Check out our interview with singer/songwriter Sabrina Lentini who is a true lover of story-telling, and a believer in the magic of country music. Sabrina has enchanted and captivated audiences with her unique take on the traditional country genre, and her latest releases have earned features on CMT and Spotify’s editorial playlists. Her music has been described as “bright and playful and a true reflection of her personality”, bringing smiles to the faces of those who listen.
During her Sophomore year of high school, she was the youngest contestant to make it to the Top 48 out of more than 75,000 for Season 13 of FOX’s American Idol. By working hard and playing thousands of shows throughout the years, she has turned her passion for songwriting and performing into her career. Sabrina is currently spending her time traveling between California, and Nashville, TN, working on her next release.
Follow Sabrina @sabrinalentini
Hi Sabrina, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! I’m a SoCal girl, who loves sharing my life through my songs. I love my family, my pets, my friends, and the way to my heart is through music and dessert! 🙂
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, Patient, and Stubborn (I’m a Taurus).
How did you get started in the business?
Music has been a part of my life since before I can even remember! My first time singing on stage was when I was five-years-old, and that was the beginning of realizing how important music is to me. I’ve been performing ever since, and I starting writing songs at nine-years-old and playing guitar at around twelve.
How has this changed your life?
Music has helped me through the hardest moments and been with me for the happiest times in my life. Music has brought me so many amazing experiences, both on and off- stage, and it has introduced me to the most wonderful friends, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
After my first time performing, I wanted to be on stage as much as possible! I just loved it so much, and when I first started co-writing and learning more about songwriting, it was like a whole new world opened up for me.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Honest, Light-hearted, and Energetic.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
My family will always be my biggest inspiration, because they are my biggest supporters. My parents have been by my side and have believed in me since the very beginning. Growing up, my family members have all introduced me to so many different artists and songs that have become inspirations to my music today. One of the artists whose music inspired me to start telling my own stories is Melanie Safka.
Tell us about your new single “Everything But You?”
“Everything But You” is inspired by missing someone so much that you see signs of them everywhere you go. It’s inspired by my own true feelings and experiences, working through a heartbreak.
What’s the story behind the song?
This feeling has been on my heart for a long time, and it finally made its way into words through this song. I had been seeing so many little reminders and signs, and almost everywhere I went, I had a memory of him to follow me along. It was bittersweet and even a little frustrating – a real mix of emotions. I guess I kind of just let it all build up until the idea for the first verse popped into my head and the song came to life, and I just knew that I wanted it to be the song to kick off my releases for this year.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
For me, performing and connecting with the audience is the most rewarding part of creating music. Getting to share my songs with people and hopefully spreading a little happiness is what I hope to do forever.
Tell us about your experience on American Idol S13 and the feeling on making it to the top 48 out of 75,000 contestants?
American Idol was a great learning experience, and it was surreal to be there behind the scenes of a show I had grown up watching. I was 15, and in my sophomore year of high school, so it was a really exciting time, especially getting to perform in front of the judges and being around so many incredible singers.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned so far is to always stay true to myself, follow my heart, and listen to my gut.
What do you think is the secret to have a successful IG account?
I’m still trying to figure that out myself! Haha! I think being yourself, using your voice, and connecting with your followers in an authentic way is really important. I’m just so thankful to have people following my musical journey, and some have been along the ride from the very beginning, which means so much to me!
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I would tell my younger self to enjoy every moment exactly where I am and to be less hard on myself. I would tell that to myself today too.
How would your best friend describe you?
I just texted my best friend and asked her how she would answer this question! Haha! She said, “She’s one of the few people I actually know I can always count on to be there when I really need her to be’, and now I’m about to cry because that is so sweet and really means the world. I’m so grateful for such amazing friends like her, and our friendship is proof of how music brings people together!
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
If I were a book, I would want to be a book full of songs and recipes for desserts, because dessert and music are my two favorite things, and I could go on and on about both! Maybe I could call it “Sabrina’s Songs and Sweets” or “Sweet Melodies: A Cookbook for the Music Lover”. You may have sparked an idea.
What’s next for Sabrina Lentini in 2022?
I’m excited to share more new music and to perform throughout 2022! I have some really fun shows coming up here in California, and I’m so excited to be back in Nashville again this summer!
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love a giant salad with lots of fresh vegetables and berries with a good balsamic dressing.
And your favorite cheat food?
I have too many favorites, but I sure love some Nashville Hot Chicken with mac and cheese and potato salad.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I feel most like myself in bellbottoms and with my fringe purse, and I LOVE bright colors and florals. Yellow is my happy color.
What is your own definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is evolving as I get older. I think there is so much pressure to be “successful” in our careers in order to be happy, that “success = happiness”, but I’ve realized that finding happiness in the small everyday moments and not just the big moments is so important. Some of the everyday things that make me happiest are going on a long walk and enjoying nature, cuddling up at home watching movies all day, and just laughing and spending time with friends and family. Some of my happiest moments have definitely been while writing and performing too.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
I dream of visiting Italy someday hopefully very soon with my parents. I can just imagine the views and the food and how amazing it would be to see where my family’s name, Lentini, comes from.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would’ve loved to have met Elvis Presley and to have heard his voice in person. His voice is one of my favorites, and I vividly remember listening to him when I was little, and I can still hear his songs from my grandparents’ jukebox or in the car with my dad. I would have loved to just talk with him, hear his stories, see him perform live, and maybe even borrow one of his outfits!
Best advice ever given?
“Never give up”.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
In five years, I would love to be touring across the nation and around the world! Maybe I’ll have that cookbook written by then! 🙂 Most of all, I hope to see my family healthy.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media is a wonderful way to connect with other people, and for music, it offers lots of great platforms to share songs and connect with audiences. On the other hand, being on social media daily can really affect one’s mental health, because measuring your worth by likes and numbers is not healthy, and I can honestly say I have had many days where I’ve struggled with this feeling, comparing myself and my social media to others. We are all on different paths and no one’s timing in life or their career is the same.
Where we can follow you?
You can find me with regular updates on music, shows, and life on Instagram @sabrinalentini and my Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/officialsabrinalentini
Book: Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
Quote: “There’s no place like home”
Movie: The Wizard of Oz
Tv Series: New Girl
Favorite Food: Tacos
Travel Destination: New York
Sports Team: Angels and Lakers!
