Sabriel Brings Us Into Her Universe
office spoke to Sabriel about the enlightening process of creating Pulse, the colorful new music video, and more below.
You produced and wrote this EP from your bedroom, was that process hectic or smooth sailing? Do you work better in your own personal space?
Making this EP from the comfort of my bedroom was the perfect way for me to learn about myself during a transitional moment in my life. It felt like I was writing in a diary. The most hectic part was the self-doubt. I had to build up my own confidence because I wasn’t bouncing my ideas off of anyone. That was a skill I desperately needed to gain. I’d say I do probably work better in my own personal space, but I’ve started collaborating with so many great people in just the last month that maybe that will shift for a bit.
This EP is described as your manifestation of growth into womanhood. When did you realize your identity was maturing and what did that mean to you?
After some personal and global life events, I was catapulted into independence and I had to decide whether or not to embrace it or retract back into my anxiety. It wasn’t until after writing the entire EP that I was able to look at all of those moments and see how much growth has occurred. Every song represents a chapter of evolution. The shift from my early to late twenties all jam-packed into a fifteen-minute EP.
Why is the theme of fire a recurring motif of the EP?
I’d like to say it was intentional, but maybe I just had some secret fire obsession. I guess I used to be really afraid of fire. So spiritually, I decided to build a relationship with it. When I wrote “Nervous,” I was thinking a lot about the transmutation of fire & how it changes everything it comes into contact with. It’s scary, powerful, and beautiful at the same time. That’s life!
Your recently released video for “SFA” is almost like a direct visual aid to the song. In what ways did you attempt to make this EP a fully immersive experience?
That’s cool to hear! I wanted to put together something visually for SFA because I think it’s such an interesting song and I didn’t want it to be glossed over. I intentionally tried to make each song transition into the next. I’m glad to hear that there’s an immersive element, because I wish I had made more attempts for it to feel that way.
The SFA video also appeals to the senses highly, especially through the use of color. If you were a color, what color would you be?
If I were a color, I would be #E067D2! I really had to force myself to use different colors than variations of purple for this video.
As you are exploring yourself, your sound, and your persona through this EP — who is Sabriel in this current moment and who do you hope to grow into in the future?
I’ve been getting this question a lot in my personal life. My answer has been “I don’t know.” But like, in a good way. I feel like I’m a big blank slate. I get to decide who I want to be right now. I’m definitely not as sad and angry as the me who was represented in the EP, though. I kind of like not knowing who I am or what my sound is. It’s really unnerving, but freeing at the same time. I’m excited for future me!
Watch the music video for "SFA" below.
