Sass (She/Her) is a Victoria, BC–based hip-hop artist, producer, and engineer whose work lives at the intersection of emotion, storytelling, and sound. With a foundation in poetry, Sass discovered audio not just as a career path, but as a lifeline, an outlet to transform internal experiences into immersive sonic realities.
Working independently, Sass is the co-founder and operator of Aberrant Avenue Agency Inc., an independent publishing company and label launched in January 2025. In just a few years, she has developed a multifaceted practice spanning hip-hop artistry, production, vocal engineering, and mixing, taking a hands-on approach to fully shape her sound from concept to completion.
Her journey into audio began with a deep curiosity about music and sound—wanting to understand not just what moved her, but how it was built. That curiosity, combined with hands-on studio experience and mentorship, became the foundation of her self-directed training in audio engineering and music business.
Coming from a background where women in hip-hop were often overlooked for their creative authority, Sass is intentional about carving out space defined by skill, leadership, and authenticity. Her work challenges those limitations while contributing to a broader, more inclusive landscape in audio.
Now 2.5 years into her career, Sass continues to build, create, and connect—using sound as a tool for expression, empowerment, and community.
Career Beginnings
How did you get your start in audio?
I started in 2023 as the visual media person for K-Blitz. I learned audio through observation first. Once it was clear I was serious, that shifted into mentorship and hands-on learning.
What were your first jobs, gigs, or internships like?
They required versatility and attention. Being present in creative spaces taught me how sessions actually function.
What skills or lessons did you learn early on that still serve you today?
Listening before acting, adaptability, and understanding the artist’s perspective.
Did you have a mentor or someone who significantly supported your growth?
Yes. K-Blitz. The mentorship came after consistent observation and commitment.
What barriers did you encounter early in your career?
Being offered opportunities that weren’t rooted in respect for my work. Also being underestimated, with opportunities going to less skilled people because I’m a woman in hip-hop.
Your Career Today
What does a typical workday look like for you now?
Mornings are business and planning. Evenings are music. That separation protects the creative process.
How do you stay organized and manage the demands of your work?
Clear systems, planning, and boundaries between creative and administrative work.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Turning feeling into sound. Connecting with people through music.
What aspects of the job are the most challenging or least enjoyable?
Navigating spaces where my credibility has to be proven before my work is heard, and the administrative load of being independent.
What do you find most difficult?
Fatigue and time away from home.
What is your favorite way to spend a day off?
Making music.
Challenges, Growth & Perspective
What obstacles or systemic barriers have you faced in the industry?
Gender bias, lack of representation, and persistent gatekeeping.
How have you navigated or pushed through those challenges?
By staying consistent, building my own infrastructure, and creating my own lanes.
Have you seen the industry change during your career?
There’s more conversation around inclusion, but access and power remain uneven.
What still needs to change?
Access to decision-making roles, funding, mentorship, and long-term opportunity.
Advice & Looking Forward
What advice would you give?
Trust your ears, learn the craft, protect your boundaries, and don’t wait for permission.
What skills are essential?
Critical listening, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and business literacy.
What long-term goals do you have?
To grow as a hip-hop artist, build sustainable independence, and create space for others.
Is there something you wish you had known earlier?
That not everyone offering access is offering opportunity.
Favorites & Personal Touch
Favorite or most-used gear:
I’m still experimenting, but I prefer Reaper as my DAW because it gives me flexibility without getting in the way of creating.
A piece of gear you can’t live without:
My pop filter, audio interface, and laptop.
A proud moment:
When people began trusting me not just as an artist, but as someone they could rely on creatively and professionally.
Anything Else
Music isn’t something I do. It’s how I understand myself and the world.
