Spotlight: Sabrina Adair, A Fresh Take on New Music in the Neighbourhood

The Summer Music Series is a multi-week showcase of musicians that bridges the gap between local, musical talent and busy pedestrian hotspots around the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood. This year’s schedule features a mix of seasoned and emerging artists, including the bright, and fresh sounds of Sabrina Adair.

Sabrina Adair, who has recently released her first, self-titled EP, “Sabrina Adair” (Spotify | iTunes) is looking forward to expanding her reach to a wider audience as she launches into her musical career. She shares her insight with us on the creative and technical process of professionally recording music for the first time, where she finds inspiration, and the motivations that drive her craft.

 

 

Yonge + St. Clair: What is your music and brand all about?

Sabrina Adair: Optimism. I am a practical, and positive person. When it comes to writing lyrics, there is always a positive tone to the songs. Even though the topic may be quite the opposite. I may be incapable of writing a ‘sad’ song because it wouldn’t feel natural. The times that I’ve tried it just feels fake, because, honestly it is. I want my songs to make people feel good.  Because I’m someone who turns the ugly into the good, and I want my music to showcase that.

 

 

Y+S: What were some of the most exciting, and most daunting parts of creating your new EP, “Sabrina Adair” that listeners might be surprised to learn?

SA: It was terrifying. I had to learn how to be the boss of a widely talented group of people whom all had been in the music industry for 20+ years. It was hard to find my footing. Not to mention I had never
worked with a band before. It had only ever been me. But these guys knew all the music theory, and it was like a different language that I didn’t speak. I just had to go with how the music ‘felt’. All while trying to keep it true to me.

The most exciting thing about the whole process was feeling like I was a recording artist for the first time. Once we got to cutting the vocals, I got to let loose. And the less I thought about it, the better the result was.

Y+S: What drives or inspires the music you perform?

SA: I love to write music. I love how intricate music is. Whether or not someone hears it, I enjoy making every song I write. Storytelling and writing music are very similar. When I was a kid, I wanted to be an author. So maybe this is my way of creating my own little universe.

 

 

Y+S: The Summer Music Series is a way we connect musical talent with the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood, what do you hope people take away from your music during your performance?

SA: I hope they enjoy it! I’m new to the music industry, so I am still learning in so many ways. But I hope that they hear the music, and see me as a contender. If one of them walk away and a song of mine enters their head later on, I’ve done my job.

Y+S: Do you have any current projects you’re working on? Or anything you’d like to share with listeners?

SA: I have an entire album worth of music that is ready to be produced and released, but I need help getting there. If I could, I’d release it today. But I need the support. If you want to help, please take a listen to my EP, follow me on Spotify and Instagram and YouTube for weekly covers and updates, and share with your friends! If you take any
videos and pictures from the performance, feel free to tag me in them!

 

 

Y+S: What are you looking forward to the most this summer?

SA: I’m thrilled to finish writing some music that I have cast aside over the last year and to record demos of all my music.

But I have tickets to see Shawn Mendes in Toronto and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t most excited for that!

 

Watch Sabrina perform live at the intersection of Yonge + St. Clair on Thursday, June 27th at 5PM – 6PM and stay tuned every week for the roster of musicians that will be performing every Thursday at 5PM – 6PM from June 27th – August 15th. See the full lineup here, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook for Summer Music Series updates.