“I just want happiness in my life.” Those are the words—and the feeling—that sparked the latest collaboration between Will Sass and Kamille. How many moments do we lie there, wishing for nothing more than to be happy? But happiness isn’t a constant state. It’s many things. And sometimes, we have to work for it, just to feel it for a fleeting second. Yet knowing those moments exist makes it worth continuing—and feeling everything in between, too.
“Happiness isn’t some place you arrive — it’s more like a surprise party your brain throws when you’re not looking for it.” Will Sass reflects. At just 24, the New York-born producer is already carving out a space for emotional depth within electronic music. Known for his ability to blend analog warmth with innovative sound design, his rise has been driven by a willingness to be vulnerable in the studio—and to follow creative sparks wherever they lead. It was one such spark that ignited his partnership with British powerhouse Kamille, a songwriter and artist whose accolades span Grammys, BRIT Awards, and over 10 billion streams. Their first single together, Into The Blue, climbed into the top five of the Billboard Dance chart and dominated airwaves across the US.
Now, they return with Happiness—a dance track born not from escapism, but from real emotion. It builds slowly, layering textures and feeling until it reaches a quiet, euphoric release. It’s a song written in the midst of doubt, and produced with hope. “My goal is for you to feel a change in state by the end of the song.” Will shares.
In this conversation, Will opens up about the unexpected magic of that first session with Kamille, the pressure and joy of collaborating with someone he’s long admired, and how staying true to a feeling—even the tough ones—can be the most powerful thing you do as an artist. It’s not about chasing happiness as a goal, but allowing it to arrive, unexpectedly, in the moments we least expect.
photography by Ollie Grove
Hey Will, thanks so much for taking the time! How are you today? Excited to dive in!
I’m great, thanks for having me! I’m a big fan of the outlet. I’m excited to dive in and chat.
“Happiness” is such a powerful title. So what does happiness mean to you?
Means a lot to me. The track came about when I was in the studio with Kamille. I played the chords and she just sang the words ‘I just want happiness in my life’. Instantly right there I called the session Happiness, because I knew it was a message everyone could relate to. Kamille then spent months refining the verses and smashed it. I also spent months tweaking the production, tinkering with layers, drones and atmospheres to give a good soundscape that could support the message. I tried to keep the track building as it progresses (as my favorite electronic records do) and by the end of the song my goal is for you to feel a change in state.
For me, happiness is definitely not a destination—that mindset only leads to unhappiness. It’s a feeling, I think, found in the little things. Do you agree? (smiles)
So true. I totally agree—happiness isn’t some place you arrive, it’s more like a surprise party your brain throws when you’re not looking for it. It’s those little, unplanned moments that feel real. Honestly, that’s exactly how this song came together in the studio—it just clicked, and we all felt it. Between our friends, team members, a cameraman and Kamille and myself we had about 15 people in the studio that day. I remember looking around the room as soon as the track came together watching everyone nod their head on a different groove. Everyone was vibing differently to it, that’s when I knew it was special.
You’ve both described that session as almost therapeutic—do you believe music can be a form of healing?
Absolutely. I really do believe music can be a form of healing — not just for the listener, but for the people making it too. Most of the time, I’m in the room with the artist or collaborator, and that kind of in-person connection opens the door to something deeper. The writing process becomes more than just songwriting — it turns into a safe space to be vulnerable, to unpack emotions, and to put real-life experiences into sound.
Creating that kind of atmosphere is a big part of my job — warm, open, and full of positive energy. It’s almost like a therapy session, but with melodies, chords, and lyrics as the language we’re using. Some of the most special songs I’ve worked on have come from those unfiltered, honest moments where everyone feels seen and heard. That’s when music really becomes something more — something that helps you process, reflect, and heal.
“My goal is for you to feel a change in state by the end of the song.”
When you look back at the first time you met in the studio, was there a specific moment you knew something special was happening creatively?
The moment Kamille walked into the room, the energy completely shifted — in the best way. She’s got this incredible charisma that lights up the space, and I remember instantly feeling the excitement and pressure of wanting to bring my A-game. She’s such a respected and accomplished songwriter, so just being in the room with her felt like an honor. I think I had something like four coffees that day just trying to stay sharp and match the energy she brought in.
What stood out most, though, was how grounded and generous she is. Despite everything she’s accomplished, she makes everyone around her feel seen and valued — there’s no ego, just pure creative intention. From the very first ideas we started throwing around, there was this unspoken chemistry. It wasn’t forced; it flowed. That first session set the tone for what’s become a really special creative connection between us. Since then, we’ve done a bunch of records together, and every time we link up, it feels like we’re tapping into something honest and electric.
