Deana Carter is another artist that stands out for me in terms of inspiration. I remember the first time I heard her song, “Strawberry Wine” come on the radio as a child, and exactly where I was—at a stoplight in Chino, CA sitting in the car with my mom. The best songs are so powerful that they can define moments in people’s lives, and that’s what I feel like Country music is made of.

Are there any rising Country artists you’re championing at the moment?

I’m really happy to see Ashley McBryde and Luke Combs having success. I feel like from the beginning, they’ve stayed grounded in their music and genuine to their artistry. Not to mention the fact that I think they’re both brilliant songwriters and singers.

You’ve got two new singles out, can you tell us a little about what inspired the records?

At the beginning of last year, I wanted to start a project that essentially reflected ‘three chapters’ of music, that through the music, followed the storyline of one couple in the push and pull, in’s and out’s of their relationship. I wanted every song I chose for this project to allow the listener to dive into the couple’s emotional journey, telling a story in a linear way—very much like old records used to do. I essentially kicked off this idea, and ‘chapter one’ with the release of my Fight EP last year (that included my single, “Somebody Kissed Me at a Bar”), and am excited to now be kicking off ‘chapter two’ in this series of music with my two latest singles, “Lose the War” and “Am I Just Dreaming?” Unlike the first part that came in the form of an EP, this next series of music will be released in bits and pieces resulting in several releases throughout the summer. This second phase of music focuses on the aftermath of a break up that still lingers on—that ‘in-between’ phase of a relationship. ‘Chapter three’ will tell us whether or not ‘the couple’ will ultimately end up together or call it quits for good. 

How would you describe the overall writing process for the track ‘Lose The War’?

“Lose the War” was written by amazing songwriters: Emily Shackelton, Phil Barton and Cameron Jaymes. The first time I heard the song, I knew I had to cut it. Not only did I immediately find it to be a strong, vulnerable, relatable song in general, but I also felt like it was the perfect reflection song for the storyline of this couple and “where their relationship is at, at this point in the music”—dissecting something that they called quits over, but just can’t shake. The line that immediately pulled me in, that hit me the hardest in the song—“what does it matter, who wins the battle, if it means we lose the war.” “Am I Just Dreaming,” was written by myself, Joey Ebach and Ryland Fisher. This song is about realizing you may still have feelings for the other person and you wonder if you’re dreaming, or if you truly miss them enough to give it another go. It’s another ‘question’ song, where you’re in the thick of that inner struggle to sort out your feelings after a relationship ends. I love writing with Joey and Ryland—they’re two very talented songwriters and we always just have a good flow when we get in the room to write together.

What do you hope fans take from the songs?

Overall, I hope fans get excited about following this project as a whole and the storyline that takes place within the songs. I also feel like “Lose the War” and “Am I Just Dreaming?” are lyrically such relatable songs when you’re both in and out of a relationship.

Do you have any plans to release an album soon?

A full-length album may be in my near future, but when I started this current project, I sort of had in mind the idea of it feeling like an album with the three chapters of music all connecting through a storyline. It’s been fun creatively however to break it up and really navigate through the songwriting and song choices for the project…to experiment with where the story goes.

Can we expect to see you on the road soon?
Yes, I will be performing during CMA Fest week this year, as well as have some other dates in the works and will be posting on my website: sandralynnmusic.com.

Make sure you follow Sandra on Twitter @sandralynnmusic to keep up to date with all her latest music and tour news!

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