Sarah Abshir

Model / Creative Direction / A&R — London

01Profile

A Sarah Abshir Photo

03Interview

Name, where are you from?
My name is Sarah Abshir, I was born in Stockholm but grew up in North London.

What do you do?
I'm a model and Creative direction / A&R.

Describe your style in three words?
Always evolving and changing.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Haven't been to many gigs in my life but a good one would definitely be one I went to in Brighton for Wiki and ASAP Nast.

If you could put any three bands in history, what would the lineup be?
I don't really listen to many bands, so ima be cheeky and change it from bands to artists. This is soo hard because I could really sit here and write a 50 artist long lineup. But I'd start with:

Bob Marley
Vybz kartel
Kaytranada

Which subcultures have influenced you?
My whole life and work is influenced by different subcultures, having moved around a lot I was surrounded by a variety of different cultures and people. My first job at sixteen was in Camden which at the time was heavily influenced by punk rock (this is before the gentrification) being around this subculture of people definitely heavily
influenced my fashion even to this day. but also influenced me personality-wise, as it was a culture that embraced anarchism and a very much ‘I don't give a f***k’ attitude. Hip-hop was also a big subculture that heavily influenced me, this is a culture I was born and raised in, the music I listen to, the artists I work with, what I wear and even how I style my hair and makeup is influenced by hip hop culture.
Most importantly I'm especially inspired and influenced by those who look like me and tend to have the same struggles and face similar obstacles in life, including my own personal culture and all other black subcultures.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history, who would you choose?
Hawo Tako,

Not only was she a prominent Somali activist and nationalist who did a lot for her country. She was honestly a Bad ass women who died fighting for rights/ freedom and protecting her people, there's not really a lot of written articles/ books on Somali history. So yeah I would love to sit and have a conversation with her.

Where is your favourite independent venue?

100 Club.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Black culture and artists.

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
'Can I Kick It?' A Tribe Called Quest.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'Lost' by Frank Ocean.

One record you would keep forever?
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Peace and blessings manifest with every lesson learned"

From 'On & On' by Erykah Badu.

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Touch Ah Button' by Sneakbo, Political Peak, jj.

Best song to turn up loud?
'Over' by Drake

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'The Less I Know The Better' by Tame Impala.

Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'Angel' by Loyle Carner, Tom Misch

Any new music you are listening to right now?
'Subaru Boys : FINAL HEAVEN' by Cruel Santino.
'July!' by JELEEL!

03Interview

Name, where are you from?
My name is Sarah Abshir, I was born in Stockholm but grew up in North London.

What do you do?
I'm a model and Creative direction / A&R.

Describe your style in three words?
Always evolving and changing.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Haven't been to many gigs in my life but a good one would definitely be one I went to in Brighton for Wiki and ASAP Nast.

If you could put any three bands in history, what would the lineup be?
I don't really listen to many bands, so ima be cheeky and change it from bands to artists. This is soo hard because I could really sit here and write a 50 artist long lineup. But I'd start with:

Bob Marley
Vybz kartel
Kaytranada

Which subcultures have influenced you?
My whole life and work is influenced by different subcultures, having moved around a lot I was surrounded by a variety of different cultures and people. My first job at sixteen was in Camden which at the time was heavily influenced by punk rock (this is before the gentrification) being around this subculture of people definitely heavily
influenced my fashion even to this day. but also influenced me personality-wise, as it was a culture that embraced anarchism and a very much ‘I don't give a f***k’ attitude. Hip-hop was also a big subculture that heavily influenced me, this is a culture I was born and raised in, the music I listen to, the artists I work with, what I wear and even how I style my hair and makeup is influenced by hip hop culture.
Most importantly I'm especially inspired and influenced by those who look like me and tend to have the same struggles and face similar obstacles in life, including my own personal culture and all other black subcultures.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history, who would you choose?
Hawo Tako,

Not only was she a prominent Somali activist and nationalist who did a lot for her country. She was honestly a Bad ass women who died fighting for rights/ freedom and protecting her people, there's not really a lot of written articles/ books on Somali history. So yeah I would love to sit and have a conversation with her.

Where is your favourite independent venue?

100 Club.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Black culture and artists.

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
'Can I Kick It?' A Tribe Called Quest.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'Lost' by Frank Ocean.

One record you would keep forever?
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Peace and blessings manifest with every lesson learned"

From 'On & On' by Erykah Badu.

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Touch Ah Button' by Sneakbo, Political Peak, jj.

Best song to turn up loud?
'Over' by Drake

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'The Less I Know The Better' by Tame Impala.

Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'Angel' by Loyle Carner, Tom Misch

Any new music you are listening to right now?
'Subaru Boys : FINAL HEAVEN' by Cruel Santino.
'July!' by JELEEL!