At just 23, Sabreen has quickly established herself as one of New Zealand’s most distinctive emerging artists.
Proudly Bangladeshi and Muslim, she has brought a unique perspective to conversations about identity, representation, and creative expression, while drawing inspiration from artists such as Hozier, Paris Paloma, and The Beths.
“My identity has influenced my songwriting so much. I come from such a rich musical heritage that I’ve really only dipped my toe into and want to explore so much more,” said Sabreen.
“These aspects of my identity have shaped my writing by encouraging empathy towards myself and others and by using music for healing. I hope they continue to influence me always.”
Sabreen’s latest single, Therapy, is a sharp, emotionally honest pop-rock anthem, which she wrote at a transformative stage of her life while navigating making new friends as an adult post-COVID.
At the time, she was struggling to let people in, but didn’t understand why, and the track explores the mental turbulence of self-criticism as well as the emotional openness of a young woman with wit, humour and vulnerability.
“Writing ‘Therapy’ really helped me articulate my impostor syndrome and poke some fun at how I was feeling, reminding myself that it’s not the end of the world and that it’s okay to open up,” she added.
“The line ‘someone told me I was a chore / now I don’t know how to open up anymore’ is kind of the song’s thesis. It feels especially personal to me because this really did happen!”
She hoped that her listeners, who also struggle to open up and make new friends, would find comfort in knowing they’re not alone and that wonderful things lie on the other side of opening up.
As Sabreen writes the next chapter of her music, fans can expect vintage South Asian vibes, some deep emotional cuts and a beautiful, haunting new world to step into.
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