There’s something unmistakably magnetic about the shimmer of the 1980s—the bold colors, the glossy pop hooks, the unapologetic confidence. Singer-songwriter Shara Strand taps directly into that energy with her latest single, “Salty & Sweet,” which just arrived on April 24. The track is a vibrant throwback that feels less like a revival and more like a reinvention—polished, playful and undeniably current.
Based in New York City, Strand wears many hats: artist, entrepreneur, and mother. That multidimensional identity informs her music, giving it both emotional depth and modern relatability. She represents a new kind of pop voice—one that balances ambition with authenticity and glamour with groundedness.
“Salty & Sweet” follows the momentum of her album Love Forever and a sold-out performance at the Green Room 42, solidifying her place as an artist whose work resonates beyond the surface. This latest release continues that trajectory, blending personal storytelling with a soundscape that feels culturally in tune.
Created alongside producer Gregory “Phace” Fils-Aimé at Engine Room, the single draws from the sonic DNA of the late ’70s and ’80s. Think cinematic synths, glossy production and a sense of escapism that recalls the golden age of pop—while still sitting comfortably alongside today’s chart-toppers in the vein of Dua Lipa.
But “Salty & Sweet” is more than just a sonic nod to the past—it’s a feeling. The song captures a pre-digital nostalgia, evoking a time when connection meant afternoons at the mall, movie nights and gathering with friends to share music. That simplicity, that joy pulses through every beat.
Visually, Strand leans all the way in. Partnering with New York City photographer Andrew Werner, she brings the era to life through a fashion-forward shoot inspired by iconic ‘80s style. Bold palettes, electric eyeshadows and expressive styling mirror the song’s carefree confidence and playful edge.
At its core, “Salty & Sweet” is an anthem of duality and self-possession. “It represents my work, my life and my drive—leading with kindness but also having boundaries and confidence in who you are,” Strand explains. It’s a message that feels especially resonant in today’s world: be soft, be strong, be everything you are.
Beyond music, Strand’s creative vision extends into beauty as the founder of SHARA Makeup Studio on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The space reflects her signature style—elevated, polished and effortlessly chic—bridging her artistic worlds seamlessly.
With “Salty & Sweet,” Shara Strand isn’t just releasing a song—she’s crafting an experience. One that invites listeners to feel confident, sexy and free. One that celebrates individuality while tapping into collective nostalgia.
And most importantly, one that reminds us how good it feels to simply have fun.
“Salty & Sweet” will be available on all major streaming platforms on April 24.
