Exclusive Interview: Sabrina Sterling on Vulnerability, Growth, and Her Debut EP ‘Ramona’

With her debut EP Ramona, Sabrina Sterling invites listeners into an intimate world where vulnerability takes center stage. Written after her move to Los Angeles, the collection is both cinematic and raw, blending haunting vocals with lyrics that explore the fears and hopes of adulthood. For Sabrina, the project is as much a journey of self-discovery as it is a message of connection—an honest reflection of the struggles she’s faced, the lessons she’s learned, and the quiet hope that guides her forward. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to catch up with Sabrina to discuss the making of Ramona and the stories behind her music.

PC: Your songs feel both cinematic and vulnerable, and your haunting vocals take them to another level. What has played the biggest role in your journey as an artist?
Sabrina: The biggest part of my journey as an artist has been learning to be fully honest and transparent in my music, and trusting that people will connect with that honesty. I’ve come to see vulnerability as my superpower.

PC: As a songwriter, I imagine you’ve written hundreds of songs. How did you decide on this collection for your debut EP, and what do you hope to express through it?
Sabrina: Honestly, I just chose my favorite songs that I’ve written over the past two years. My hope is that when people hear them, they feel less alone in whatever difficult situations they might be going through.

PC: This EP doesn’t shy away from the realities of adulthood, but it’s told through such a hopeful lens. Was that juxtaposition something you set out to capture from the start, or did it naturally emerge as you were writing?
Sabrina: I don’t think I set out for it to feel hopeful. To be completely honest, I’ve felt nothing but fear about adulthood. But deep down, even with that fear, I’ve always carried this quiet hope that things will work out—because I’ve made it this far, so what’s another day? A lot of the messages in these songs are really for me. I think I needed to hear them myself just as much as anyone else might.

PC: You wrote these songs after moving to LA and shared that they helped you come to terms with yourself and your past. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from creating this EP that you’ll carry into future projects?
Sabrina: You always think it’s the end of the world, but then you come out on the other side. I thought I knew everything at eighteen, but looking back, I knew nothing at all. A few years from now, I’ll probably look back on this moment and question the choices I’m making today. There’s always room for growth, so it’s important to appreciate and be proud of what you’ve accomplished in the moment.

PC: If you had to choose one song from Ramona that best represents who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Sabrina: I think “Soon” would be the best one to represent me. It shows the softer, more stripped-down side of my music, and it feels the most authentically me.

PC: Often after releasing a project, artists hit the road to support it. Are there any potential tour or performance dates in the works?
Sabrina: I hope so! I’d love to get back out there and play more shows soon. Meeting new people is one of the best parts of what I do.

To keep up with Sabrina, follow her on Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music. Stream to Ramona wherever you listen to music.

Photo Credit: Stone Taul