For Sasha Munroe, a senior at Ramapo High School, music has always been more than just a passion–it’s been a lifelong dream. Since the age of six, she imagined releasing an album, though, for years, she doubted her ability to write songs. Inspired by her older brother, Shane, she finally began writing songs at 12, though she swore her songs would remain private. Years later, she’s ready to share her deeply personal debut album, Try to Understand.
Deep diving into the meaning of her music, the album’s title, Try to Understand, reflects Munroe’s teenage years, a time when she often felt misunderstood. It also represents why she writes music–to express emotions that words alone just simply can’t convey. Fittingly, the first song on the album begins with the lyric, “try to understand,” setting the tone for an introspective and emotional journey.
Initially planned as a ten-song album, Munroe stopped at eight, realizing she had already told the story she wanted to share. In future projects, two unreleased songs– “Would You Do It All Again?” and “You & Me”– may appear.
For Munroe, songwriting is cathartic, helping her process emotions that can often feel overwhelming. She wrote most of the songs on her keyboard and favorite guitar, named Betty, with occasional use of her ukulele and upright piano. Of the eight songs, she wrote six solo, while her brother Shane wrote “Gravity” and “In This Place.”
You may be wondering, what’s her favorite track? “Mirror.”
“It’s the most emotional and honest song I’ve written,” she shares. “The lyrics are things I was never brave enough to say out loud, so I chose to express them through music.”
Rather than following a specific vision for her sound, Munroe let the music evolve naturally. Since many of the songs were written over the years, she had time to refine them. She says her biggest challenge was working with her brother, as they often faced moments when their ideas challenged each other’s: “While making the album with Shane, it became important for me to prioritize a positive attitude and strong communication in the face of challenges. Being family added sensitivity and complexity to our interactions, even as the experience was more meaningful overall.”
Munroe’s music is deeply personal, reflecting her thoughtful and emotional nature. Above all, she hopes listeners connect with her vulnerability and find comfort in her songs. “I would want them to ‘try to understand’… pun intended :)”
With her debut album now out, she’s focused on the future. One of her biggest dreams is performing for an audience that sings her lyrics back to her.
Munroe says that life as she experiences it, her feelings, her efforts, and her family, especially her brother, have significantly influenced her music.
The response to “Try to Understand” has been overwhelmingly positive:
- “I enjoyed [the] album. I love the soft, mellow vibe. Some of the songs and melodies are so poignant and sometimes they hit in such a way I find myself holding back tears. It takes talent to make music that makes people feel something! Well done, Sasha!”
- “Sasha, your album is so beautiful omg I’m so proud. Can’t wait to see you shine more than ever ”
- “Keep going, Sasha. I could see you being the next big thing!!”
Her friend, fellow Ramapo student, Marissa Colangelo, says, “I have been extremely lucky to have known Sasha throughout her musical journey. I remember the first time she played me one of her songs and I was left speechless. She has always been a star and I can’t wait to continue to cheer her on when she is famous!”
Ms. Casey writes a heartwarming message: “I was fortunate enough to have Sasha during her freshman and junior years, and we still keep in touch to this day. Sasha is an extremely creative, intelligent, and empathetic person, all qualities that lend themselves to a talented and inspiring musician. I’ve listened to her album in its entirety, and it is filled with introspective themes that anyone can relate to: love, heartbreak, insecurity, hope, redemption, and growth. Sasha’s vocals are light and melodic, and the acoustics being at the forefront of her sound allows her voice to shine and carry the emotional weight of each song. I know this is only the beginning for Sasha, and I look forward to seeing what she creates next!”
Munrow performs under Sasha Corlette Munroe, honoring her mother, Corlette, one of her biggest supporters. Fans can listen and stay updated on her musical homepage: https://sashacorlette.com
