A Quick Chat with BB Sabina

What are the origins of BB Sabina? Where did it start?

I (Beth) originally formed BB Sabina when I was living in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and recorded and released my debut EP in 2019 while living there. After moving back to Naarm (Melbourne) and getting through the last of the lockdowns, I was super lucky to find Warrick through an ad calling for a bassist, who’d been jamming with our drummer Travis. We’ve been performing together for three years now and have become close friends.

Tell us a bit about the new single ‘Multitude’. What does it mean to you?

The quote “I am large, I contain multitudes” really resonates with me and was in the back of my mind when I wrote this song. Multitude explores what it means to contain many facets and contradictions and to be in a constant state of flux - the beauty and magic of this.

A reflection on queerness, gender and beyond. The song feels like a strong statement about who I am. And how I don’t easily fit into a box, and feeling uncomfortable when someone tries to put me in a box - how this feels limiting.

Are there any inspirations you look to beyond music when writing or performing?

When I’m songwriting I’m often bringing together lots of things that are inspiring me or causing sparks at that moment - this could be a book I’m reading, images that have caught my attention, things I’ve seen on a hike, a conversation with a friend.

Name the five songs that have informed your songwriting more than any others.

Bjork - Cocoon
Portishead - The Rip
Sonic Youth - Shadow of a Doubt
Jenny Hval - That Battle Is Over
Radiohead - Pyramid Song

What Australian artists are you listening to at the moment?

Beth: Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of local Naarm post punk bands - MILKSICK, Low Monroe and Slomo. Low Monroe and the Fugitives are supporting us at our upcoming single launch at the Gem.

Warrick: Infinity Broke’s “Abject Object”, from their forthcoming album “This Masthead”. I was lucky enough to receive a CDR of this before it was officially released and it’s stayed in my car stereo since, and fortunately not melted from the heat.

How do you hope your music might impact listeners?

Our music is about capturing an emotion or a feeling, creating a mood/atmosphere that evokes that feeling/emotion. We want to draw the listener into that - create an immersive space for the audience to sink into.