Sabrina Claudio is the Vixen with a Voice

Cover Story

Dec 13, 2019 @ 1:00 pm By Kelly James

Sabrina Claudio has come a long way from posting covers of songs like Beyonce’s “Heaven” and Frank Ocean’s, “Pink Matter” on her YouTube channel.

After touring with 6LACK in 2017, she released her first mixtape, About Time, which quickly led to her becoming Apple Music’s Up Next artist for October and November of 2017. You may also know her from working with Khalid on “All to You” and “Don’t Let Me Down.”

Now, the Cuban and Puerto Rican songstress has debuted her sophomore album, Truth Is, and has been performing in venues across the country — leaving a trail of rhinestones, couples that are about to have a fun evening, and her seductively raspy voice echoing in everyone’s brains.

We sat down with Sabrina Claudio to discuss her transition from cover artist to internet sensation and how she found her voice. See the full interview, as well as our exclusive shoot with Sabrina Claudio below!

From all of the many covers you have done in your early career, what was your first ever cover? Your most favorite to sing?

The first cover I put out, which is the cover that initiated my new found passion for singing, was Frank Oceans “Thinkin’ Bout You.” It was the first cover that got recognition and the stamp of approval within my high school (haha). It’s hard to choose my favorite as I did a good amount of covers, but I can say that I always loved covering songs in a way where it’d be different from the original.

What was the biggest culture shock you experienced from relocating from Florida to Los Angeles?

For me, I was actually intimidated by the culture of LA at first. The perception, the pressure, the need to be successful. I had only known LA to be Hollywood as that was the only city I would visit when traveling to LA from Miami. One thing I absolutely loved, however, was the melting pot of ethnicities and people. So many stories, so many different walks of life. It’s inspiring even 4 years later. Now living in LA, I can’t imagine not being here.

What has been your least favorite part about being in the public eye? Your most favorite?

Fortunately, I’m pretty low key when it comes to being “in the public eye.” But one thing that does get a bit frustrating after a while is the lack of privacy no matter how private of a person I try to be. My favorite thing about it, though, is just being able to reach people with my music that otherwise I would never be able to affect.

Your lyrics are always so poetic…What aspects of the music-making process do you love the most?

I love the idea of naturally coming up with things I had no idea I was capable of whether it be stories or melodies or production ideas. The art of creating is something that will just never get old for me. It’s fun and exhilarating, it’s therapeutic and surprising.

Tell us a personal anecdote behind one of your personal singles. Which one of your own personal singles is your favorite?

My all time favorite song of mine will always be “Confidently Lost.” It’s what started my journey in my career but also my life after moving to LA. It holds a message that can be related to so many different stories, no matter who you are or what you’re going through. It’s empowering and reassuring and has helped so many people including myself.

What other avenues of art do you love besides music?

This probably still has to do with music ,but I just love to move. I don’t know if I would consider what I do dancing necessarily, but storytelling through movement is freeing to me.

What musical goals do you hope to accomplish within your very own career?

I just hope to continue doing what I do which is affecting people with my music. I pray to be able to continue to grow and reach more. I feel that’s my biggest purpose in life and I want to live in my purpose.

What was one of your biggest childhood dreams outside of music?

I’ve actually always wanted to be a pediatric oncologist. I’m not sure if I’d be able to make it through the schooling, knowing me, but it’s something I’ve been extremely passionate about.

Since you have pretty much created this new space of R&B that is soft but also addictive to listen to…How are you going to keep reinventing yourself?

I don’t really have a set plan as to what I’m gonna do. I kind of just go with the flow and I find that it’s a bit more inspiring that way, being able to move through my journey and figure it out on the way. Naturally, I grow as a woman and as an artist everyday and, inevitably, with that comes it’s own reinventions.

What are some pro-tips you have for any young emerging musicians?

I would suggest trying to stay as authentic and true to yourself as possible. Do what makes you happy and only what makes you happy. Don’t be afraid to say no. Take care of yourself first.