NHW SONGWRITER'S TOUR
SABRINA - INTERVIEW
How do you think you've grown since your first album with the NHW Songwriters Tour?
Wow! I believe that playing with NHW has made me a better writer, singer and person. I am constantly challenged to not be complacent by each one of the guys. Their amazing talents, as wonderful as they are, pale in comparison to the men they are.
With a name like No Hit Wonders, do you ever worry that you may jinx your luck and end up with no hits?
No, we can't jinx anything. We are working hard and I believe we already have hits. Just because the "industry" hasn't recognized it yet doesn't mean that it isn't there. Every time that one of us plays a song and someone's heart, mind or soul is touched we have a hit. Don't get me wrong, we'd all like to have an "industry-recognized" hit song and I believe that will happen.
How would you describe your style of music for those who haven't heard you yet?
Folk rock with a strong soul presence.
At what age did you begin singing?
My mother says my first public song was at 2 years old. I do remember being allowed to join the adult church choir at age 8; because I got a solo and I was so very proud.
What is next for you and the No Hit Wonders?
I am currently finishing my first solo project and looking forward to going out and promoting it. I believe that NHW will continue to grow and evolve as a group taking our music to the next level in songwriting, performance and recognition.
Do you have a favorite song of yours on the "Courageous" CD? If so, what is it and why is it your favorite song?
I think my favorite song on "Courageous" is "Here." I think it's because I allowed myself to be very vulnerable when I wrote it. I also love it because I finally wrote a love song for my boyfriend.
Where do you find the ideas and inspirations when writing songs?
I am inspired by nature, other songwriters, life events, great books, TV, almost anything.
Who are some of the other artists & songwriters you have written with or for?
Due to my preferred approach to songwriting, I generally write alone.
Can you tell us about your favorite song that you've written overall? What does it mean to you? Why did you write it?
Like a lot of songwriters, many times my favorite song is the last one I wrote; but if I had to choose one overall it would have to be "Fallen Angel." I wrote this song to help myself deal with the death of a co-worker and friend. Because of all of things surrounding this tragic event, I had a heart revelation that life is short and that I needed to share what I had been given musically. This in turn prodded me to go out to a coffeehouse and ask how I could possibly play there.
Do you play any instruments? If so, what and do you have a favorite instrument to play (if you play more than one)
Yes, I play guitar and clarinet. Right now I'm quite partial to guitar.
How would you describe the whole process of recording "Courageous" and what is a typical day in the studio like for you?
It was a wild crazy ride with some very talented guides along the way that made it amazingly painless.
What motivates you to keep striving in the music business?
I believe I was created to make music and to not do so, flies in the face of my Creator and leaves my life's purpose unfulfilled.
If you could collaborate with anyone musically, who would it be and why?
Bonnie Raitt. I'm a big fan; because she appears to fearlessly embrace who she is as a woman and a performer. I admire that tremendously.
What do you like about touring and what do you dislike?
Touring is the opportunity to connect with the listeners to your songs and that's part of the reason I write anyway. I can't think of much I don't like except perhaps not sleeping in your own bed for a succession of nights is tough.
Do you have a favorite song to perform live?
I do an arrangement of the old folk song "Motherless Child" that allows me to stylistically touch on my folk, gospel and Latin influences.
How do you balance your music career with your family and friends when you're on the road touring?
Lots of cell phone minutes.
What is the most difficult aspect of the music industry in your opinion?
That sometimes the drive for prosperity overshadows the essence of communicating to the hearts and souls of the listener; thereby promoting mediocrity in the craft.
What advice would you give to those who plan to get into the music business?
Whatever your passion is in life, go for it. Don't be afraid to take risks. Dream, plan, put the plan into motion, and continue dreaming.
Is there anything you would like to say to all your fans and all our readers?
Love and live exuberantly.
Songwriter's Spotlight: NHW Songwriter's Tour
