Why Toronto? In the latest installment of Career
Paths Travelled, Sabrina Soares shares why she selected the North American city
as a home-base for her music career. Sabrina’s positive vibe is indescribable,
and her music exudes a confident enthusiasm for life’s experiences.
I met Sabrina in January while I was making my own
career transition back to St. John’s, Newfoundland. I needed to locate a new
renter for my Toronto room very quickly. Upon meeting Sabrina, I felt as though
we were long-time friends - I was happy to gift her my furniture, and beloved
houseplants, as she settles in The 6ix.
Sabrina’s natural talent, adventurous spirit, and
level of determination are something special. Those are qualities of a
successful career-changer in any sector. In this case, location is the change
(City, Country, and Continent). Here’s Sabrina’s Bandcamp page for a soundtrack
as you read the interview:
Elena Fenrick, Career Paths Travelled: First of
all, tell us about the beginning of your music career in Sydney, Australia. How
old were you when you started writing your own music? How did your family’s Brazilian
heritage influence your musical style, and where else do you derive inspiration
from?
Sabrina Soares: I was 13 years old when I wrote my
first song on my dad’s guitar, and a year after, I decided on music as my
career pathway. I’d say my Brazilian heritage plays the biggest part of
influencing my music and it shows through in my rhythms and guitar playing.
Being a self-taught guitarist, singer-songwriter, I
also drew inspiration from other great singer-songwriters like James Taylor,
Carole King, John Mayer, Taylor Swift, it started from there.
Elena Fenrick, Career Paths Travelled: Your EP,
Plan A was released in 2016. What were the highlights and challenges of
recording it?
Sabrina Soares: The highlight for me was getting to
work with an amazing, talented and supportive team of people, as well as
hearing how these songs are inspiring many to break through their own barriers
and fight for their dreams and beliefs.
The most challenging part (but was also
educational), from recording to releasing the EP, was balancing every task/role
involved: from writing the songs to organizing rehearsals to cd designing, then
to booking tour dates and sending out press releases. Nowadays artists have to
be more than just an artist!
Elena Fenrick, Career Paths Travelled: At what
point did you begin to think about moving to the other side of the world
(Toronto) to focus on music? And why Toronto specifically - did you consider
any other cities?
Sabrina Soares: It came to a point in my life where
I needed a change of place, to find new things to get inspired and excited
about. So I looked outwards and after having met a few friends from this side
of Canada in Sydney, I planned a solo trip in spring 2017 to visit cities
Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa and New York – my first time ever in North America!
When I arrived back in Sydney, my heart was left
behind in Toronto…and that’s when I knew I had to come back. So within 1 month,
I had received my visa, packed up everything I owned and moved halfway across
the world to be in time for the summer.
Elena Fenrick, Career Paths Travelled: Share with
us your first observations about Toronto and how the music scene compares to
the music scene in Sydney.
Sabrina Soares: The first thing that struck me most
about Toronto is its multiculturalism and diversity. You can come from anywhere
in the world and be welcomed here. I feel the same can be said for all genres
of music, you can find an audience here that will listen and give support.
Toronto also has a lot of live music venues and open mic opportunities.
Elena Fenrick, Career Paths Travelled: What are your goals for 2018? Festivals? Tours? Recording an album?
Sabrina Soares: All the above! I’m in the process of being booked for more festivals and am lining up more show dates in and out of Toronto, all of which will be announced throughout the year. On the side of that, I’m working on my next album.
Elena Fenrick, Career Paths Travelled: What advice do you have for other young musicians who are considering a geographical move for their careers?
Sabrina Soares: If you feel in your heart it’s the right move, I say don’t hold back. The fear will be there, it will be challenging, you will get lonely at times, but you will learn so much more about yourself and your capabilities than you ever can sitting in your bedroom.
Photos submitted by Sabrina Soares
Watch Sabrina Perform on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv57d3YjUzCARsl1WE_EM7g/featured
Sabrina Soares: If you feel in your heart it’s the right move, I say don’t hold back. The fear will be there, it will be challenging, you will get lonely at times, but you will learn so much more about yourself and your capabilities than you ever can sitting in your bedroom.
Photos submitted by Sabrina Soares
Watch Sabrina Perform on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv57d3YjUzCARsl1WE_EM7g/featured
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