Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Sarika – Nightrunner (2024)

A self-proclaimed “nerdy girl turned pop star”, US-based singer-songwriter Sarika stands up for all dorks, geeks and nerds with a big grin and brilliant tunes. Despite her newcomer status having hit the scene in 2023, Sarika is turning heads across the globe reaching far beyond her US borders. From Germany and the UK to Canada, France, Brazil and Portugal, Sarika is turning heads more quickly than being caught in a head-spinning teacup. The latest addition to her discography is the single ‘Nightrunner’.

Following her debut EP Right Place, Wrong Time, and well-received single ‘California King’, ‘Nightrunner’ firmly stamps Sarika as a boundary-breaking, genre-diverse artist yet to be defined. Leaning toward a Taylor Swift tune, ‘California King’ immerses audiences in a bold pop sound with sparkling edges; however, ‘Nightrunner’ shifts to a less bouncy pop rolling within folk-inspired styles. A lilt to toned-down Cristina Perry wrapped in the intimacy of Ed Sheeran’s songwriting, Sarika’s new single is a world of vulnerability encased in warm comfort.

A simplistic combination of dynamic guitars, percussion and underlying piano, Sarika sets you off on a smooth sonic river. The rippling water glistens with moonlight reflecting off its surface. Sarika’s warm vocals tingle your face with its refreshing breeze; however, darkness lies beneath with tumultuous waves daring to rise from the depths. Delicately exploring the intricacy of relationships, an ethereal haze of vulnerability lingers with melancholy, desperation, defeat and confusion. Sarika explains:

“’Nightrunner’ is my first release of 2024 and first venture into the country-folk genre. It’s about an on-again, off-again relationship that you just can’t seem to leave behind, even though you know it’s not good for either of you. The song approaches this situation in a light-hearted, self-aware manner, balancing out its subdued almost melancholy feel.”

Sincere, sentimental and honest, Sarika represents authenticity, honesty and genuine originality in her music – particularly with the intriguing ‘Nightrunner’. While I enjoy her upbeat pop songs, I must admit I am more inclined to her softer folk-pop ballad. Sarika’s vocals are powerful but certainly made to soothe and calm rather than get the club hyped.


For more from Sarika, check out her official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator


Discover more moving folk-pop tunes on The Other Side Reviews Folk Pop playlist:

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