By Lottie Mayfield | I Love North Shields
Much like her teenage namesake, Sabrina Kennedy delivered magic and American charm at the intimate launch of her new single at the in-store gig at RPM Music store in Newcastle. ‘Witch of the West’ is the newest (vinyl only) release from the Massachusetts-raised artist, now living in North Shields.
Sabrina introduced the music as “raw and unapologetic,” giving a performance to match. Performing only with guitarist Matt Campbell, the spotlight shone on the singers’ immense vocals and powerful lyrics.
Between songs, Sabrina discussed the inspiration behind the lyrics. This included a song penned after a conversation with her birth father, who has not been a part of her life. Painting a picture of her conception, she sang, “Am I daddy’s favourite?” Raw and unapologetic, indeed.
Kennedy’s personal favourite of the new songs is the vinyl B-side ‘Hold Tight,’ written about her late father. It is clear, listening to the acoustic version of the track on vinyl, that the artist’s heart and soul have gone into this song. The new single, ‘Witch of the West,’ describes Kennedy’s feelings as she moves from Boston to London. Although the lyrics “She’s the wicked witch of the west, smells like sex, a hell of a mess” could seem self-deprecating, it is anything but, with Sabrina oozing confidence and self-love as she belts out this rock incantation.
Audiences can hear the new songs and purchase the vinyl-only release of the single at Cluny 2 in Newcastle on Friday, the 6th of June. My own copy was signed ‘Blessings from your favorite witch.’ Despite now being a bona fide North Shields-er, the Salem witchy vibes and American spelling thankfully remain.
- Date: Fri 6 Jun 2025
- Venue: Cluny 2
- Advance tickets: £11.11 – £14.50
- Doors: 7pm
- Age restrictions: 16+ (Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
- Grab your tickets here
Website: Sabrina Kennedy
Instagram: @itsabrinak
TikTok: @itsabrinak
YouTube: @sabrinakennedy7789
Facebook: @ItSabrinaK
