With The Chameleonz bringing their powerful vocals and smooth harmonies to our Friday night Live Music lineup this spring / summer season; we thought we’d reach out to Sabrina, one of the talented lead vocalists of the award-winning band and ask about everything from her musical influences to lyrical connections. As someone with over twenty years of experience in the industry, performing alongside a variety of talent and opening for iconic Australian acts like Mental As Anything, we found Sabrina’s responses to our queries to be particularly meaningful and inspiring.

Sabrina, what first inspired you to start singing? And when did you realise that it was something you wanted to pursue seriously?

“The first time I was inspired to start singing was after watching the Madonna Blonde Ambition tour in 1990. And I first realised that this was something I wanted to do after being cast as a main character in my high school production of Godspell. I just loved the audience and found that I had a natural knack for acting and singing.”

What would you say is the most challenging song you’ve ever sung? What made it so difficult?

“This is a tough question. Many songs I’ve learnt have either taught me a new technique or a new-found appreciation of an artist’s signature, how they approach a song. The one that stands out the most is AC/DC’s Back In Black. That song is almost a belted rap. The pitch of the notes as well as the speed and rhythm combined make it tricky to nail. Then there’s the lead break timing, knowing when to come back in is also challenging.”

What role does emotion play in your singing? How do you connect with the lyrics on a deeper level?

“Emotion is a major part. Everything I sing, I feel. This is likely relating back to my acting studies of the Stanislavski method, where you learn to draw on your own experiences and emotions to connect to lyrics. I’ve been known to shed on a tear or two during sentimental ballads.”

Are there any singers or vocalists that you look up to or draw influence from, either stylistically or technically?

“The biggest vocal influences for me would be Trisha Yearwood. She delivers a strong sentimental connection to everything she sings. This is why I chose to cover one of her songs Like We Never Had A Broken Heart on my debut album. Next would be Celine Dion. As a child, I’d spend hours listening to how she’d belt out the notes, then draw straight back in to create a longing to hear what she was going to do next. I have always been in admiration of her vocal acrobatics and strength.

Lastly would be Linda Ronstadt. Linda has a voice you could only dream of, powerful yet sentimental. I invested a lot of time studying her technique and grew a strong appreciation of her abilities, particularly when she conquered Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance, cast as the role of Mabel. That role is demanding with its impressive operatic notes. Linda proved that one voice can sing both rock and opera. Quite inspirational!”

What’s some advice that you’d give to someone who’s just starting out as a singer and wants to develop their own unique voice?

“Don’t be afraid to try songs outside of your comfort zone. Different styles of music teach your different techniques. Just embrace it and learn from it.”

And of course, what’s your favourite song you like to perform?

“Unfortunately, this is one that I just can’t answer. I sing so many songs that I truly love; I really can’t choose a single song!

 

 

Be sure to join us every Friday night for LIVE + FREE music from 6:30pm-9:30pm in Hadley’s – see below for upcoming performances!

Friday 7 November -The Chameleonz
Friday 14 November – The Chameleonz
Friday 21 November – The Chameleonz
Friday 28 November – Dusted Duo
Friday 5 December – Dusted Duo
Friday 12 December – The Chameleonz
Friday 19 December – The Chameleonz
Friday 26 December – The Chameleonz

Dinner and a show?

We recommend indulging in Hadley’s seasonal contemporary Australian menu | Click here to book a table