Love is El Perro del Mar

On our music player this week, we've got new music from Sarah Assbring, a.k.a. El Perro del Mar.  The song is titled "Change of Heart" and it's the most charming song I've heard in some time. It's very pleasant; it's sweet and smooth... and yeah, I have to say again that it's just really quite charming. The song comes from the album Love Is Not Pop, out last mont. We were lucky enough to get some chat time with Sarah, to talk about herself as an artist and about the album. This, too, was super charming, as you'll read below...

Shortly after having finished touring with my second album, I started writing new songs. For some reason all the songs were about love and in particular that of the doomed kind. Unconsciously I think I knew what I was trying to tell myself. I'd spent some bad times in New York and some good times in Paris and both these cities have made a great imprint on this album and my current outlook on love. I decided to call [the album] Love Is Not Pop - the songs on the album are all pop songs and they are all about love. But naturally, it is not all as simple as that. As much as pop can be love and vice versa - I'd like to believe that love goes so much deeper than a pop song.

You say that most of the album is about the doomed kind of love, and you mention some bad times in New York, but you also mention some happy times in Paris. What would you say are the more positive or more uplifting aspects of the album?
I guess what is uplifting about it is realizing that though love can come to an end, it never really dies. People change but the deeper feelings of love and care for someone you've been close to are always going to be there. You can grieve the death and loss of it but the memory of its beauty, no one's ever going to take away.

What’s the one thing that everyone should know about this album?
That it's the perfect soundtrack for autumn 2009.

What’s the one thing everyone should know about El Perro del Mar?
That today I started believing in love again.

And so for all of our faithful blog readers who have become new fans of El Perro del Mar today, we've got presents! For four lucky people, we're gonna send you a copy of the album Love Is Not Pop featuring the single "Change of Heart" PLUS a free item of your choice made from our (also charming) slub material - we've got a variety of different styles and lots of colors!

How do you enter to win? Just leave a comment on this post by Sunday, 11/29 - we'll announce winners on Monday, 11/30. Best of luck!

If you find yourself listening to El Perro del Mar on non-stop repeat (like myself), you might be interested to know that she's currently on tour, opening for Peter, Bjorn and John:

11/17 Tuscon AZ @ Rialto Theater
11/18 San Diego CA @ House of Blues
11/19 San Francisco CA @ Great American Music Hall
11/20 San Francisco CA @ Great American Music Hall
11/21 Los Angeles CA @ Nokia Club
11/23 Los Angeles CA @ Hotel Café (headlining!)

For more El Perro del Mar, visit the official site.

Comments

[Kirsten]

I' am always looking for new music to listen too. This looks like something I'd be very interested in. Thanks for having such a wonderful contest.

[kambra rochelle]

wow. this is exactly what i needed today . . . liltingly sad and beautiful. uncanny! maybe today is the day i start believing in love again, too.

[Kimberly Brill]

My friend just introduced me to El Perro del Mar's music! A little bit of Jung's Synchronicity going on. You guys rock at Alternative Apparel...wishing you ginormous success always! xx

[Dennis]

Awesome! good music and slub material, sounds like a win-win...

[Andres aigla]

I'm stoked about this! Sounds awesome(literaly). I wanna win!

[Angelica]

Awesome! I'm always open to new music! This sounds right up my alley!!! ;)~

[Trish]

pick me pick me.. :)

[Julie L]

Beautiful music! Love it! :D Thanks for having such kick ass contests! :D

[Matt Shepersky]

i wouldn't mind winning :)

[Julie L]

Sweet! This is awesome!