Picture by Brennan Barrett

DGT: We read that you “studied classical piano with The Royal Conservatory Of Music for 10 years:” Tell us about that experience and how it may have shaped you as a musician and artist.
SABRINA: At the time it was really tough... it takes a lot of work and discipline, especially when you’re juggling high school, ballet, figure skating, and voice lessons! But looking back, it’s an invaluable experience because it teaches one discipline and of course, music theory. That definitely helped me out when I decided to start writing my own music. I know some people start out writing songs by ear.... but when writing music, it’s nice to know what options you have within a key. Plus, when you sit down to collaborate with another writer, you come across so much more educated and professional if you’ve studied music. I love how when I sit down to collaborate with someone I’ve never worked with, they go, ‘oh you really play! You can actually write... you know music??’ ...especially if it’s someone who’s been involved with artists who just puppets...and they’re marketed as songwriters.... and usually they’re young girls... and so that’s something that young female artists are up against.
DGT: You have been working with some well known producers like CJ Eiriksson (Matchbox 20/Rob Zombie and more) who have been around for a while, working on worldwide projects and albums. What’s it like working with people of that caliber? And are you active or passive in their process, meaning do you just let them tell you what they hear would be the best, what they expect out of you and you make it so, or do you go into the studios pretty much on your own direction?
SABRINA: It’s mind-blowing!! Working with CJ Eiriksson was an absolute pleasure... the ideas for harmonies he comes up with are unreal!! As soon as we started the sessions, I knew my songs were in good hands! Working with producers of his caliber is a huge learning experience every time. I love watching them work in Pro-Tools, too... as I do audio production myself as well... (I’m in radio) ...so I’ve learned a lot that really comes in handy at work! In the studio it’s definitely a joint-effort, as of course I write my songs... so for me to sit back and have zero input would be like walking into a hair salon, closing your eyes and telling the stylist to do whatever they want. But having a great producer you look up to and trust is important, because an artist is always his or her own worst critic. So it’s important to be able to go, ‘should I sing this line that way, or THAT way??’ ...and be able to trust their ears.
DGT: Who would you list as your top five influences in music.
SABRINA: This is always the toughest question!! Led Zeppelin, Guns N Roses, Heart, Queen, Aerosmith... and whatever I’m listening to at the moment. When I get into music, I really get into it. I play my favourite CD’s over and over until I will puke if I hear it again... it’s really quite sad hahaha... but I think it helps me grow as a songwriter because I’m analyzing my favourite songs and their production, rather than just enjoying them every so often.
DGT: Is there someone who you’d love to tour with or at least share the stage with whom you admire?
SABRINA: Any of my favourite artists out there today whose fanbase could get into my music. It would be amazing to open for someone like Bryan Adams... or U2..........
DGT: Lots of young girls love their Pop idols and practically worship them. Do you have many young fans and followers who say they’d like to be you someday and how do you respond to them?
SABRINA: I always love hearing from people who like my music... and young kids... they need people to look up to. I’m just glad if they actually admire real musicians as opposed to some of those Hollywood trainwrecks who pose as singers and songwriters. Once I had this cool little dude come out to CrueFest in Hollywood... (it’s all-ages)... it was soooo adorable... it seemed like he was just in awe when we were up on stage... and that’s when you hope you’re putting the best of yourself out there.
DGT: Suppose you sold thirty-five million records and had created total security for yourself financially. Everywhere you go in the world they know who you are like Madonna or Jewel. Do you think it would change the Sabrina deep inside.
SABRINA: No... I think I’ll always be a workaholic, and I’ll always have the same personality... whether you like it or not! Haha... and I don’t do drugs... so no, I don’t see how I would change.
DGT: Is there a particular cause or mission outside of yourself, like say world hunger or global warming to which you are passionately opinionated?
SABRINA: I have been so busy, and so focused on my career, that I don’t find time for much else. But if I had a lot of money I would definitely be donating to cancer and diabetes research. I think with all the technology we have today we are THIS close to finding more cures. I also hate the thought of people going hungry... so one thing I made a habit of while living in Hollywood was giving my leftover food from restaurants to the homeless on the street. (The portions there are HUGE... and I hate throwing food in the garbage!) So who knows... maybe one day I’ll start a foundation to help feed the homeless.
DGT: Sabrina this is the time of your life, the prime of your life. The wheels are turning now and you would probably be deemed insane to stop the merry-go-round at this point, right? How do you see yourself in five years down the road. And where do you want to be when you are fifty-five?
 SABRINA: Five years down the road... So much can happen in five years! I really have no idea... but I hope to have quite a large catalogue of songs by then. I’d love to have my songs published... I’d love to tour... I just want to make a living out of making music. Where that takes me, we’ll just have to see. The industry is changing SO much right now... the standard ways of making money in this industry are deteriorating, if they haven’t already, and new opportunities are on the horizon. So it’s really difficult to say what exactly I’ll be doing in five years. When I’m 55... I’ll probably be spending a lot of my time sitting in a plastic surgeon’s office..... haha just kidding! I think at that point I would love to have Diane Warren’s job. Even now I would! ...And production. I love production... maybe I’ll be at the helm of someone’s record? That would be cool.
DGT: What’s on your agenda and schedule over the next six months and tell us about the current CD and how it is doing.
SABRINA: Well, I’m just getting the artwork finalized for my 7-song EP called “Hold Onto Myself”... and then within a few weeks I’ll have it all pressed and packaged. I’m also in the process of re-vamping my website, and I’m going to get digital distribution in place as well. Also, having just graduated from the British Columbia Institution of Technology (Radio Broadcasting) ...I’m starting a 4-week internship at a radio station in Vancouver.... then in June, I’m traveling to Toronto for North By Northeast where we’ll be playing a show... and then in July we play CrueFest Hollywood... and after that I’ll just focus on writing and recording my next album. But I’m always writing.
DGT: What message would you like to send to other Indie artists who are out their trying to be heard and share their messages, who may be frustrated with the music industry?
SABRINA: There are frustrations in any industry, any line of work. But if you’re honestly passionate about writing and playing music, that stuff shouldn’t matter. So firstly, be honest with yourself about WHY you’re in music. Secondly, work with people who can help you develop your skills, and take every possible opportunity to learn. And network, network, network. Go to music conferences and don’t be afraid to meet people and promote yourself. Be creative about promoting yourself, too. Flyers get thrown into the garbage...
DGT: Sabrina, you have a beautiful voice and range. The songs you sing are not forced or contrived. We really like you and your music. Please stay in touch with us and keep the damngoodtunes fans informed!
SABRINA: Thank you! Please keep in touch!! RAWK ON!

http://www.myspace.com/sabrinakorva