Sabrina Sekuloski unveils the intimate connection between her art and evolving self, crediting her profound musical transition to internal growth and a diverse range of influences. With her new release “Mosaic,” a venture into the indie pop realm, she assures listeners that the soulful emotion, lyrical depth, and authentic voice they’ve cherished remain at the core.
The rising star attributes her artistic integrity to her parents’ advice – to create with love as the cornerstone. Recounting her journey, Sabrina reminisces about the transformative power of music that allowed her inner voice to shine amidst her natural shyness, attributing significant growth to high school performances that unearthed her latent confidence.
Philosophical inclinations weave through Sabrina’s releases, with Plato, Marsilio Ficino, and biblical teachings inspiring her tracks. The singer-songwriter also acknowledges the pulsating allure of pop music, citing its unifying ability as a key driver behind “Mosaic.”
“Mosaic” represents a notable shift towards indie pop, contrasting your earlier works. Given that songwriting offers you a profound exploration of self and emotions, how do you ensure your music not only crosses genre lines but also connects deeply with listeners?
It’s only natural for each person to gravitate towards a particular genre or sound they enjoy. However, I hope that most people who listen to my music find a connection to the unchanging aspects of my music. My voice, emotion, lyrical depth and the hooks – these aspects will remain constant no matter the genre. I hope that the meaning and depth of my music can connect with listeners. Music has always been there for me no matter what I’m going through so I hope that my music can do the same for other people too.
Having grown up with a musician father and an art-loving mother, what’s one lesson or piece of advice from them that you hold close, and has continually influenced your career?
I think the most valuable thing I have learned from both of them is to always create from a place of love. I always try to carry out my artistic endeavors with love as the driving force. Without love, art would lack soul. I hope that I always have a pure love for music.
Music has notably helped you overcome your natural shyness. Is there a particular moment or performance that stands out in highlighting this transformation for you?
There were a few times in high school when I performed in front of the whole school that really encouraged me as a singer and to pursue a path in music. I was really taken aback by the reaction from the crowd to my voice. I also remember feeling very comfortable on stage when singing in front of everyone. It felt like everyone could really see who I was. It’s ironic, because I usually felt quite nervous talking in a group setting, but I felt fine singing in front of a large crowd.
Your songs intertwine introspection and philosophy. Could you highlight a philosophical concept or thinker that has inspired you, and explain its influence on a particular song?
I find the work of the philosophers Plato and Marsilio Ficino very inspiring as well as the theology of all religious majors. One song that was influenced by the teaching was “True Friend.” It explores what it really means to have a genuine friendship, which is quite rare to find in this day and age. I really liked some quotes on friendship I found in the Bible, particularly in the book of Proverbs.
The transition from Scenic Route to the pop-centric “Mosaic” indicates a musical evolution. What internal or external factors have driven this development?
I’ve always really loved pop music. “Mosaic” is very pop in its production and writing style. There is something very special about a song that becomes popular with a mass amount of people. I find it interesting that a song can resonate with a diverse range of people who are all very different. I think it’s a really beautiful thing that music can bring different people together. As I continue to grow as a writer and artist, I hope that I can make music that has this effect on people.
Starting songwriting at 13 and having a passion for singing since you were three, how have you matured over the years, and can you pinpoint a song that marks a significant growth in your artistry?
I remember being around 11 and really loving the song “Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat when it came out. I was watching the music video for the song on TV and remembered thinking “if I could make music one day, I’d want it to be like this.” When I had this thought, I hadn’t written my first song yet but something about “Bubbly” really resonated with me.
What’s really crazy is around 10 years after having that thought, I got to work with her dad (Ken Caillat) and the producer of “Bubbly” (Mikal Blue) on my own music! I worked with them on my first EP ‘Hearts Don’t Lie’ and ‘Scenic Route’. I think it’s so cool that I crossed paths with them as I didn’t seek them out or plan on meeting them, it happened very serendipitously by chance.
Are you influenced by the ambiance of your hometown? Can you share a specific experience or place there that has inspired one of your songs?
I’m really inspired by the beach culture of Australia! I love the chill vibes. In my song “Summer Dreaming,” I sing about lots of summery things and mention Byron Bay, which is a gorgeous beach holiday destination in Australia. I’ve been there a few times. I specifically mention the Beach Hotel (which is in Byron Bay) in the song as it was the first venue I performed at outside of school. The place had a cool ambience and held sentimental value so I wanted to add it to the song.
Listen to “Mosaic” below:
