Sabrina Claudio Exclusive Photoshoot and Interview

Sabrina Claudio X FAULT Magazine

Photographer: Raen Badua | Exclusive Artists
Stylist: Katie Quan
Makeup: Marla Vazquez
Hair: Laura Rugetti | The Only Agency
Photo Assistant: Jojo Reyes

Interview: Miles Holder

You don’t have to listen to Sabrina Claudio long before you’re under her spell. Be it her enchanting songwriting or hypnotic vocal; she exudes talent far beyond her years. Her most recent album, ‘Truth Is’ displayed how far her artistry has come since her debut, sexy, enticing yet personal and vulnerable; it left listeners only wanting more.

We caught up with Sabrina to discuss her art, career so far and of course, her FAULTs.

In an older interview, you said that many of your songs were written about the experiences of other people. As you’ve experienced much more now in your life since your debut, are you seeing more of your personal stories manifesting in your songwriting?

 Sabrina Claudio: I wouldn’t necessarily say that I intentionally write from personal experience- I never go into a writing session with a concept I that want to talk about regarding something I’ve experienced. However, I’ve inevitably begun to write more from a perspective of knowledge. I still get mostly inspired by other peoples stories but I do find that I relate to their experiences a lot more now and inescapably include some of mine in the process. 

Emotionally, what’s been your hardest song to write so far?

Sabrina Claudio: The most difficult song I’ve written has been “Messages From Her” and it still gets me emotional when performing. This one, in particular, is quite special due to the amount of vulnerability I wasn’t afraid to feel when writing it. I guess when I say “I don’t write from personal experience”, I’m usually referring to songs I write about love or relationships. However, when writing a song that’s fully about myself, of course it’s absolutely one from personal experience- Messages From Her, Confidently Lost, etc. Messages is a conversation between my younger self and I and it’s an incredibly emotional conversation at that. 

When you look back on your career in 40 years, what do you want your art to have said about you?

Sabrina Claudio: I just want to be able to look back, no matter how many years, and know that my art has affected people for the better. It’s honestly the one reason that’s helped me continue to make music.

What’s something you’ve done that helped benefit your mental health this year?

 Sabrina Claudio: Being forced to take a step back and realizing what is absolutely important in my life. The one thing I will thank this quarantine for is the ability to do that. I realize that I was slowly losing my way and perspective as to what mattered to me and being forced back into reality was the best thing that could’ve happened for my mental health. I’m truly the happiest I’ve ever been!

What’s been your hardest hurdle to climb in order to take your work to the next level?

  Sabrina Claudio: I think I’d consider myself to be my hardest hurdle. I am my biggest fan and my hardest critique and sometimes the critiques and overthinking have held me back more than it propelled me forward.

What’s the biggest fear you have as it pertains to your art?

  Sabrina Claudio: I wouldn’t say it is a fear necessarily but I do refuse to make meaningless art. Music that has no purpose or intention to positively affect people whether it is generating confidence, healing, calmness, etc. 

When you start out on your own, you’re very much in control of your whole creative and every decision. As your career has progressed and you can’t be everywhere at once, has it been difficult to let go of the control you once had over your music and visual creative decisions?

 Sabrina Claudio: I am still 100% involved in creative decisions. There have been a few occasions where I’ve allowed peoples opinions to persuade my decisions and now I look back and can honestly say that I regret them all! Haha, so I’m fully taking control of my art again from now on. I am a control freak Virgo to the core!

What is your FAULT?

 Sabrina Claudio: Oh honey, I have plenty. I think my biggest fault is my fascinating ability to get annoyed by anything and anyone within milliseconds. I’m working on it!!!