At just 17 years old, Chicago-born singer Sabine Sauvage is making waves in the music scene with her powerful voice and a unique blend of pop and rock. After debuting at the age of 12 with the album Wild Dreamin’, the young artist now releases her new single Hide and Seek, available on all streaming platforms, along with a music video filmed in Nashville. Beyond her early talent, Sabine stands out for balancing school life with her artistic career, aiming for the dream of a world tour and collaborations with major music stars, including her idol Ariana Grande.
Sabine, your musical journey began almost before you could speak, with your first steps in music classes at the Old Town School of Music. How did these early moments of connection with music influence the artist you are today?
My early experiences at the Old Town School of Music played a crucial role in shaping me as an artist. From the moment I first engaged with music, I was placed in an environment that helped my creativity and expression, and my strong connection to music. These moments laid the foundation for my artistic identity. Whether through playful songs, traditions, or embracing the joy of making music, I developed an appreciation for storytelling through music. This early exposure influenced my approach to music and shaped my ability to mix emotion and melody in a way that feels both personal and satisfying.
You released your debut album, Wild Dreamin’, when you were only 12 years old, which is already an impressive accomplishment. Looking back, how would you describe that phase of your life and the impact that album had on your artistic trajectory?
Releasing Wild Dreamin’ when I was 12 was a huge moment in my life. At that age, I was still figuring out who I was as an artist, but music already felt like a big part of me. Making that album was exciting and a big learning experience because it was the first time I really got to write songs and turn my ideas into something real. Looking back, I can see how much it shaped me, not just as a musician but as a person. It made me realize how much I love music and gave me the confidence to keep going. Wild Dreamin’ was just the beginning, and it’s amazing to see how far I’ve come since then.
Your new single, Hide and Seek, shows an evolution in your sound, blending pop and rock in a unique way. What inspired this new musical direction, and how do you think this change reflects your artistic maturation?
Hide and Seek represents a big step forward for me as an artist. Over the years, my taste in music has grown, and I’ve been inspired by so many different sounds, especially the energy of pop and rock. I wanted to create something that felt bold and expressive while still continuing my storytelling style. This song came from a place of wanting to push myself creatively and explore new ways to express emotions through music genres. I think this shift reflects my growth because I am now willing to show more confidence in my sound and I am open to taking risks. It feels like an exciting new chapter, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.
At 17, you are already achieving great things and, at the same time, still balancing your studies. How do you manage to balance being a student with your growing music career, and what are the biggest challenges you face on this journey?
Balancing high school and music has been tricky and there have definitely been some challenges, but I have been doing a good job. Staying organized and prioritizing what matters most is difficult, but it helps to keep me in check and motivated. On the other hand, 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.
As an artist influenced by icons like Ariana Grande, Michael Jackson, and Britney Spears, is there a specific moment or lesson from these artists that has impacted your artistic vision and career?
Ariana Grande’s vocal control and emotional delivery has helped me refine and improve my singing. Michael Jackson’s stage presence and storytelling has encouraged me l to push my creative boundaries and step out of my comfort zone. Lastly, Britney Spears ability to create iconic pop moments shows the importance of strong branding and audience connection. By learning from them, I can better develop my own style that blends great vocals, performance, and storytelling.
Sabine, you mentioned that you dream of going on a world tour and collaborating with Ariana Grande. How do you envision this tour, and what would your ideal collaboration with Ariana look like? What do you hope to learn from such an inspiring encounter?
If I had the chance to do a world tour with Ariana grande it would consist of 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. I would hope to learn from Ariana on how to have good stage presence as well as how to interact with the fans while performing.
Your musical story is inspiring for many young people who also dream of following their passions. What would you say to them, especially younger ones just starting out, about following their passions and overcoming the challenges along the way?
Advice that I would give to other young people who dream of following their passions 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 are doing what makes you happy, everything will be okay.
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