While most kids in second grade enjoy riding bikes and playing kickball, Sarah Gulbin found her love for singing. Grade school started as a place for education and evolved into learning that not only did she have a passion for singing, but she had a voice that could carry it.
Gulbin, a junior at the University, has been yearning to perform ever since she joined the school chorus in second grade. That same year, after competing and earning first place in her first talent show, performing “Singing in the Rain,” she began to realize that this was something she wanted to do as her career.
The Staten Island born singer/songwriter was startled by her success after realizing the talent she had and the devotion towards music. As years progressed, so did her interest in pursuing her calling as a performer. Her little girl dream was slowly turning into a reality.
Gulbin is a part of the University’s very own record label, Blue Hawk Records. She began as a volunteer; being involved in the recording, public relations, and artistic aspects of the label. Gulbin said, “I was able to record my own songs, which was an amazing experience. I’ve been basically just helping the label move forward to the best of my ability.”
The record label started this year and has been growing ever since. With four artists signed to the label, Blue Hawk Records is devising plans and strategies to move forward into making the label a huge success.
Bryan Haring, a member of Seasons and an artist signed onto Blue Hawk Records, added, “We’ve got four fantastic artists on the label, which only adds to the excitement of the whole project. After accomplishing all of this in only a few months, I can’t wait to see where the next few weeks will take us.”
Guy Battaglia, member of the band 99 Regrets, who is also signed to Blue Hawk Records, complimented Gulbin by saying, “Sarah’s song ‘Trouble’ is incomparable to anything else. It is so unique and fresh to the ears with a sharp attack and a catchy chorus. I think the real question is: What artist compares to Sarah?”
Blue Hawk Records has put together a free live performance on May 1 on the Student Center Patio from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It includes performances from Gulbin and the other three artists that are signed to the label. Promotional copies of the label’s Spring 2013 Sampler will be available and all proceeds will go to the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.
“I realized my passion for music at a young age,” Gulbin expressed. “Singing definitely became more than a hobby in my late years of high school when I figured out that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
The way Gulbin finds inspiration to write songs is depending on the topic of the lyrics. She considers herself a very emotional person which helps her along the way when trying to piece together the right wording. Gulbin often writes about love but finds herself writing about moments that occur throughout the day.
She says, “Life itself is so influential and inspiring, it’s hard not to take advantage of it by creating your own expressive masterpiece.”
Prior to this upcoming performance on May 1, Gulbin has played in cafés in Asbury Park, including The Twisted Tree Café and The Saint, while also singing for sporting events at her former high school.
Her love for all kinds of music made it hard for her to pick a favorite genre. If she were to ever become famous she would want to be considered either a pop or R&B artist.
Professor Joe Rapolla, of the University’s Business of Music and Entertainment Media program, said, “I compare Sarah to somewhere between a Sheryl Crow and Sara Bareilles. Little poppy, little earthy with a smooth melodic style. Sarah is someone with something to say, a story…and a voice to deliver it.”
To hear Sarah Gulbin, find her music on YouTube or come watch her live on May 1 at the student center.
Gulbin said, “It’s been a really awesome experience and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
