Exclusive Interview: Sabrina Sterling Talks “Bittersweet” Single, Her Growth as an Artist, and More

Sabrina Sterling shines as one of the industry’s most thrilling emerging talents. Renowned for her powerhouse vocals and songwriting prowess, she captivates audiences with her ability to effortlessly create lyrics that deeply resonate with listeners. She’s best known for songs including “Love Me That Way,” “Landslide,” and “17 Pushing 24.”

This March, she drops her highly-anticipated viral hit, “Bittersweet,” which garnered unprecedented buzz on TikTok.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to talk to Sabrina about “Bittersweet,” her growth as an artist, and more.

PC: You’re such an exciting new voice in this industry. What was the moment in your life when you realized this was the path for you?
Sabrina: I was deciding between the music route and college, but there were labels that expressed interest, so it was pretty recent.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Sabrina: My biggest songwriting inspiration is Julia Michaels. I love her music so much. As I’ve ventured into the music world, I’ve discovered other artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Lizzy McAlpine, who are also huge influences. Hearing their music has inspired me to pursue this.

PC: I love your new single, “Bittersweet.” It’s such a unique take on a relationship that doesn’t get highlighted in music often. Tell us about the inspiration behind the song.
Sabrina: “Bittersweet” is about my older sister. She recently turned twenty. It’s kind of sad and strange that we’re not twelve and thirteen anymore. When I wrote “Bittersweet,” she had just gone to college. I was finishing up my senior year. I was missing her and I realized that we’d never share a bedroom again. We were never going to live in the same house again. That was so scary to me. That’s how the song was born.

PC: The song has resonated with listeners around the world. What was her reaction to the song when she heard it for the first time?
Sabrina: She cried. I didn’t show her until the song was done. Luckily I got it recorded and posted it. But she cried. She was so happy. Then we talked about the things we used to do and we reminisced.

PC: What is that process like when you’re working on a new song?
Sabrina: It’s always different. When I first started making music, it was just me writing in my room. I was doing it all myself. Now when I go into a session, sometimes I’ll bring a song that I started at home, or other times, I’ll show up and I’ll have nothing in mind and I’ll just start playing instruments and we’ll mess around.

PC: You’ve steadily been releasing music throughout the years. If you had to pick a song that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Sabrina: I would say, “World’s Biggest Hypocrite.” It’s a lesser-known song of mine, but it’s the one that I’m the most proud of. I wrote it about a very interesting moment with my dad. That one feels the most authentically me. That’s the one that I still listen to.

PC: You also shared on social media that “Bittersweet” is the start of a new chapter for you. As you look ahead to the rest of 2024, what can fans expect from you?
Sabrina: I feel like ever since I signed with a label, my music has elevated. I feel like I’m in a different place now and my writing is a lot stronger. There are so many other things that I’m now writing about. So hopefully, there will be many, many releases coming. I also have access to more music.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: First album you bought?
Sabrina: Lizzy McAlpine.

PC: First concert you attended?
Sabrina: Technically, it was Pentatonix, but I like to pretend it was Lizzy McAlpine.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Sabrina: Now, I sound obsessed. [laughs] Lizzy’s Five Seconds Flat changed my life. Seeing that live was so inspiring. It made me decide to do music.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Sabrina: The Wiltern.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Sabrina: Corn puffs from Trader’s Joes. I eat that every day.

To keep up with Sabrina, follow her on Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music.