Sabine Sauvage Interview: A Deep Dive into “Hide and Seek" and Her Evolving Sound

Photography by Keith Thomas

At 17, Sabine Sauvage is not only redefining her sound but also demonstrating an artistic maturity that transcends her age. With a debut album under her belt and her new single, "Hide and Seek," this daughter of Chicago fuses pop with rock elements to create a fresh and personality-filled offering.

While many teenagers face the pressure of exams and extracurricular activities, Sabine Sauvage adds another responsibility to her routine: a blossoming musical career. From her time with the Chicago Children's Choir to recording her new single in Nashville, Sabine proves that talent and discipline must coexist.

She not only aspires to conquer stages, but also to convey messages of empowerment and authenticity. Her music, a blend of vibrant pop and bold rock, reflects her desire to break molds and connect with her audience in a profound way.

In this interview, the young artist opens up about her musical evolution, her eclectic influences, and how she balances her career with school life, revealing the determination and passion that drive her.

Sabine, “Hide and Seek” marks a shift towards a more mature, genre-blending sound for you. What inspired this evolution, and how did you approach incorporating rock elements into your pop roots?

This evolution was inspired by my wanting to be seen as a mature individual who is able to feel empowered and confident. Also, I have a desire to push creative boundaries and explore deeper emotions through music. The shift toward a more mature, genre-blending style came from personal growth and a need to express feelings in a powerful way. Incorporating rock elements into a pop foundation was all about energy and emotion. For example, edgier vocal delivery to bring a new intensity to the music. The goal was to blend the catchiness of pop with the boldness of rock, creating a sound that feels fresh, authentic, and full of attitude.

At just 17, you've already released a debut album and are now launching a new single. How do you balance the demands of your burgeoning music career with your studies as a high school junior?

Balancing high school and music has definitely been tricky, but I have been doing a pretty good job. Staying organized and prioritizing what matters most helps to keep me in check and motivated. Also, my time management skills have gotten much better, and having a good schedule allows me to dedicate time to both schoolwork and music without feeling overwhelmed. In addition, music is my passion, so when I feel stressed, I like to turn to it to calm me down. I see music as a hobby rather than a task like schoolwork, so it’s nice to have something I genuinely enjoy and feel passionate about.

Your musical influences are incredibly diverse, ranging from Ariana Grande to Ghost. How do these diverse influences shape your songwriting and performance style?

I have a wide range of influences, and these artists have helped to shape my sound and creative approach in many ways. For example, Ariana Grande’s powerful vocals and riffs inspired me to focus on my vocal technique as well as my vocal agility. This has helped me when recording music because it pushes me to create a dynamic sound with creative runs and ad-libs. Along with pop music, I have always loved rock music. These rock artists, such as Ghost, have helped to bring a more unique sense to the artist I am. I love the edginess that rock bands have, and I am always eager to incorporate those elements into my music and looks.

Your time with the Chicago Children's Choir exposed you to global music and refined your classical voice training. How has this experience influenced your approach to vocals and musicality?

Being part of the Chicago Children’s Choir has given me a strong foundation in classical training, teaching me the importance of vocal technique, harmony, and expression. This exposure to this kind of music has helped to expand my musical range, introducing me to diverse rhythms, scales, and styles from different cultures. I am proud to be shaped by this deeper understanding of musical structure because it has allowed me to experiment with unique sounds.

The music video for “Hide and Seek” was filmed in Nashville. What was the creative process like, and how did the location contribute to the visual narrative of the song?

Filming the “Hide and Seek” music video in Nashville added atmospheric scenes that perfectly matched the song’s intensity and emotion. The creative process started with a vision of storytelling with raw performance energy, representing the song’s themes. The house we filmed in was able to give a diverse scenery to the video, which made it more unique. The location played a key role in creating a sense of playfulness, which represents the song itself. The result is a video that feels bold, confident, and visually striking, entertaining viewers.

Photography by Keith Thomas

“Wild Dreamin” was created over two years ago at Mitran Music Studio. Can you share some insights into your songwriting process during that time and how it has evolved since?

When “Wild Dreamin” was created at Mitran Music Studio two years ago, the songwriting process was all about capturing a feeling of excitement. At the time, the focus was on a melody type of storytelling and layering vocals with vibrant instruments to create an uplifting and cheerful sound. Since then, the songwriting process has evolved to be more emotional and experimental. There’s a bigger emphasis on blending genres, pushing vocal dynamics, and incorporating lyrics that feel even more personal and empowering. There’s now a greater confidence in exploring new sounds, structures, and production techniques, making each song feel special.

If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who else would you choose and why?

I would wanna collaborate with Michael Jackson because he is one of my idols. As one of the most iconic and influential artists in music history, his creativity and impact on pop culture are unmatched. I’d be fascinated to hear about his journey, his process for creating music, and his passion for performance. His ability to connect with people worldwide through his music and dance is something truly special, and being able to be a part of one of his works would be amazing and life-changing for me.

What are some of the personal values or messages you hope to convey through your music?

The main messages in my music would be self-expression, confidence, and emotional honesty. I want to encourage listeners to embrace their feelings, whether it’s heartbreak, love, or personal growth. The songs would highlight themes of self-love and finding strength through hard times. Overall, the goal would be to create music that makes people feel inspired and empowered, whether they’re dancing or crying.

You enjoy activities like bowling, skiing, and volleyball. How do these hobbies contribute to your creative process and overall well-being?

Engaging in activities like skiing, bowling, and volleyball helps me to provide a better balance between work and fun. Skiing has always been a joy to me ever since I was young; bowling is a laid-back way to have fun with friends and family, and volleyball helps to keep me active. These activities not only give me a mental break but also help me stay energized, allowing me to return to music with a clear and relaxed mind.

What advice would you give to other young artists who are passionate about pursuing their musical dreams?

Advice that I would give to other young artists who are passionate about pursuing their musical dreams would be, “Don’t let others’ opinions define you. People will always have something to say, but what matters most is how you see yourself. Stay true to who you are, focus on your own growth, and surround yourself with those who support and inspire you.” I would say this because it’s easy to get caught up in the judgments of others, but at the end of the day, as long as you’re doing what makes you happy, everything will be okay.

Looking ahead, you dream of a world tour. What aspects of performing live are you most excited about, and what can fans expect from your future performances?

My performances on a world tour would be a perfect mix of high-energy choreography, powerful vocals, and cool visuals. Fans could expect entertaining performances with a blend of storytelling. Also, there would be choreography with a playful stage presence. The stage design would feature lighting, stunning backdrops, and interactive visuals infused with dreamy and colorful vibes.

At just 17, Sabine Sauvage is already rewriting the rules of pop-rock with fearless authenticity. Between school assignments and studio sessions, she's crafting her own musical path. As "Hide and Seek" paves the way for her genre-defying sound, Sabine's message rings clear: artistry has no age limit, and self-doubt has no place in the spotlight. With a world tour on the horizon and lyrics that empower, this rising star isn't just chasing dreams—she's building a stage where vulnerability and boldness collide. 

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