The Chameleonz lead singer Sabrina Alison for Mic Check'
Tody we’re sitting down with Sabrina Alison from The Chameleonz to find out what makes her tick!
Can you talk about a project or album that you're currently working on and what we can expect from it?
One of my Current projects is ‘The Chameleonz’. At the beginning of Covid my previous band Ironbark Rock, three members had retired. The remaining members rebranded, and we’ve since replaced the three band members. We have revitalized our repertoire to provide more diverse musical offering. We are back better than ever. I’m really excited to showcase our line up and fresh repertoire to audiences.
Can you tell us a bit about your performance background and how you got started in the industry?
I studied at the McDonald of Performing Arts on a Music Scholarship. Every afternoon 2 hours was dedicated to music masterclasses. This is where I first learnt to song write and recorded my first two originals. As for performance I was took an interest in music and drama.
I auditioned for my first musical Godspell in high school as a lead. This gave me the taste for performance and continued with other stage shows such Pirates of Penzance and Cinderella. The thrill of performances led me to further my career with music duo Soul Tattoo and bands such as Ironbark Rock and The Chameleonz.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far, and why was it significant for you?
Releasing my debut album and single “If It Wasn’t for You”. I had the privilege of recording with some of Australia’s best Country Music musicians, songwriters, and producer. This was also led to my first radio and television national and international airplay.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists looking to break out?
Believe in yourself. You are always going to be your No.1 supporter and biggest critic. Build yourself a network of industry professionals and embrace all opportunities.
How do you approach your creative process, from ideation to completion?
I come up with a melody (normally when driving or when I’m trying to switch off to sleep). When possible, depending on when I get the idea, I try to do a rough voice recording to capture the concept. Next, I draft out the lyrics. It’s at this stage I sit behind the piano and work out chords/melody to see what naturally makes up the phrases. However, at times, I hear a melody or chords progression first before apply lyrics. I love collaborating with other artists and sometimes will present the drafts and workshop the material before finalising the song.
How do you balance the creative and business sides of the performance industry, and what strategies have worked best for you?
I spin around, put my cape on and turn into wonder woman. (Joking! Although sometimes it feels like that) I juggle my day job in Learning and Development and motherhood while with running my music career.
It’s challenging but I try to dedicate time blocks for specific tasks such as rehearsals, performances, business sales/administration. This allows me to have dedicated time for family, work, play and rest. Wouldn’t be possible without my husband’s support. When Mummy needs creative focus time he’s on Daddy duties. If Mummy’s office door is closed the household knows it’s a no enter zone.
Can you tell us about a collaboration or project that you've worked on that was particularly memorable or influential?
A friend who has now passed shared a poem he wrote about growing up on a cattle farm being confined to a wheelchair. I was so inspired by his words I converted the poem into a song with his permission. This song has never been released but it was an honour he trusted me with his words.
How has the Australian Arts industry changed since you first started, and what changes do you anticipate in the future?
Live entertainment has declined since Covid. It would be great to see venues open doors again to band entertainment as music full-time musicians are still struggling to recover.
Want more from Sabrina and The Chameleonz? Check out her latest album on Spotify or get in touch to find out more about booking The Chameleonz for your next event!