Sarah Maison returns with Exister, the lead single from her upcoming debut album, and it’s a clear statement of where she’s headed. Known for her blend of folk, psych, and North African influences, Maison first came onto the radar with Western Arabisant in 2016 and has since carved out a sound that defies easy labelling. With roots in the south of France and a background in visual arts, she brings a sharp eye to her songwriting and to her visuals. The track opens with the line “Like an oak tree in the city, I stand,” and from there, it doesn’t let up.
Sarah Maison has always built her sound out of contrast, and this one is no different. It leans into tempo shifts and restless percussion but leaves enough space for the vocals to breathe. The sound palette blends early psych-rock with touches of North African groove, influences and vibes that are perfectly translated into their visual counterpart, a surreal oasis of colours and hues that does nothing but increase the richness of the track.
Lyrically, Exister is quiet in its message but loud in its presence. Maison reflects on the systems that push people further away from themselves and from the natural world. But there’s no overexplanation. Her voice stays calm, even when the instruments swirl around her. She’s not trying to deliver a solution. She’s just naming what she sees and holding her ground. Just as she explains, “I look at trees and envy them: no one judges them when they’re bare in winter, we enjoy their shade, and we let them change.”