Lucky 13 with Sabin Sharpe

Sabin Sharpe expertly walks the line between country music’s ‘then and now’. A talent like Sabin Sharpe warrants the distinction between a country singer and a country artist; while some sing country, Sabin lives country, and his music is 100-proof.

Nashville Music Guide’s Lucky 13 with Sabin Sharpe

1. What was the first song you ever performed?

“Startin’ With Me” by Jake Owen at the Texaco Country Showdown… that was the first time I ever performed on stage. I actually ended up coming in 2nd, and that was cool because I won a bunch of free stuff from Bud Lite.

2. How do you balance your music career with your other obligations in life?

I just make it work because that’s what you’ve got to do in this business; I’ve got a great support system that helps make it all possible.

3. What are 3 things that you have to have with you at all times/never leave home without?

A pocket knife, my hat, and I try my best not to leave the house naked, so I usually throw on some clothes, too.

4. How would you describe your music to someone that has never heard you before?

It’s a little bit country and a little bit rock n’ roll.

5. As a child growing up, music surrounds us; What type of music did you hear the most back then? How does it differ from what you listen to now?

With my grandparents, I always heard old school country, but my parents listened to classic rock… I’d start the day out with Conway and Cash, then end it with ACDC and Aerosmith. On my own, I kind of found southern rock, like Lynryd Skynrd and The Allman Brothers.  

6. If you had to describe your music in three or four words, what would you call it?

It’s wild and real; It’s turning a story into a song.

7. What do you feel distinguishes “an artist” from just a musician?

A musician can hear something and play it, but an artist is a creator.

8. Who does most of the songwriting?

That’d be me. I co-write some, but most of what I end up releasing is stuff I’ve written on my own.

9. Someone once said write what you would want to perform over and over. With that in mind, what song do you love to perform the most?

“Empty Bottles” because it’s a story I lived from start to finish, and I know I’m not the only one;  it’s a song people can relate to, and it feels good to perform it now with some perspective. I’ve come pretty far since I first wrote it.

10. What has been the most bizarre thing thrown on the stage with you? How did you react?

Well, definitely a few bras and panties, which is always weird because I’m not sure if I’m supposed to thank a lady for that, so I usually just hang them on my guitar stand and keep on playing. But the most bizarre thing was probably a prosthetic leg… the guy wanted me to drink a beer out of it… I respectfully declined.

11. What are your up-to-date performance plans? New Releases? Tours ? News?

We’re out on tour now, and I’m in the process of finishing my first full length album. We’ve got big things in the works.

12. If you could perform with anyone in the world – either dead, alive, or broke up – who would it be? Why? (Name up to 3)

The original Lynyrd Synyrd… It’d be a dream to meet Ronnie Van Zant, George Jones, or Elvis, for sure. I grew up on all of their music, so playing with any one of them would be badass.

13. If you had only five minutes on earth to perform one song that could leave a great impact on the world today, what song would you perform and why did you choose this particular piece?

I’d probably play my original “Only The Good Die Young.” It’s about all different kinds of struggle, from addiction to depression and everything in between. I don’t play it out often because the words are almost too important, I don’t want them to get lost in a loud crowd.

For more information on Sabin Sharpe visit: https://www.sabinsharpemusic.com/