Simply Six: Charlotte Sabina

Charlotte Sabina is a ten year old wonder from New York City.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

I actually didn't want to be a singer at all.  I just wanted to write music, and that I wanted to do ever since I started playing.  I used to make up classical pieces and play the piano at school during choice time and my class would listen and I liked having an audience.  They and my teachers are the ones who wanted me to add lyrics and make them into songs and sing them. Now that I do sing, I love it.   

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

I listen to lots of different kinds of music including classical and old time country and some punk rock music, but rock and roll and pop music are my favorite.  I like girls like Katy Perryand Taylor Swift a lot because they write their own music and they work really hard.  But I also like older music that my friends can't stand like Guns n Roses, Joan Jett and Fleetwood Mac.  I listen a lot to Coldplay, Bon Jovi, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and Elton John.   

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

When I played "Partner in Crime" for my little brother David.  I wrote the song for him and as soon as I played it he knew it and gave me a big hug.  

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

Did you see Beyonce and Chris Martin perform Halo in the Haiti relief concert?  Just him on piano and her singing, nothing else, not even an audience.  I think that song changed the world.  Artists who become successful can do a lot of good with their influence and many do.  I hope I can some day.  I do give money to Doctors Without Borders.  I hope that helps a little.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Jeff, my producer, tells me stories about the old days when it was harder to record. Maybe if I were a musician a long time ago I wouldn't have been able to record my music, which would make my life different. I don't know what people did before the Internet because I use it all the time to learn new chords or to listen to different songs, and to send my music to my family and friends.  So I guess the technology is good.  But there's always another side of the story. I know it's harder now for artists to make money because people listen to so much music on YouTube and don't always buy the songs.  

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Converse sneakers that I could paint and design however I want.