Ameni ShafikBrooklyn-born artist Sandflower has returned with a sound that radiates confidence, creativity, and undeniable New York City edge. Her latest album, The Radiant Explorer, released on November 19, 2024, is a vibrant exploration of genres, blending sophisticated pop, funk, electro, and disco-inspired beats. Produced by the innovative David Sisko—known for his collaborations with Roxy Music, Theophilus London, and Sprayground—and mastered by Mike Tucci (Wu-Tang Clan, Kanye West, Jason Derulo), the LP is a sonic masterpiece brimming with heartfelt energy and boundary-pushing artistry.
This 10-track album feels like a direct line into Sandflower’s soul, reflecting her rich cultural roots and life experiences. Each track carries a unique coolness and self-assurance, but the standout is unquestionably “Everyday Saturday.” Already featured in Universal Pictures’ The List (starring Halston Sage), the song’s infectious groove, Caribbean-infused beats, and empowering lyrics make it an irresistible anthem. With Sandflower’s pristine vocals and a seamless fusion of warped synths, electronic vocals, and a rap interlude, it’s a track that invites listeners to dance until dawn.
“I made this album because I needed to share the feeling of flying like a hawk through the open sky,” Sandflower shares. “In my song ‘The Wanderer,’ I wrote, ‘I’ve got to swim with the dolphins. Glide with the airplanes. Chill with the eagles.’ That’s the essence of The Radiant Explorer—a journey with no rules, only honesty and momentum.”
Collaborating with Sisko, Sandflower created a project that builds on her acclaimed debut album, The Quantum Seed, but ventures even further. Sisko reflects, “There were no limits to the boundaries or expectations of what The Radiant Explorer should be—only what it could be. We used our experiences to craft a spectrum of sound and style that speaks universally.”
Sandflower’s music is more than a collection of tracks; it’s a testament to her multidimensional artistry. Fascinated by quantum physics and inspired by high fashion and fine art, she speaks to those who embrace their uniqueness. Her influences range from Jimi Hendrixto Salvador Dalí and Cindy Sherman, and her work is steeped in myths, legends, and meditative visions.
Born to a rock & roll singer and a visual artist, Sandflower grew up navigating the dichotomy of private school life and the vibrant New York music scene. This duality informs her eclectic style, which has been celebrated in Vogue Italia, Paper Magazine, The New York Times, and The London Times. Her music has also been featured in Netflix hits like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, as well as commercials for Evian and Sprayground, where she collaborated with Wyclef.
Her performances have captivated audiences from Brooklyn to Bali, gracing stages at museums like MOMA PS1, legendary NYC clubs, and high-fashion events hosted by icons like Susanne Bartsch. With The Radiant Explorer, Sandflower takes her fans on a transformative journey, inviting them to soar with her into a thriving, culturally rich soundscape.
Sandflower’s message is clear: embrace your individuality, take risks, and explore the unknown. As she puts it, “When I close my eyes and listen to this album, it takes me somewhere new and vivid every time.” The Radiant Explorer isn’t just an album—it’s an adventure waiting to be experienced.
About the Album and Its Creation
1. The Radiant Explorer feels like a deeply personal project. What inspired the album’s title, and how does it connect to your personal journey?
This album is a deeply personal project—a love letter and a journal. Each song emerged from honest moments and genuine experiences. I hope it inspires artists, dreamers, and sensitive souls. The process of making it was both fun and intense; emotionally, it demanded that I step aside and let the message flow through.
The Real Deal is a fun, epic dance house pop song, yet the lyrics reflect me standing up for myself, stepping into my power, and recognizing that I deserve better love than what I was receiving.
Thrill Life is autobiographical. I remember being on a flight to Tokyo when it hit me—I was living a dream. A kid from Brooklyn, now traveling the world to make music. Moments like performing in Bali remind me of how surreal my journey has been.
The Wanderers captures the restlessness I sometimes feel when life becomes too monotonous. I wrote it during a moment of stagnation, and the song opened a new path for me. Writing music is both an artistic endeavor and a vision board; I express myself while scripting the future I envision. Even when revisiting the past, I use music to shift the energy around memories.
