BEYOND THE NOTES
Photo by Livy Wicks
February 18, 2025 | Hailey Benzvi
At just 25, Sabrina Song is quickly carving out a space for herself in the indie music world with emotionally charged songwriting and a genre-blending sound. Hailing from the suburbs of New York, the singer, songwriter, and producer has built her career from the ground up—starting out by writing, producing, mixing, and performing her first single entirely on her own. Since then, Song has achieved incredible milestones, including being recognized by NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest.
Music has always been part of Song’s life—she took guitar lessons, sang, and watched “Beauty and the Beast” on repeat as a child—but it wasn’t until high school that she saw it as more than a hobby. A teacher encouraged her to start songwriting, introducing her to the idea that music could be a career rather than just a pastime. While Song’s parents were always very supportive, they weren’t in the music business themselves. “My dad's really good at karaoke, and that might be as far as the influence goes,” she joked.
When it came time to release her first single, Song handled everything herself. Looking back on that moment, she admitted, “I didn’t even know you’re supposed to get songs mastered. I just made the song, I was excited about it, and I uploaded it.”
This unfiltered, self-taught approach allowed her to develop an authentic artistic voice, unbound by industry expectations. However, self-sufficiency came with its challenges. Song had to teach herself the ins and outs of music production as she went, navigating the complexities of sound design, mixing and mastering. While at times overwhelming, the process ultimately gave her a greater sense of creative control and a deep understanding of her sound. “I’ve just learned that I can experiment and I can do things myself [...] There’s no one right way to do things,” she reflects, adding that the early sense of independence gave her the confidence to take bold steps as an artist and laid the foundation for her growth in the industry.
Over time, Song found it easier to put herself and her music out into the world. In 2021, she submitted her song “Thaw” to NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, an annual competition where independent artists submit original songs for a chance to perform one of the series’ iconic concerts. Tiny Desk has become a career milestone for artists at all levels, hosting performances from big names like Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, and Taylor Swift. Not expecting much, she was shocked to learn that Phoebe Bridgers had personally selected her song to highlight on an episode of NPR’s “Top Shelf,” a Youtube series that gave weekly recognition to select contestants leading up to the announcement of the winner. This recognition was a game-changer.
“I think that was my first time submitting to the contest, and I was just so happy with how it came out,” Song recalled. “I was really in shock when I found out that Phoebe was the judge. It felt very encouraging, like ‘Okay, I’m doing something right.’”
The moment not only validated her work but also opened new doors within the industry, introducing her music to a wider audience.
Since then, Song’s career has continued to flourish. With one album, three EPs, and ten singles to her name, she has firmly established herself as a rising voice in the indie music scene. As her audience expanded, so did her opportunities—one of the most exciting being the chance to open for Carol Ades on her Late Start Tour. Sharing the stage with an artist she deeply admired was a surreal experience. It gave her the chance to perform in a range of venues, from intimate club shows to large-scale events. Prior to the tour, she had also played at the University of Washington’s Fall Fling, opening for Del Water Gap. Whether playing in front of a crowd of hundreds in the rain or in a cozy venue for a smaller, more attentive audience, Song learned to adapt her performances to different settings. “No matter the size of the stage, you have to give your all and match the audience’s energy.”
Touring with Ades was also an opportunity for Song to refine her live performances. Experimenting with different setlists,adjusting to diverse venues and embracing the unpredictability of live performances helped her grow as a performer.“I just feel like I got to really explore, and I’m so excited about the music. It’s so fun to perform for me now,” she shared, highlighting her deepened connection to the craft.
As she looks toward the future, she remains open to the evolution of her sound. The creative freedom to experiment is what excites her most about the journey ahead. “The world is really my oyster in terms of the music itself. I’m just really excited to be experimenting and seeing what I’m the most excited about.”
From DIY’ing her first single to sharing the stage with her artists she once looked up to, Sabrina Song’s career as both an artist and performer has been marked by steady growth and fearless creativity. With an ever-expanding discography and an undeniable passion for her craft, she is undoubtedly an artist to watch—one whose journey is just getting started.
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