After recently performing in the City of Sydney’s Youth Week Concert at Martin Place, in early May, it’s hard to believe the Year 11 student of Dulwich High has not been performing her whole life. In fact, it has only been three years since she discovered she could even sing. “When I was in Year 8 we had an overnight music task where we had to write and perform a song by the next day. However, I had also told my friends I could play the guitar – but I couldn’t! So in one night, I had to learn how to play the guitar, song write and sing for the first time and after that I just really liked it and eventually decided I wanted to do that for a career.”
Influenced by artists such as Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and Slim Dusty, Soares realised her passion for country music. She soon took to the streets of Newtown and Summer Hill and started busking as a way to “get used to performing and to get myself out there a bit”.
And that is exactly what the young musician has done. Soares has gone on to become a graduate of the Australian Academy of Country Music in Tamworth. While there she had the privilege of opening for Catherine Britt’s show. Soares has also won first prize in the female junior category of the Canberra Country Music Festival, and was a finalist in the Songsalive! Australia Song Competition.
The organisers of Youth Week were so impressed with Sabrina’s song writing that they have chosen her song to promote the event. The song will also feature on the soundtrack for an upcoming short film to raise awareness of homophobia. Asked what inspires her song writing, Sabrina says that it can be anything, from her personal experiences, to something happening, to someone she knows. “I’m not one of those outspoken people,” she says. “I’m very shy, so I guess writing lyrics helps me to express what I really want to say. Song writing is a therapy for me.”
While juggling her Year 11 studies, Soares is currently in the process of recording her first EP at the Redfern Community Centre. She has also recently been notified that she has made it into the Top 30 contestants for the Talent Development Project. In partnership with NSW Education, the TDP is an initiative where eventually 12 students are selected to be mentored by performers such as Keith Urban, John Williamson and Melinda Schneider.
Ultimately, Soares says that all she wants for her career is to end up being able to make a living from what she loves doing most. “I want to be happy and, of course, music will be a big part of that, so that’s my goal.” And as for other up-and-coming young artists, Soares’s advice is to “always work on your craft. Every artist can always improve on their talents. However, it is important that it is what you love doing and that you enjoy it.”
