Saudia Young

I recently returned from NYC where I visited, worked for , fought with, laughed with and cried with my mother. I was  terrified about our personal vulnerability to aging, illness,bad habits, bad luck and the crazy instability of the world. Why can’t home be a safe cocoon filled with hot chocolate and bed time stories? In the end it was a very good trip. We got a lot of work done in her studio, made some plans and learned how to  be nice to each other, despite our bone numbing fears about the future. I came home to Berlin thinking how strange it was that Berlin is now home and my birthplace is  where I am a visiting traveler.  I grew up in an old version of “the city” currently not visible. I love NY and my friends  but I have a romantic notion of when you could buy a cup of coffee for a dollar and times square had peep shows and ballet dancers all thrown into the same soup. Berlin is a bit of a wobbly mix of cultures, history and architecture, which is what makes it so exciting, sad and beautiful. It’s not easy here but I am creating and growing, so I am greatful. Back to work!

Interview in The Local / Lifestyles Section

by Shannon Smith
Published: 4 Jan 2010

The Local’s series “Making it in Germany” presents Saudia Young, a US cabaret singer working Berlin’s live music circuit.

Originally hailing from New York City, Young counts some of Germany’s great writers and composers among her biggest influences as a singer. The Local spoke with her about her decision to move to the country’s capital for some modern Teutonic inspiration and what’s it like to be a working expat musician.

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