Few artists in modern music blend genre-defying soundscapes with raw emotional depth like Phantogram. At the heart of the duo’s hypnotic, genre-bending music is Sarah Barthel, whose ethereal vocals and lyrical prowess have cemented the band’s place as pioneers of alternative electronic rock. From their early DIY roots in upstate New York to headlining festivals and collaborating with legends like The Weeknd and Big Boi, Phantogram’s journey is as compelling as their music.
In this exclusive interview, Barthel opens up about the creative alchemy behind Phantogram’s sound, the challenges of evolving as an artist, and the deeply personal stories woven into their latest work. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their discography, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of music’s most intriguing voices.
The Origins of Phantogram: From Saratoga Springs to the Spotlight
How a Small-Town Duo Found Their Sound
Phantogram’s story begins in Saratoga Springs, New York, where Barthel and her bandmate (and childhood friend) Josh Carter first connected over a shared love of music. “We both grew up in this small, kind of artsy town,” Barthel recalls. “Josh was playing in bands, and I was singing in choirs and writing songs in my bedroom. When we finally started making music together, it just clicked.”
The duo’s early experiments—blending trip-hop, electronic, and rock—were a far cry from the polished sound they’d later become known for. “We didn’t have any rules,” Barthel says. “We were just two kids with a laptop, a microphone, and a lot of ideas. The freedom of that time was so special.” Their debut EP, Phantogram (2009), and subsequent breakthrough album, Eyelid Movies (2010), introduced the world to their signature style: haunting melodies, pulsing beats, and lyrics that oscillate between vulnerability and defiance.
The DIY Ethos That Shaped Their Career
Unlike many artists who chase industry validation from the start, Phantogram’s rise was organic. “We never had a ‘big break’ moment,” Barthel explains. “It was years of touring in a van, playing tiny clubs, and slowly building a fanbase. That grind taught us how to trust our instincts.”
Their DIY approach extended to their recording process. “For Eyelid Movies, we recorded a lot of it in Josh’s basement,” she laughs. “We didn’t have fancy gear, but we had a vision. Sometimes limitations force you to be more creative.” That resourcefulness would later pay off when they signed with Republic Records and released Voices (2014), an album that catapulted them into mainstream consciousness with hits like “Fall in Love” and “Black Out Days”.
Creative Process: How Sarah Barthel Writes Lyrics That Resonate
The Emotional Core of Phantogram’s Music
Barthel’s lyrics are often described as cinematic—vivid, immersive, and brimming with emotion. But where does that depth come from? “I write from a place of honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable,” she admits. “Sometimes a song starts with a single line or a feeling I can’t shake. Other times, it’s a full story that needs to be told.”
Tracks like “You Don’t Get Me High Anymore” and “When I’m Small” tackle themes of addiction, heartbreak, and self-discovery with unflinching clarity. “Music has always been my therapy,” Barthel says. “If I’m going through something, writing about it helps me process it. And if it connects with someone else, that’s even more powerful.”
Collaboration with Josh Carter: A Creative Partnership
Phantogram’s magic lies in the synergy between Barthel and Carter. “Josh and I have this unspoken language,” she explains. “He’ll send me a beat or a melody, and I’ll immediately hear lyrics in my head. Or I’ll write a poem, and he’ll turn it into a song. It’s this beautiful back-and-forth.”
Their creative dynamic has evolved over the years. “Early on, we were still figuring out our roles,” Barthel reflects. “Now, we trust each other completely. If one of us says, ‘This isn’t working,’ we listen. There’s no ego—just the music.”
Inspirations: From Portishead to Prince
Barthel’s influences are as eclectic as Phantogram’s sound. “I grew up listening to Portishead, Björk, and Massive Attack—artists who blend electronic and organic elements in a way that feels timeless,” she says. “But I also love Prince, David Bowie, and OutKast for their fearlessness.”
She also draws inspiration from outside music. “Film, photography, even dreams—everything feeds into the creative process. Sometimes a movie scene or a photograph will spark a song idea.”
Phantogram’s Evolution: From ‘Eyelid Movies’ to ‘Ceremony’
The Shift from Indie to Mainstream
The release of Voices (2014) marked a turning point for Phantogram. With its sleek production and radio-friendly hooks, the album expanded their audience without sacrificing their artistic integrity. “We never set out to make ‘pop’ music,” Barthel clarifies. “But we also didn’t want to be boxed in. Voices was about growing while staying true to ourselves.”
Songs like “Fall in Love” became anthems, earning them spots on major festival lineups and collaborations with artists like The Weeknd (on his track “I Was Never There”). “Working with Abel [The Weeknd] was surreal,” Barthel recalls. “He’s such a visionary, and his approach to melody is incredible. It pushed me to think differently about my own writing.”
‘Three’ (2016): A Darker, More Personal Turn
Their third album, Three, took a sharper, more introspective direction. “That record was born out of a lot of personal struggles,” Barthel admits. “Josh’s sister [Becky Carter] passed away during the making of it, and that loss shaped the entire album.”
Tracks like “You’re Mine” and “Cruel World” grapple with grief and resilience. “Writing those songs was painful, but necessary,” she says. “Music helped us heal. And when fans tell us those songs helped them through tough times, it means everything.”
‘Ceremony’ (2023): A Return to Roots with New Energy
After a seven-year hiatus, Phantogram returned in 2023 with Ceremony, an album that blends their early experimental spirit with polished production. “This record feels like a rebirth,” Barthel says. “We took our time, explored new sounds, and really leaned into the joy of creating again.”
