When SABÏRE first emerged from the underground in 2010, Scarlett Monastyrski set out to create music without boundaries, expectations or genre limitations. What followed was the birth of the band’s self-styled “Acid Metal” sound: a sharp, abrasive and defiantly individual approach that has earned equal measures of praise, confusion and outright hostility over the years. Yet it is precisely that refusal to conform that has made SABÏRE one of the most distinctive voices in modern heavy music.
Since the release of “Jätt”, Scarlett has continued to push against convention, embracing creativity on their own terms while building a reputation for delivering music that is as personal as it is unpredictable. Now, with the announcement of “You Are All You’ll Ever Need”, SABÏRE return with what may be their most direct statement yet. Recorded with a deliberately stripped-back garage rock ethos, the album combines newly written material with songs dating back more than a decade, all tied together by a fiercely independent spirit and an unwavering belief in self-reliance.
We caught up with Scarlett to discuss the origins of the new album, the meaning behind its provocative title, the appeal of limitation in the recording process, and why sometimes the only way forward is to trust yourself and make the record you need to make.
Interview
TheNwothm: Scarlett, welcome back. The last time we spoke, the follow-up to “Jätt‘ was still taking shape and surrounded by a lot of uncertainty. Now that “You Are All You’ll Ever Need” has officially been announced, how does it feel to finally be able to talk openly about the record?
Sabïre: It feels very exciting. Excited to move on! Hahaha! I’m also kinda giddy and nervous at the thought of playing all these new songs live. Like, wow, man.
TheNwothm: The title “You Are All You’ll Ever Need” immediately stands out as one of the most direct and personal statements you’ve put on a SABÎRE release. Why was that message the right one for this album?
Sabïre: I don’t know anymore really, it was quite a while ago that I came up and decided upon that title. Thinking back to that time, I suppose I was pretty fed up with parts of my life and wanted to take back some control, so I decided to cut all my hair off and record a fast garage album and just call it “You Are All You’ll Ever Need.” It’s like a “I’m alone, I feel alone, I’ve got myself and no other” kind of feeling, y’know? It’s not bad, it just is. But I’ll admit, at the time I was really fucking sad and saying a sad thing like “You Are All You’ll Ever Need.” just felt good. I know it’s a risky title but fuck ‘em. If this album ruins my career, then good. At least it died on my own terms playing and doing it how I like, not how I’m told to be.
TheNwothm: The announcement describes the record as a personal empowerment album. Was there a particular moment or experience that made you realise this was the album you needed to make?
Sabïre: Yeah, I was peddling on my bike around Winnipeg in the autumn of 2024 and I was singing the song “(Feels Like) Heaven” while watching the golden-leaved bur oak trees pass me by. It was a beautiful evening. I just really felt the meaning behind those lyrics and the song felt like a friend at that time. Looking back, this was the moment this album started. I already knew I’d have to do a cover of it and put it last on a new album. But later on in that year I started really listening to Ole/Evanrude, and getting back into Bass Drum of Death, one of my alltime favourites. Basically, the combination of feeling pretty fucking bad, feeling pretty fucking powerless, making a secret “garage” album felt like the only thing I could do to reclaim myself. So I fucking did.
TheNwothm: You mentioned that some of these songs date back as far as 2011 while others were written much more recently. What connected these tracks strongly enough to belong on the same record?
Sabïre: Honestly nothing at all. The old songs are recorded to just finally put them out to the public after years and years of playing them. It’s bloody annoying having such a vast backlog of material to trudge through when all you want to do is make new stuff. I’ve got like 15 years worth of crap to formally record and release. Bloody annoying!!
TheNwothm: Since these songs originate from different stages of your life, do they feel like reflections of different versions of yourself, or has a consistent thread always existed between them?
Sabïre: I mean, I wouldn’t write any of those old songs today, certainly not lyrically. And musically I’ve now really started to change. You won’t hear it too much on this record, but I hope to really push myself on other albums. I would say that with some of these lyrics I can clearly see that I was a different person once upon a time. The only connection with the others I can see is that they all fit the garage idea I have.