Complicated is my interpretation of Avril Lavigne’s song. I aimed to bring an introspective depth to my performance.
Vision of the Night draws inspiration from my performances at Suzanne Bartsch’s On Top. New York City’s performer scene is incredible—people spend months perfecting looks and concepts, becoming living art pieces.
Questions emerged from a crossroads in my life. I was contemplating leaving New York, feeling every challenge had a lesson. While writing, I received amazing news that made me realize challenges can be guides. I saw that perceived roadblocks were actually growth exercises in disguise.
Everyday Saturday was inspired by a beautiful day in New York. Despite the chaos around me—construction noise, arguments, traffic—I wanted to escape into a carefree mindset. The song imagines a world where every day feels like Saturday.
The entire album explores different genres, lyrical styles, and vocal approaches. I wanted each track to radiate energy straight from the heart. David Sisko and I actually came up with the title, The Radiant Explorer, while walking down Broadway. It encapsulates not only the songs but also my life journey and the values I hold dear.
2. You mentioned that the album is like “flying like a hawk through the open sky.” How did you translate that feeling into music?
Before starting the album, I envisioned its sound. I travel a lot, and there’s an incredible feeling when a plane takes off—when the wheels lift, and the nose points skyward. I wanted to capture that sensation in music. Sisko and I discussed this feeling during each session.
Harmony played a crucial role. It can transform a melody’s emotional tone, adding layers of meaning. Sisko’s production built layers of instruments, creating new sounds and emotions. He even incorporated jet plane and wind effects into the songs. For instance, in “Skydivers falling free, we’re taking it higher you and me,” you hear actual airplane sounds.
When I sing, I visualize something and aim to translate that image through my voice. My mom, a musician, taught me that while eyes are the soul’s windows, the voice reveals just as much. I take that seriously, preparing by warming up, meditating, and immersing myself in each song’s world.
3. The album is described as a genre-blending journey. Was there a particular genre or style that challenged you the most during the production?
No specific genre was challenging, but certain songs carried emotional weight. My roots are in rock ‘n’ roll—I started in rock and punk bands. However, early in my career, people often assumed I didn’t make rock music because of my appearance.
Recording a rock song felt like reclaiming a part of myself. Old feelings surfaced, but I had to let them go. Times have changed, I’ve changed, and music has evolved. It’s vital to allow ourselves to grow and learn new things.
I now embrace my authenticity. Whether it’s rock, EDM, or jazz, I create what I feel. If I’m not true to that, what’s the point?
4. You collaborated with David Sisko and Mike Tucci for this LP. How did their expertise influence the final sound?
I love delving into every aspect of music—from lyrics to sonic quality. David Sisko shares that passion. He’s deeply knowledgeable, and I learn from him constantly. Our sessions are collaborative and exploratory; we draw inspiration from history, art, and literature.
Mike Tucci, with his rock and punk background and experience mastering various genres, brought invaluable insights. Working with such accomplished people who are open to experimentation made the process exhilarating.
5. Which song on the album resonates with you the most personally, and why?
It changes weekly because each song is a true story. Today, it’s Edge of Time. For me, this song represents the space between past and present, life and the hereafter. It’s a dance song, mysterious and layered, yet deeply personal. I hope listeners find their own meanings in it, just like with visual art.
Tracks and Themes
6. “Everyday Saturday” has been featured in The List and stands out as an anthem of empowerment. What was the story behind its creation?
I was walking through New York on a sunny day, surrounded by chaos—construction, arguments, honking cars. Despite the perfect weather, I felt overwhelmed. I thought, “What if every day felt like Saturday?” That carefree joy became the song’s essence.
We had fun creating it—adding sounds like dogs barking, laughter, and childhood memories. It’s about tuning out negativity and embracing your own positive wave.
7. The song “Oceans” features Balinese gamelan sounds. Can you share more about your experience exploring global music traditions like this?