Standout tracks like “Love Me Now” and “In a Spiral” showcase their growth. “We wanted to make something that felt fresh but still unmistakably us,” she explains. “The title Ceremony reflects that—it’s a celebration of where we’ve been and where we’re going.”
Challenges and Triumphs: The Realities of Being in a Band
Navigating the Music Industry as a Woman
Barthel doesn’t shy away from discussing the gender disparities in the music industry. “There were times early on where people assumed Josh was the ‘main’ creative force because he played guitar,” she says. “I’d be standing there singing my heart out, and someone would ask, ‘Who’s the girl?’ It was frustrating.”
But she’s seen progress. “Now, more than ever, women are being recognized for their contributions—not just as vocalists, but as producers, writers, and leaders. It’s inspiring to see artists like FKA twigs, Grimes, and Halsey taking control of their narratives.”
The Pressure of Following Up Success
After the success of Voices, Phantogram faced the daunting task of topping themselves. “There’s this expectation that every album has to be bigger, better, more,” Barthel says. “But we had to remind ourselves: We make music because we love it. The moment it becomes about charts or streams, you lose the magic.”
That mindset helped them approach Ceremony with freedom. “We didn’t overthink it. We just trusted our instincts, and that’s when the best work happens.”
Mental Health and the Touring Life
The demands of touring took a toll on Barthel’s mental health. “Being on the road is exhilarating, but it’s also exhausting,” she admits. “You’re constantly moving, performing, meeting new people—it’s a high that’s hard to come down from. I had to learn how to set boundaries and prioritize self-care.”
She now advocates for artist wellness. “The industry glorifies the ‘hustle,’ but burnout is real. Therapy, meditation, and taking breaks aren’t weaknesses—they’re necessities.”
Sarah Barthel’s Life Beyond Phantogram
Solo Ventures and Side Projects
While Phantogram remains her primary focus, Barthel has explored solo work. “I’ve written songs that didn’t fit Phantogram’s sound, so I’ve played around with recording them myself,” she shares. “It’s a different kind of creative outlet—more intimate, more experimental.”
She’s also collaborated with other artists, including Big Boi (on “Kill Jill”) and Eric Krasno. “Working with other musicians keeps me inspired. It’s like a creative reset.”
Advocacy and Activism
Barthel uses her platform to support causes close to her heart, including mental health awareness, LGBTQ+ rights, and women’s empowerment. “Artists have a responsibility to speak up,” she believes. “If my voice can help even one person feel seen or supported, that’s worth it.”
She’s particularly passionate about music education. “So many schools are cutting arts programs, and that’s a tragedy. Music saved me as a kid—it gave me a way to express myself and connect with others. Every child deserves that opportunity.”
Life in Upstate New York: Finding Balance
Despite their global success, Barthel and Carter still call upstate New York home. “We love the peace and quiet,” she says. “After touring, there’s nothing better than coming back to the woods, turning off my phone, and just being.”
She also finds inspiration in nature. “Hiking, swimming in lakes, watching the seasons change—it all fuels my creativity. There’s a rhythm to life up here that you don’t get in big cities.”
What’s Next for Phantogram?
Touring and New Music
With Ceremony out in the world, Phantogram is hitting the road again. “We’re so excited to play these new songs live,” Barthel says. “There’s nothing like the energy of a crowd singing your lyrics back to you.”
As for new music? “We’re always creating,” she teases. “Whether it’s another Phantogram album, solo projects, or collaborations, there’s more coming. We’re not the kind of band that stops.”
Legacy and Influence
Looking back on Phantogram’s impact, Barthel is humble but proud. “If we’ve inspired even a handful of people to make music or embrace their weirdness, that’s enough,” she says. “We never fit into one box, and that’s okay. The best art comes from being unapologetically yourself.”
She hopes their journey encourages other artists to take risks. “Don’t be afraid to evolve. Don’t be afraid to fail. The most important thing is to keep creating, no matter what.”
Final Thoughts: Sarah Barthel’s Advice for Aspiring Artists
For musicians just starting out, Barthel offers this wisdom:
- Trust your gut. “Not everyone will ‘get’ your vision, and that’s fine. Stay true to what excites you.”
- Embrace collaboration. “Some of my best work came from unexpected partnerships. Be open to learning from others.”
- Protect your mental health. “This industry can be brutal. Therapy, boundaries, and self-care aren’t optional—they’re essential.”
- Enjoy the process. “It’s easy to get caught up in success metrics, but the real joy is in creating. Don’t lose sight of that.”
She leaves us with a final thought: “Music is magic. It heals, it connects, it transforms. Never underestimate the power of your voice—literally and metaphorically.”
Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of Phantogram and Sarah Barthel
Sarah Barthel’s journey—from a small-town dreamer to a defining voice in modern music—is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and creative fearlessness. Through Phantogram’s ever-evolving sound, she and Josh Carter have carved out a space where electronic, rock, and soul collide, creating a discography that’s as emotionally rich as it is sonically innovative.
As Phantogram continues to push boundaries with Ceremony and beyond, one thing is clear: Barthel’s artistry isn’t just about making hits—it’s about crafting experiences that linger. Whether she’s singing about love, loss, or self-discovery, her voice carries a rare honesty that resonates deeply with listeners.
In a music landscape often dominated by trends, Phantogram remains a refreshing anomaly—a band that refuses to be pigeonholed, led by an artist who isn’t afraid to bare her soul. And if there’s one takeaway from Sarah Barthel’s story, it’s this: The most powerful art comes from those who dare to be vulnerable, who embrace their flaws, and who never stop evolving.
For fans old and new, the best of Phantogram—and Sarah Barthel—is yet to come.
0 comments