On a journey to release my music
Singer-songwriter
Under the name Lillesve, singer-songwriter and producer Sarah Sabatini crafts music inspired by solitude, ancestry and nature.
My first release
This is the beginning of my music journey as Lillesve and I’m starting where it all began — with It Means Everything.
I wrote this song 20 years ago and it means so much to finally share it beyond a single CD.
Releasing it has been a meaningful way to learn the process behind putting music into the world and to better understand everything involved in helping people hear it.
Letters from Lillesve
This is where I share what I’m learning as I grow as a songwriter. Here you’ll find thoughts on music, behind-the-scenes stories and notes from my creative process as I discover new techniques.
-
A guide to recording one-take performance videos
—
Recording a full song in one take can feel intimidating. It’s easy to focus on every small mistake, a pitch slip, or the pressure of knowing the camera is on. But one take performances aren’t really about perfection. They’re about preparation, comfort, and emotional connection. Here’s my helpful guide on how I prepare and record…
-
A simple guide to piano pedaling
Until recently, I had never played piano using a pedal. I always felt like something was missing in my playing. No matter how carefully I played, it never sounded quite as smooth or connected as I wanted it to be. Eventually, I bought a sustain pedal for my Roland FP-10 digital piano, and the difference…
Lillesve Letters
Signup to receive a little letter about my music whenever I have something to share.
From the first lyric to the final mix
For a song to exist, it moves through many stages, and I want to be involved in each one. I’m learning the craft piece by piece, knowing it will take time and patience. My hope is that, in the end, I can say with confidence that I created it all myself.
Songwriting
I’ve always been drawn to writing songs. From handing in originals for school assignments to winning a national songwriting competition, the signs were there early on. It’s something that has always felt natural.
Recording
A condenser mic and a MIDI controller are my main tools. I’ve built a small home studio where I can sit down whenever inspiration shows up. I love layering harmonies.
Mixing
This is the part that challenges me and the place where I have the most to learn. I’m practicing trusting my ears and reminding myself perfection isn't the goal.
Marketing
Sharing my music is ultimately the whole reason for doing this. I’m figuring out how to present myself, show up online and create something I can really be proud of.