In a world that can sometimes underestimate the young, Melbourne-born and bred Leyla Sabo is smashing that mold, one powerhouse note at a time. Her brand new single, “Don’t underestimate me,” which premiered on her birthday, June 16, is a bold statement.
“Don’t underestimate me” is emotional frankness that resonates with anyone sidelined, doubted, or dismissed. But Leyla doesn’t wallow. She rises. Blessed with a lyric that burns with fierce clarity, she shapes a message that extols confidence, power, and the ability to transcend expectations, particularly those that traditionally bestow young girls.
You can hear the confidence in her delivery from the opening seconds. That defiance in her voice is pointed, which makes you want to turn around, not because she’s talking unusually loud but because she clearly knows what she’s talking about. Leyla’s voice, rich for her age, unusually so, is seasoned with a grizzled edge, recalling the late Amy Winehouse, the emotional pull of Adele, and the grit-tinged drive of Teddy Swims. That vocal attack, supported by crisp production and fierce band performance, makes “Don’t underestimate me” a walk-it-off anthem of youthful resilience full throttle.
Her musical maturity is shocking for a person just turning 12. Leyla has already performed in front of 10,000 people at the John Cain Arena and won five major singing competitions and an international songwriting award before her teens. But even those accolades don’t feel as revealing as this one. “Don’t underestimate me” is about identity. It’s about space-making and taking. With her latest release, Leyla Sabo is marking her presence in such an unmistakable way that it’s impossible to overlook. And if this is just the start, we can’t even imagine what fire she starts next.
Connect with Leyla Sabo on Instagram – @leylasabomusic
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