Auckland-raised, twenty-year-old Sabreen Islam is an artist, songwriter and author. Weaving her signature style with inspirations from the likes of Hozier, Conan Gray and dodie, Sabreen writes confessional and powerfully sharp lyrics, with a knack for telling stories through her songs. Her single ‘Glow’ was selected as a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition 2020, and she has performed extensively across her native New Zealand, including at Auckland’s popular Others Way Festival. A multi-talented artist, Sabreen is also a published poet. In July 2022 she published a critically acclaimed collection of poetry called spring clean. Proudly Bangladeshi and Muslim, Sabreen is a fierce advocate for her community, which often finds its way into her music: her recent single ‘still love you’ featured tabla prominently in its production.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Sabreen Islam. What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
Hey! I think my songwriting is my main skill. I love creating songs that are atmospheric and specific, with production that’s purposeful and matches the lyrics. Creating experiences out of songs is what I strive to do.
What is your dream project?
I’d love to work on an album someday when I’m ready! As someone who still loves the album format, that’s the goal one day.
Your latest track is 'still love you'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
’still love you’ is a song I wrote last year, and it’s one of the tracks on my upcoming EP ‘room service’, which comes out on 10 March. It’s a fun, summery banger about pining after a childhood crush who has moved on. Something special that happened during production was that we recorded tabla, which is a traditional Bangladeshi drum. I want to start incorporating more of my culture into my music, so this was a first step and it sounds really cool with all the other instruments!
What makes you angry?
Many things - which is perhaps why I write many songs. I think what makes me the most angry is ignorance. Or worse - willing ignorance, when someone needs help and people ignore them. But that’s a very large can of worms that we can save for another day.
What is the most surprising fact you’ve learnt about yourself?
I think I can be quite harsh to myself. I create these huge expectations and then can become quite self-critical when I don’t meet them. But I’m human, and I’m trying to remember that. It’s important for new artists to remember that this is a slow, long process, and that the music itself is what matters the most - not the noise.
What do you dislike about your work?
Since I’m a student as well, I don’t have the same artistic output as say, someone who’s doing music full time. Sometimes the fact that I can’t make more music, and can’t spend more time in the studio, can be really irritating. But I’m doing the best I can, and am trying to be proud of the work I’m doing!
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Be kind to yourselves, and others. This is a weird world. The kindness they have shown me gives me so much hope, and I’m grateful for them every day!
Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it?
It can be, yes. Especially in the lead up to a release, where I’m just hunched over my laptop for days on end, or when I feel like I’m going nowhere in this massive ocean of an industry. I try to counteract it by not using social media too often as I find it quite draining, and spending time away from it doing something else, or hanging out with my friends and family. The artistic life can become lonely - but it doesn’t have to be if you surround yourself with other good things and people.
What do you think is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen or experienced?
I recently went back to Bangladesh, which is where I’m from, after four years. Seeing that place again and being with my family again after so long was so beautiful. I miss it everyday.
What are your plans for the future?
Right now, I’m working full-time on my EP release, which is coming up soon! I’m also playing my first headline show in March, so I’m rehearsing for that as well. Things are super busy, but looking very bright. I’m really excited for what’s to come.