TheNwothm: Last time we spoke, you were adamant this wouldn’t be another “half-concept” album in the mould of Jätt. Has your perspective on that changed at all during the process, or has the focus remained firmly on the songs themselves?
Sabïre: Naw, nothing has shifted here. It’s just a plain, boring, average, run-of-the- mill album.
TheNwothm: Looking at titles such as “Nobody’s Fool”, “Cut Me Down”, and “Ran Out of Pills”, there seems to be a wide range of emotions running through this record. Is this one of the most emotionally varied SABÎRE albums to date?
Sabïre: I would never consider that, but if someone is willing to analyse each song and categorise them and count up the tally, go for it. Best of luck to them.
TheNwothm: The album is described as being deeply personal while also carrying a message for listeners. How do you strike the balance between writing for yourself and creating something that others can see themselves in?
Sabïre: Well, to be clear, making the album was the personal part. Choosing to make the album was the personal part. Deciding to make the album was the personal part. The album itself is pretty whatever. All my songs are essentially about my personal life anyway. It would be nice to get away from that for a while, but again, whatever. But to answer your question, I think the best thing to do is not be too too direct. The reality is, we are all human beings, so it’s highly probable that an experience I write about is going to be closely felt by someone else on the other side of the world. And regardless of that, people will hear what they want to hear in one’s music. I know I am guilty of that that with all sorts of music I listen to.
TheNwothm: You mentioned using recording equipment from the 1960s to stay true to the garage vision. What did that approach bring to the album that modern equipment simply couldn’t?
Sabïre: Just to make it limited really. Instead of having infinite possibilities, I like to have clear walls to work within. It essentially forces you to work and problem-solve with what you’ve got.
TheNwothm: Beyond the recording gear and production choices, what does a “garage album” actually mean to you?
Sabïre: It means fuck everybody, fuck everything, bash the shit out of your drums, play loud guitar, and just do it all yourself quickly. It means playing the big, fuzzy chords. It means knowing you can and could and have always done it yourself. I always have! Can you see why I called it, “You Are All You’ll Ever Need.” now? I’ve really leaned into that garagey fuzzy sound. So I picked a bunch of old songs with rock ‘n’ roll type patterns. Back in 2011-12 I was writing lot of New York Dolls/Killer Kane influenced type stuff for this band. So, that kinda makes the perfect opportunity to put those oldies in with the newies.
TheNwothm: The current lineup is still relatively new to the band; how do you see this group of musicians shaping these songs on stage and influencing how they might evolve going forward?
Sabïre: Ha! Naw, my current line-up is only a month-and-a-half old and only three rehearsals in. It’s very new. They have nothing to contribute to these songs whatsoever. Maybe live they will!
TheNwothm: Sabïre have built a reputation as a formidable live band. Which songs from the new album are you most excited to unleash on stage?
Sabïre: Without question, “What You’ll Say to Me.” It is such a fucking banger and I can’t wait to see how an audience reacts to it. At least I hope people like it as much as I do!
TheNwothm: The album closes, at least currently, with “(Feels Like) Heaven”. Without giving too much away, what do you hope listeners are left thinking or feeling after the final note fades?
Sabïre: “Where’s the bathroom?” or, “wow…will I ever get that time back, I wonder?”
TheNwothm: What touring plans do you have coming up for the rest of 2026 and to support the release of the album in 2027?
Sabïre: No touring plans for 2026, just getting my band up to snuff and recording new material. 2027 we have a home-show in Stockholm on January 13th at Kollektivet Livet. Then we’ll hit Latin America, and Europe throughout the year with a proper tour as well. Maybe even a quiet record release show in Stockholm. Who the hell knows.
TheNwothm: Finally, is there anything else you’d like to add for the Wild Ones and Acid Fiends waiting for “You Are All You’ll Ever Need”?
Sabïre: Of course, I always have to extend my gratitude to them. And honestly, the best is yet to come.
“You Are All You’ll Ever Need” tracklisting (subject to reorder):
1. Nobody’s Fool
2. Love Me
3. What You’ll Say to Me
4. Come on Back
5. Cut Me Down
6. Ran Out of Pills
7. Leaving L.A.
8. Dead and Gone
9. Won’t You Be Mine
10. (Feels Like) Heaven
Out 2027!
