Sabrina Ponte – Last Christmas

By starrymag | January 23, 2023

By: Robert Warren

 

 

Q) What inspired you to take on the big task of updating a classic song “Last Christmas?”

A) I have always loved the song “Last Christmas” and thought it would be a really great one to cover.

 

Q) How do you personally connect with the original song?

A) What I think is great about this song is it talks about moving on after a heartbreak. Everyone can connect to a breakup song but what makes this one special is its good message and that it offers a little feeling of hope.

 

Q) How did you come up with your take on this holiday classic?

A) I really wanted to do a duet and wanted to try and make it more pop. I felt performing it this way came naturally and would be a good fit for David of Black Oxygen and me.

 

Q) What is it about music like “Last Christmas” that really connects listeners to feel that cozy warm holiday spirit?

A) Between the rhythm, the melody, and the lyrics “Last Christmas” does give that warm feel which helps make the song so special.

 

Q) You collaborate with Black Oxygen on this; how did the two of you connect and what was your process like working together?

A) We connected prior on social media! David [Lyle] had reached out about working together and I thought it might be fun to do a Christmas duet. I recorded here in Nashville and then sent to the tracks over to his brother Nick [Lyle], the other member of Black Oxygen who produced the cover. They also connected me with Brett Hestla from the band Creed who later produced my single “Black Roses.” I love the rock feel both Brett and Black Oxygen can contribute when working together.

 

Q) If you made a music video for “Last Christmas,” how would you envision it?

A) I’ve thought about doing a video and probably would keep it classic and tell the story of the song.

 

Q) What kind of fan response have you been receiving to your version of the song?

A) People really have been loving the upbeat version of a classic, which has been really cool to hear.

 

Q) If you were to do covers of any other Christmas songs like “Last Christmas,” what would you do?

A) I have been wanting to cover “O Holy Night,” so stay tuned! That might be next year. [smiles]

 

Q) What are some of your favorite holiday songs to sing and annual traditions?

A) I love going with my family to pick out a real Christmas tree, it’s one of my favorite traditions. As for Christmas songs I enjoy so many, but “Do They Know it’s Christmas?” has always been a favorite.

 

Q) Have you given any thought to doing an EP or album of covers only?

A) Right now, I’m focused on writing and putting out original music, but it’s definitely something I am open to! There are so many classics I love, and it would be an honor to record them.

 

Q) When can fans expect some new original music from you?

A) I will have new music coming in February 2023 I am very excited to share.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the music you create?

A) Thank you!! I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my art and it’s so amazing to be able to connect with others through music. Hearing that I made something that someone is able to enjoy and connect with is a really incredible feeling.