What’s a piece of advice or a lesson you’ve held onto during moments of self-doubt?
Self-doubt is something I think everyone goes through, especially in creative work — it kind of comes with the territory. I’ve learned that sometimes doubt is actually a sign that you’re pushing yourself into new territory, outside your comfort zone. And that can be a good thing — it means growth is happening, even if it’s uncomfortable.
But there are also times when that doubt can feel heavy, like maybe you’re off track or not doing something “right.” In those moments, I try not to spiral. I’ve learned to step back, zoom out, and remind myself that nothing meaningful is built overnight. Rome wasn’t built in a day — it’s cliché, but it’s true. Sometimes the most productive thing I can do is just let it go for a bit, get some sleep, and come back to it with fresh ears and a clear head.
It’s wild how different things can look after a good night’s rest. Perspective is everything. And at the end of the day, I try to remind myself: You got this — you’ve done it before, and you’ll do it again.
“Happiness isn’t some place you arrive — it’s more like a surprise party your brain throws when you’re not looking for it.”
How do you stay grounded in an industry that often prioritizes performance over presence?
I feel like I’m in my development era, so a lot of this journey is about experimenting — putting out the best music and visuals I can and seeing what resonates. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers and external validation, but I try to stay grounded by coming back to why I started making music in the first place: to capture a feeling, a fleeting moment, or an emotion that someone else might connect with in their own way.
I’m also deeply inspired by club culture — the dance floor has always been a place of freedom for me, and I try to channel that energy into everything I make. Playing shows and seeing people react in real time reminds me that it’s not just about metrics or algorithms — it’s about real connection. That’s what keeps me present. That’s what gives the music meaning.
What’s a creative risk you’ve taken recently that made you feel proud, even if it scared you?
Being honest in my lyrics has definitely felt like a creative stretch at times — it’s vulnerable putting your real thoughts and feelings out there. But I’ve learned that the more genuine the music is, the more it resonates. That emotional honesty also pushes me to level up the production to match the intensity or subtlety of what’s being said — to really bring the feeling to life sonically.
Another risk I’ve leaned into recently is collaborating with artists who come from slightly different sonic worlds. It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone, but when you reach outside of it, that’s where the magic can happen. A great example is my double A-side collab with Catching Cairo. I sent her a drum & bass demo I had been working on called String Theory, and she responded with her own track, Deep Theory. Neither of those songs would exist if I hadn’t taken the chance and started that creative exchange. It reminded me that taking risks — whether it’s lyrical vulnerability or genre-bending collaboration — is often where the most meaningful work comes from.
“Nothing meaningful is built overnight… You got this — you’ve done it before, and you’ll do it again.”
Your Instagram is full of studio shots—it really feels like that’s where you feel most at home. Do you have any personal rituals or habits when you’re working there?
Yeah, I’m definitely a bit of a studio head — it’s where I feel the most focused and free. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few rituals that help me get into the right mindset. One of them, for better or worse, is burning a bit too much sage or palo santo. I’ve definitely been called out in a few studios for setting off the smoke alarms, but there’s something about clearing the space energetically that really helps me reset before a session.
I always come in with a little toolkit: my TP-7 recorder so I’m not stuck on my phone when an idea hits, a notebook for scribbling lyrics or stream-of-consciousness thoughts, and sometimes one of my portable synths — usually my Electribe or OP-1, both of which are battery-powered. They’re perfect for spontaneous sound design or sketching an idea on the fly.
Before the artist arrives, I usually put on a playlist of ambient textures and atmospheres to set a mood — not necessarily to influence the music, but just to create a vibe that feels open and inspiring. But once the session starts, I try to let go of all of that. I treat every day like a clean slate — new energy, new ideas, new possibilities. That’s what keeps it exciting.
The most important thing in life is?
The most important thing in life is spreading love — genuinely showing up for the people you care about and finding ways to give back to the world around you. We’re not here forever, so it’s about making the time we do have meaningful. Stay true to who you are, pursue what lights you up, and try to leave a positive impact. When you live with purpose and love, you naturally inspire others to do the same. That ripple effect is powerful.
Listen to “Happiness” by Will Sass & Kamille here:
lnk.to/wshappiness
Follow for more:
www.instagram.com/willsass
www.instagram.com/kamille
