☆ Q&A with SAB! ☆

SAB! Talks Debut Album, Songwriting, and Staying True to Herself

Photos taken and edited by: Martha Moreno (@marthaa.22)

Sabina, known professionally as SAB!, is a rising artist from the Imperial Valley whose music resonates with raw emotion and authenticity. Her journey into music began as a personal outlet, transforming her experiences into art that deeply connects with listeners.

In December 2021, SAB! released the poignant single “meet me at the tree swing”, a track that delves into themes of vulnerability and introspection. This song showcases her ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with captivating melodies, creating an immersive listening experience.

August 2024 marked the release of her EP, When Adolescence Ends, a six-track project that captures the essence of transitioning from youth to adulthood. The EP reflects SAB!'s growth as an artist and offers a window into her personal evolution.

Beyond her recorded work, SAB! is known for her dynamic live performances, often collaborating with a talented band to bring her music to life on stage. Her commitment to authenticity and community has solidified her presence in the music scene, inspiring both fans and fellow artists alike.

Our conversation delved into her creative process, the stories behind her music, and her vision for the future. Scroll down to read the full interview and gain deeper insight into SAB!'s artistic journey. Also, keep an eye out for my good friend Sergio throughout the Q&A, who is not only SAB!'s close friend but also her producer, co-writer, and manager!

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Ale: To start off, can you introduce yourself? Tell me a little bit about who you are, what led you to make music, and any hobbies you have outside of music.

Sab!: My full name is Sabina Gomez, but I go by Sab! Music is everything—I don’t really have hobbies outside of it. I guess you could say I’m a professional napper [laughs]. But really, making music is what I do. It’s how I process things, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Sergio: She’s also really good at sending memes to the group chat.

Sab!: Oh yeah, I’m top-tier at that. Also, I tend to say things that could probably get me canceled before my career even starts, so let’s hope nothing slips here. 

Ale: So “meet me at the tree swing" is your most streamed song. Can you walk us through the inspiration behind it and how it came to life? Did you produce it yourself?

Sab!: No, no, I don’t produce my own stuff. Before working with my current producer, I was just using beats from YouTube. For this song, there wasn’t a traditional writing process—it all kind of just came out in one take.

The inspiration behind it is heavy, though. I had a friend call me one day, basically saying they were going to end their life. I was 16 at the time, and there was nothing I could do except go to sleep not knowing if they’d still be alive the next day. Thankfully, they were. But that experience really stuck with me, and the song was my way of processing it.

Ale: That’s really intense.

Sab!: Yeah. When I was freestyling, that phone call was what I was thinking about. I even looked up a "Cigarettes After Sex/Lana Del Rey type beat" because I wanted to capture that mood. The lyrics are metaphorical, though—like the tree swing in the song represents something deeper. There’s no literal swing, but it was my way of expressing that moment and the emotions tied to it.

Sergio: Didn’t Turtle do the mastering on that track?

Sab!: Yeah! He mixed it, added reverb, and made it sound so much better. Honestly, I don’t even want to know what it sounded like before he worked on it.

Ale: Your EP When Adolescence Ends feels super personal and nostalgic. What was the process behind creating it?

Sab!: Oh, you’re in for some tea! I had such a clear vision for this EP. I wanted it to be about growing up, nostalgia, and mourning childhood. But then, in the middle of working on it, I developed this insane, unhinged crush.

So suddenly, I was writing love songs that had nothing to do with my original concept. It totally derailed the EP, but in the end, it still worked as a time capsule of that period in my life. The last song was my way of tying it all back together.

Sergio: Yeah, the title and concept existed before any of the songs were even written. But then life happened, and it shifted in a way that actually made it feel even more authentic.

Sab!: Exactly! The crush started when we started the EP and ended right before we finished it. It was literally an era.

Ale: That’s so funny. The most tragic situations inspire the best music.

Sab!: Literally!

Ale: As an independent artist, what have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?

Sab!: Performing alone was miserable. I started out with just a backing track, and it felt so empty. I knew I needed a band, but finding the right people was hard. Eventually, I found Izzy, who could learn my music by ear, and then I recruited the rest through random connections like Frank is from Tinder [laughs]. Now, I refuse to perform solo. My music just isn’t meant to be played that way.

Ale: Out of all the lyrics you’ve written, is there one that’s your favorite or holds the most personal meaning?

Sab!: Probably from "The Tree Swing": Find your happiness within your soul, not in someone else. At the time, I didn’t even feel connected to that lyric—I was just writing. But now, it’s like my personal Bible verse.

Ale: You recently posted about working on an album. Is that what’s next for you?

Sab!: Yeah! It’s going to be all over the place—but in a good way. I want it to feel dynamic and unexpected, like every song is different from the last but still cohesive.

Sergio: She wants to showcase all her different influences, especially with the band’s input this time.

Sab!: Exactly! The EP was just me and Sergio writing, but now everyone has a role—my brother on bass, Frank on keys, Izzy on guitar. It’s going to sound more collaborative.

Ale: If you could give advice to aspiring musicians from small towns like the Valley, what would it be?

Sab!: Be a humble narcissist. You have to believe in yourself, but not in a way that makes you unlikable. If you don’t think you’re the shit, why would anyone else? Confidence is key, but stay grounded.

Ale: Okay now for some quick questions! Favorite album of all time?

Sab!: The Wall by Pink Floyd. It’s life-changing. My dad put me onto it as a kid, and it’s stuck with me.

Ale: Do you think being an Aries fits you?

Sab!: Oh, 100%. I’m energetic, confident and impulsive like that’s me.

Ale: Go-to coffee shop order?

Sab!: Brown sugar shaken espresso with oat milk. But it gives me heart palpitations, so I have to pace myself.

Ale: Dream collaboration?

Sab!: Finneas. He’s an amazing producer, and I feel like we’d work really well together.

Ale: If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Sab!: Mexico City. The energy there is insane.

Ale: What do you think has contributed to your success in reaching an audience?

Sab!: Honestly, I just post whatever I want, whenever I want. I don’t try to curate an image—I just stay myself.

Sergio: Yeah, and she’s not afraid to be a fan. So many artists try to act "cool," but Sab openly fangirls, and people connect with that.

Sab!: Exactly! I talk about my favorite bands all the time. I can’t be a casual enjoyer.

Ale: Any words of wisdom to close things off?

Sab!: Just be yourself, but only if you’re likable. Some people shouldn’t be themselves [laughs].

Ale: That’s so real.

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Follow SAB! to keep up with future releases! ☆

Article written by: Alejandra Moreno (@alejandrmor) for Keep On Ur Radar (@keeponurradar)

Featuring: SAB! (@s4bswurld), Sergio (@imagiantsuaaasage), and Alejandro (@alejandromvrr)

Photos by: Martha Moreno (@marthaa.22)