About Skaivi: Extended Biography
Skaivi is the musical identity of 22-year-old Sara Silaj (March 12, 2003) — a Chicago-born, Chicago-based alternative electronic pop artist with deep Polish and Slovak roots. From the start, her world has been a colorful tapestry of creativity: raised in a family where music and art were ever-present, and immersed in the rich culture of Chicago’s Polish-American community. Her mother, a classically-trained pianist and songwriter, instilled in her not only a love for music, but the belief that creativity is limitless.
From childhood, Skaivi’s artistic energy was impossible to miss. She sang, danced, acted, wrote, fashion designed, painted, sketched, and dreamed in vivid color — but music always spoke the loudest. By the age of five, she found herself enchanted by the artistry of Lady Gaga. Albums like The Fame and The Fame Monster opened a portal to theatrical, experimental pop music, inspiring Skaivi to imagine a future on stage and in the studio.
Her first structured foray into music came as a percussionist in her school band at age 11, where she learned the power of rhythm, ensemble playing, and musical discipline. But it was during her teenage years that she made a leap of courage: picking up her iPhone at age 17, opening GarageBand, and teaching herself digital music production. Soon after, she transitioned to using Logic Pro on her newly-gifted MacBook at age 18, when she found out that music production spoke to her soul and that she had a knack for it. What began as a bold experiment became the foundation of a career. She quickly discovered that her ear for melody, rhythm, and atmospheric sound design could come to life in the digital realm — unlocking new levels of creativity.
Vocally, Skaivi’s signature sound was shaped through classical opera training, which she received at age 14. The once-shy singer found power and technique in operatic foundations, since then evolving her voice from soft whispers to a range capable of stronger mixed-voice belts and delicate, ethereal tones. Over time, her voice has been described as “angelic,” “silver bells,” and “hauntingly beautiful,” proficient in weaving cinematic moods through every lyric.
Musically, Skaivi lives at the intersection of dark-pop, alternative electronic, and dreamlike storytelling. Her influences are as vast as they are intentional: the boundary-pushing experimentation of electronic artists like Grimes, Purity Ring, and Crystal Castles, the gothic grandeur of Evanescence, the lush choral layers of Enya, and even the drama and intensity of metal as a whole. Her lyrics, often poetic and metaphorical, sometimes drift into more direct emotional narratives — exploring vulnerability, wonder, spirituality, and self-discovery. She sees each song as both a story and a spell, designed to transport listeners into fantastical worlds while speaking to real human emotion.
As her artistry has evolved, so has her confidence in performance. Once hesitant about the stage, Skaivi now dreams of live shows filled with powerful atmosphere, visuals, and immersive storytelling — concerts that feel like stepping into an alternate universe. She’s also begun embracing community: after years of feeling like a musical loner, she’s found friends and collaborators in the alternative and experimental music scenes, and her work has started catching the attention of industry professionals.
Beyond her personal music career, Skaivi is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Artist’s House, a creative interview platform where she’s had the chance to connect with fellow artists, learn from their journeys, and draw new inspiration for her own path. These conversations remind her that artistic growth is ongoing — a message she shares with her dedicated and ever-growing fanbase, affectionately known as her Dragons.
Her academic pursuits reflect the same serious, thoughtful approach she applies to her art. Currently pursuing a music business degree through Berklee College of Music, Skaivi is committed to understanding the industry from every angle: not only as a creator but as a strategist and professional. Her education has given her tools in marketing, branding, and career development — and she is passionate about building a musical world that feels both authentic and carefully crafted.
Looking ahead, Skaivi’s mission is to keep pushing boundaries. Her upcoming projects promise unexpected sonic blends — from dark, electronic pop anthems to experimental pieces incorporating trap, reggaeton beats, medieval vibes, and folk elements, including influences from Polish folk music. She dreams of creating conceptual albums that listeners will cherish for years, offering both artistic depth and genuine emotional connection.
At the heart of her work is an unshakable belief: music is magic. Every song is a spell, every lyric a story, every performance a chance to unite souls in shared emotion and wonder. Whether through her soaring melodies, dramatic production, or poetic lyrics, Skaivi’s goal is simple yet profound — to offer something truly unique, deeply heartfelt, and unforgettable.
Because in the end, as she puts it, “I just want people to say, ‘That’s Skaivi — and she’s doing her Skaivi thing.’”
Skaivi’s Media Favorites:
Metal song: Here To Stay by Korn.
Electronic songs: Vietnam and Transgender by Crystal Castles, and So & So by HANA.
Rock song: Bury Me in Black by My Chemical Romance.
Disco song: Rasputin by Boney M.
Polish song: Tak…Tak…To Ja by Obywatel G.C.
TV shows: Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, and Steven Universe.
Movies: Mean Girls, Tangled, and Howl’s Moving Castle.
Video games: Life is Strange, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Undertale.
Skaivi’s Personality Types (Just For Fun):
Her “big three” zodiac signs are Pisces Sun, Cancer Moon, and Taurus Rising.
Her Myers-Briggs personality type is ENFP.
Her Enneagram type is 3w4.
Skaivi’s Musical Firsts:
First song she fell in love with: Barbie Girl by Aqua.
First album she owned: Aquarium by Aqua.
First concert she attended: B96 Pepsi Summer Bash in 2016.