With a flair for the creative and narrative, Sofia is a woman who knows where she wants to take herself as an artist. Despite always evolving, she has brought together a blend of genres in her music that she hopes the world will hear.
Female First got the opportunity to put some questions to Sofia about what's ahead, her passion for music, who she'd love to collaborate with in the future and much more in a new and exclusive interview. Read on to find out what she had to say.
For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound
I always dread this question, because I feel like I'm always growing and changing, but I would say that the essence and inspiration of my music is something like blues inspired vintage pop. I write all my songs on guitar but when I work with a producer, I try not to limit myself as far as production and the endless possibilities there are.
What challenges have you faced in the music industry so far?
I spent about 5 years in studying and working in Boston and NYC and now back in London, my hometown, I've come to realise how much the female and male condition, although both human, are treated differently. There have been many moments when I've wondered if I'd even be a performer, if I had in fact been born male. Everyone who is a part of the music industry, loves music for one reason or another, I love music because it's the only thing that has always been there for me and has helped me be proud of who I am.
How difficult would you say this career path is in terms of making a name for yourself?
When you go into this career path, you go in willingly. You go in knowing the risks and the difficulty of it all, but you do it because you cannot imagine doing anything else. When it gets hard and I feel lost, I realise that it's not about making a name for yourself, it's about living a life that you're proud of. My middle name is Sofia, it means 'wisdom,' and I don't consider myself to be the wisest person on the planet, but it's definitely a great reminder to live wisely.
How important is it for you to have creative control over the work you produce?
Creative control is the only thing I know really. The work I produce is very private and personal to me, so when I decide to work with someone whether it's a producer or another songwriter on a collaboration, I like to work from an honest and authentic place. If I don't feel in control, the quality of the project is affected.
Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
My biggest influences and inspirations in my life are my family and friends. It's actual life events that motivate me to write. It's not always easy to write about yourself, so sometimes I write songs for my friends when I feel there is something I just can't say with words.
If you could collaborate with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why?
I think it would be really interesting to work with Paul McCartney. I got to go to Liverpool in January on tour with Norwegian artist, Siv Jakobsen. The city was incredibly beautiful and we got to go to The Beatles museum and there were moments when I really got goosebumps. One of my favourite songs of all time is Blackbird, I grew up singing it with my Dad.
Tell us a random, funny fact about you that not many people know.
I really want to own a pet duck one day, I'm not sure why, but I do.
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career?
My aim and goal for the next two years is to take a short break from recording and writing, and focus on performing. I actually have pretty bad stage fright, so I tend to avoid performing as much as I can, but I've decided to face the demon and finally get back out there again.
Where do you hope to be this time next year?
This time next year, I hope to be performing at a festival somewhere sunny. But then again, who knows maybe I'll lock myself in a room somewhere and have to start writing again…
What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?
The music video for the first single 'Ice Cold Love,' off the next record is out May 18th. The album is called 'In The City' and I wrote it while I was living in New York for a year after a really tough breakup (everyone says that...) and ridiculously cold winter. I recorded the songs in Beirut and had my dad play a lot of the lead guitar parts, which was a pretty awesome and therapeutic experience. I'm nervous but excited to share it, but I guess it's the most personal work that people relate to most.
Sofia releases her new single 'Ice Cold Love' on May 18 via Let's Play Records.