I studied gamelan in college as part of my music major, so world music has always held a special place for me. When I explore these traditions, I’m deeply committed to honoring their origins while staying true to my own artistic voice. Writing “Oceans” was complex—I had to let go of what I knew intellectually and allow the song to take its own shape. Working remotely with musicians I’d never met before, especially Duo Percussion, was an amazing experience. Performing “Oceans” live with a full band at an incredible stadium in Indonesia during the International Independent Music Festival was unforgettable. I can’t wait to return to Bali to perform again. The beauty of that song is that it bridges our hemispheres, creating something universal.
8. “I Can’t Stop” is described as an anthem of perseverance. How does this track reflect your own journey as an independent artist?
“I Can’t Stop” was written with Disco Pusher, and it’s about not giving up—on music, on your dreams, or on yourself. As an independent artist, I’ve faced moments where I felt it was too hard to continue. Years ago, I nearly quit. People didn’t understand my music; it didn’t fit neatly into any genre. It was frustrating. Society often discourages you subtly, not with outright rejection but by making you feel like you’re waiting for something you’ll never get.
At my lowest, I called my mom, ready to move back home and recalibrate my life. In the middle of that emotional breakdown, I kept hearing a notification on my phone. I finally checked—it was an email asking if I wanted to perform with Dua Lipa on Saturday Night Live. The universe has a sense of humor. One moment I was crying, the next I was telling my mom about this life-changing opportunity. That moment taught me to let go of expectations and enjoy the journey. Everything shifted when I dropped the weight of self-doubt.
9. The track “The Edge of Time” was a highlight at the Sprayground Fashion Show. How do you approach blending music and visual storytelling?
For me, music and visuals are inseparable. I had the honor of co-creative directing the Sprayground Fashion Show with founder David BenDavid. The clothes told a story, and I wanted my music to be the melodic conduit for that expression. Many of my collaborators, including David Sisko, share a form of synesthesia, which made the fusion of sight and sound natural. When we created “The Edge of Time,” it started with just a chorus. The violins wove a rich story, and I wanted the lyrics to be open to interpretation—each verse a unique poem.
10. You draw inspiration from diverse sources, including Jimi Hendrix, quantum physics, and Salvador Dalí. How do these influences shape your creative process?
I dive deep into my inspirations, exploring how things come to be. Understanding various time periods and ideas feels like traveling through time. These influences remind me there are infinite ways to tell a story. Science and spirituality both teach that energy can’t be created or destroyed, which fascinates me and helps me push past writer’s block. I believe creativity connects us to something higher, whether you call it God, the universe, or simply energy. Staying connected to that source is a practice—a muscle you have to build and maintain. This mindset keeps my creativity flowing.
11. How did growing up in Brooklyn and being immersed in the NYC music scene shape your perspective and sound?
Growing up in Brooklyn taught me that many things can be true at once. It gave me patience, an open mind, and a love for surprise. I’ve watched countless live shows and rehearsals, so I understand the importance of practice and preparation. Seeing my mom lead her band and prepare for shows was incredibly influential—she embodies female empowerment.
My first international trip, performing with my mom at the Saalfelden Jazz Festival in Austria, expanded my worldview. Experiencing different cultures and languages deepened my appreciation for how music connects us globally. Returning to NYC with that fresh energy was transformative.
12. You’ve described the album as a “manifesto.” What message do you hope listeners take away from The Radiant Explorer?
I want listeners to feel unstoppable. Life is a journey, so live it fully and authentically. Whatever your style is, own it. Be bold and radiant.
13. Your work often ties into high fashion and visual art. What role do visuals play in your music?
Visuals are integral to my music. I often see potential music videos in my mind while writing. The way I dress even reflects my mood and creative process. Working with legends like Mike Ruiz for the album cover was empowering. Visual expression feels like an extension of my music—it’s another instrument.
14. The album embodies exploration and discovery. What’s next for Sandflower?
I’m excited to create physical art that complements my music—headpiece sculptures, paintings, and films. I want to push the boundaries of live shows, offering audiences a full sensory adventure.
15. If you could perform The Radiant Explorer anywhere, where would it be and why?
I’d love to perform at major museums and art institutions worldwide. Imagine bringing music to life among the works of our ancestors at the Met, MoMA, the Louvre, or the Egyptian Museum. Connecting history, culture, and sound would be a dream come true.