SABRINA CLAUDIO: BASED ON A FEELING [IN PRINT]
BY IRVIN RIVERA
Sabrina Claudio is a timeless goddess of time and love that exists in her own universe created by music and artistry. The critically-acclaimed, platinum-selling Puerto Rican and Cuban songstress is currently on her “Based On A Feeling” Tour- enticing, serenading, captivating and inspiring the audience under her spell.
“Based On A Feeling” showcases Sabrina’s strength as an artist. As a sole writer of the album, Sabrina presented herself as a grounded woman who knows what she wants. This most recent project is so far the most Sabrina of them all and brilliantly showcases her talent, versatility, grace and power. This is about a woman with a vision and a mission.
Aside from the obvious beauty and talent, it’s Sabrina’s confidence and sweetness that drew us to her. Watch her YouTube videos and interviews and you’ll know what we’re talking about. Also, it was great creating with her in person. Sabrina was genuinely sweet, accommodating and open to collaboration.
So far she’s worked with Alicia Keys, The Wknd, Khalid, A$AP Rocky, 6lack, Zayn and more. After a series of critically acclaimed projects, sold out headline tours, and 2 billion+ streams, Sabrina Claudio still consistently embodies her ever evolving brand of empowered sensuality. In this Collectors Print Issue, we caught up with Sabrina before she embarked on her tour and spoke about her music, the challenges and highs of creation, her new album, and more.
PHOTOGAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA, PRODUCER: LOUISE BARRETTO, FASHION STYLIST: KATIE QIAN, MAKE-UP ARTIST: MARLA VAZQUEZ, HAIRSTYLIST: TONY MEDINA, GRAPHICS DESIGN: PHIL IMPRWASERTWONG, PHOTO ASST: JESSE ZAPATERO
What’s the story behind the creation of the album “Based On A Feeling?”
I went on a two year long hiatus from getting in the studio. There were two reasons for this- one being my circumstances and my environment. I refrained from creating anymore music until I was out of this particular toxic situation and turns out, it took two years. The second reason, obviously, being the pandemic. Mentally, it was one of the most challenging tests. Long story short, the two years passed, I was in a healthier space, and yet I was still completely unmotivated to continue creating. Maybe it was from being exhausted; maybe it was because I just wasn't ready. What sparked my desire again was actually a really simple conversion I had with someone. In the midst of it all, this person said something that changed my perspective on my decisions from here on out and that was "from now on, everything you do in life and especially in music should be based on a feeling of love, passion, and fulfillment." After this conversation, as straightforward of a statement as that may have been, I went in and created the album within a few months.
What are the challenges that you encountered during the creation process?
Honestly, I think the creative process of this album was probably the easiest of all my albums. The intention behind every session was very clear for myself and for everyone who worked on this album with me. With that in mind, we did what we loved. We made music that we'd be proud of forever, not just for the moment. I was the most confident with my creative decisions and knew immediately when a song would make the album or not. I knew what I wanted every sound to be, every lyric and melody. I knew instantly when I was finished. It was exhilarating and it was fulfilling for everyone involved.
How did your music journey begin?
It began at the age of 14 when my parents bought me a mic and a camera for my birthday in order to start uploading youtube covers. The covers initiated my passion for singing and also opened doors that lead to getting in sessions with friends of family. The sessions sparked my love for songwriting. That's an extremely condensed version of the beginning of my journey! I've been through a lot.
