Sydney singer songwriter Sabrina Soares is looking forward to yet another chance to connect with her audience using her thoughtful, heartfelt tunes. This time she’s got an even bigger stage to do it—that is, The Factory Theatre, where she’ll be battling it out in the semi-finals of Emergenza Festival Australia this Saturday, October 18th. Hear what’s going through her mind before she goes on:

FOR THOSE WHO DIDN’T GET TO SEE YOU IN THE FIRST ROUND, CAN YOU INTRODUCE US TO YOUR MUSIC?
My music, in my opinion, is three things: Honest. Diverse. Thoughtful. Performing live is me opening up all my bottled up thoughts and emotions, hoping that someone out there listening will go “hey, I totally get what she is saying and I feel exactly the same way”. Music has been there for me when I had nobody and thought no one understood me. Saying that, I hope my music will carry on to do the same for others who feel the same way I felt.

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FIRST ROUND FOR YOU?
To be able to play to an enthusiastic crowd who were excited to hear original, never-released music.

OUT OF ALL THE SONGS YOU PLAYED, WHICH ONE GOT THE BIGGEST REACTION OUT OF THE CROWD AND WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?
Tough question because all of the songs received a great reaction from the crowd but honestly, I think it would be a song called- “You Love Her, Not Me”. It really tells a story and audiences seem to get absorbed by it, and perhaps it is because they can relate to it in one way or another. Feel free to check out the acoustic version here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4msg412Q8g.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE FIRST ROUND AND WHAT YOU LEARNED FROM IT?
The experience to perform at a great venue like The Lair was amazing. The fact that that marked my first live performance with my full band was exciting but I was truly nervous about it at first! I learnt just how many people were keen to come along for the show so the support was comforting and the experience also allowed me to get closer to my band mates. They are not only AMAZING musicians but wonderful, funny and down to earth people too.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO BETWEEN GIGS AND WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING TO PREPARE FOR THE NEXT PHASE OF THE COMPETITION?
Between gigs I have been preparing and doing exams for the HSC. Very dull, I know! But on the better side of things, I am recording an EP that is set to be released early next year, which is incredibly exciting for me! Along with that, I am currently a part of the FireSparks Tour and doing pop up gigs here and there, so be sure to follow me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SabrinaSoaresMusic) to find out where I’ll be playing next!

SO HOW DOES IT FEEL BEING ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EMERGENZA FINALS?
It feels very exciting indeed! Just finished a band rehearsal the other day and everything is coming together very well so I’m super keen!

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR UPCOMING CONCERT AT THE FACTORY THEATRE?
I hope to have an enjoyable night and be able to confidently say, “I’ve actually played on The Factory Theatre stage to a great crowd and with a great, rockin’ band... who knew right?”

For more details on the show at The Factory Theatre in Sydney on October 18th, click here.