Following his support slot on Hilltop Hoods’ huge Australian tour (and his own headline shows) earlier this year, Irish singer-songwriter and rapper Maverick Sabre is showing no signs of slowing down.
Sabre’s relationship with Hilltop Hoods goes way back, having appeared on the Australian group’s 2014 songs “Live and Let Go” and “Won’t Let You Down”. While touring, he joined Suffa and Pressure to perform the tracks live – one of many collaborators in the group’s storied history.
Following the tour, Sabre caught up with Rolling Stone AU/NZ to take part in our On the Record series, in which artists take us through some of their favourite records.
Check out his picks below!
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Sabre’s musical journey started with deep roots in blues, folk, and country influences, which he later blended with hip-hop elements during his teenage years as an MC and producer. His sound has continued to evolve, drawing inspiration from diverse artists including The Stone Roses, The Beatles, Tupac, Cymande, 9th Wonder, DJ Premier, and Nas.
And with the release of his first single of the year back in March, “8 Stages”, his ability to combine introspection, honesty and timeless lyrics continues to shine through.
Capturing the bittersweet feeling of reflecting on lost connections while still holding onto hope for what lies ahead, “8 Stages” served as a reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of making the most of the moments we still have.
Now more than a decade into his career, Sabre has built one of the most distinctive catalogues in contemporary Irish music. Across four studio albums, he has collaborated with a wide range of artists including Jorja Smith, Joey Bada$$, Chronixx, Nia Archives, Olivia Dean, Nile Rodgers and Chase & Status.
His most recent, 2024’s Burn the Right Things Down, saw him push his sound into new territory with a blend of two contrasting themes: vibrant, dreamlike sequences and stark, black-and-white realities. Each track spoke to his evolving consciousness and quest for deeper meaning.
