Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sabrina Song has built a reputation for crafting deeply personal indie-pop songs that balance vulnerability with sharp storytelling. Her latest EP, 'Big Trick', explores the uncertainty of young adulthood, the weight of expectations, and the challenge of finding peace when life doesn't unfold as planned.

Fresh off the release of the project, Sabrina spoke with us about the inspiration behind 'Big Trick', the experiences that shaped its themes, her songwriting process, the importance of live performance, and what she hopes listeners will take away from the record.

Interview by Ka Youn
Photos by Morgan Winston


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For people who may be discovering your music for the first time, could you introduce yourself?
I'm Sabrina Song. I'm an indie singer-songwriter and producer based in Brooklyn, New York. My music is very story-driven, and I try to write and make music in a way that's cathartic and explores nuanced feelings.

If you had to describe your music in three words?
Cathartic, yearning, and delicate.

Congratulations on the release of 'Big Trick'. Can you tell us a little bit about the EP and the story behind it?
I wrote all of the songs on the EP during a period of my life a few years after college where I felt very destabilised and disillusioned. I was questioning where I thought I would be at this point in my life, my relationships, and even my sense of self.

I wanted to capture that frustration and confusion, and those more uncomfortable feelings, in a way that I hadn't really explored before. The title 'Big Trick' captures that feeling of having to readjust your expectations, while also learning to be kind to yourself in the process.

Why did you choose the title 'Big Trick'?
Once I wrote the song 'Big Trick,' the whole project kind of clicked into place. Before that, I didn't really know what the big picture was.

The title felt like it perfectly captured what I was trying to say—not just personally, but maybe even generationally. It's about what we expected life to look like and how we're all trying to find happiness and security under circumstances that can feel pretty unstable.

It felt like a slightly cheeky title that captured the feeling of, "This is what I thought life was going to look like," while also bringing a little more humour into the music than I'd explored before.

What's the main feeling you hope listeners take away from the EP?
I hope there are moments where people can almost scream in frustration, and other moments where they can sit and reflect on their own goals and where they are in life.

There are two emotional sides to the project. One is about releasing frustration and being vulnerable about not knowing how things will turn out. The other is quieter—songs like 'Broken Machine' and 'Moving Target' are about embracing uncertainty and finding comfort in the fact that you don't have control all the time.


Which songs were the easiest and hardest to write?
Surprisingly, the easiest were probably 'LOCK' and 'Play It Cool.'

'LOCK' came together almost entirely in one sitting. I produced it myself and always knew what I wanted it to sound like. 'Play It Cool' was written with my friend Greer and my co-producer Michael, and we finished most of it on the first day without changing much afterwards.

The hardest was probably 'Background Actor.' I had the chorus but couldn't figure out how to develop the song. Eventually, I brought it to my friend Emma, and we finished it together. It was one of the first times I'd really collaborated like that on one of my own songs, and it ended up feeling perfect.

Is there a song on the EP that feels especially personal to you?
I think 'Moving Target' and 'Broken Machine.'

There were moments when I wasn't sure if I wanted to release them because they felt very vulnerable. One of the opening lines in 'Moving Target' is, "The only thing worse than time is wasted potential."

I've always had this fear of not living up to my own expectations. As an artist, that's uncomfortable to admit because you want people to think you have everything figured out. But in the end, those songs felt essential to the project.

Where do you think that pressure comes from?
Honestly, I don't really know. I never felt pressure from my parents or from external sources. I've always been very self-motivated.

I've always had big goals and big dreams. I think I'm mostly afraid of disappointing myself. I'm also the oldest daughter, so maybe that's part of it. I've always wanted to lead by example. I think it's just how I'm wired.

Music can be a difficult industry to navigate. What made you choose this path?
It's funny because sometimes I feel like I chose the career that makes me the most uncomfortable.

I love making music, performing, producing, and writing, but I also love that it's a challenge. There isn't a clear roadmap. It's something I can always improve at and keep learning from.

I grew up playing piano and violin and performing in singing groups and theatre productions. I didn't really start writing songs until high school, but once I did, songwriting became the most important part for me.

Since then, I've just been trying to get closer and closer to making the kind of music I'm most excited about—even though the idea of "perfect music" is impossible.

How important is being based in Brooklyn to your creativity?
It's hugely important. I feel most inspired when I'm going to shows, talking to friends who make music, and being part of the local scene.

The live music community here is really beautiful. It almost feels like a small town sometimes because you keep running into the same people at shows, and so many of your friends are artists too. It feels like a really special moment in life.


How does performing these songs live differ from hearing them on the record?
It's so much fun.

When you're making a record, everything can be very precise. You can place every sound exactly where you want it. But live performance is different. Anything can happen, and every show feels unique because of the audience, the room, and the energy.

That keeps the songs feeling fresh every time I play them.

Do you have a performance that stands out as especially memorable?
One of my favourite shows was opening for August Ponthier at Bowery Ballroom. I played solo with a guitar, and the room sounded incredible. It was also the night before my birthday, so it felt very special.

But honestly, my 'Big Trick' release show a couple of weeks ago might be one of my favourites ever. It sold out, people knew the words, and I got to perform the entire EP with my band. That was a really amazing feeling.

What's next for Sabrina Song after 'Big Trick'?
That's what I'm figuring out right now.

It's funny because you spend so long working on one project, and then as soon as it's out you're already thinking about the next year or two. Right now, I'm excited to keep playing shows, keep sharing this EP, and keep writing new music while I figure out what the next musical world looks like.

Finally, if listeners take away one thing from 'Big Trick', what would you hope it is?
Yeah, I'm planning on touring in May. I'm not positive if it's confirmed yet, but I am playing some live shows around my album release. With the current climate of everything and budgeting, I think I’ll be doing it alone again. It’s the best way for me to do it, just because I can’t afford any other way. But I do really enjoy it, it gives me time to connect with myself, and it’s helpful in getting my message across in the way I want it to. I really hope to do more things like play a lot more live shows this year, and experiment more with things that I haven't done much before. More DJ sets, or maybe more remixes or collaborations with other artists, just trying to have more fun with what I've created.

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You can listen to Sabrina Song's album, 'Big Trick', where ever you get your music.

Sabrina Song’s music captures the weary heart of young adulthood—with all its heartbreak and bursts of hope in between. The primary writer and producer across her discography, the Brooklyn-based artist makes indie-rock songs that land with a delicate sting, exploring complex relationship dynamics, womanhood, and inner conflicts that don’t have a simple answer.