Sophie Powers - Sound In The Signals Interview
Christina Bryson |
First, thanks for the interview.
Of course! Thank you.
Can you tell me how you started making music for those who may be unfamiliar with it? How did you initially become interested in music?
I started writing songs when I was 8, but when I was 15 I asked my parents if I could start online school to pursue music and acting full time. I grew up as a theatre kid and loved singing, performing, and writing songs. School plays and music were my happy place. My father was a musician in the North York Toronto Orchestra, and his whole family is very musical. My aunt and uncle took me to the symphony every weekend with them when I was very little actually. My father however, could not pursue a longtime career in music, which I think factors into why he and my mom have been so supportive of me pursuing a career in music. I am very grateful.
You recently signed with TAG Music which is the new label from Gabe Saporta and Atlantic Records. How did it work out for you to be on the label and how has the experience been so far?
My friend Jules actually came to my concert (I was opening for NOAHFINNCE at the time) in LA. TAG was beginning to work with Jules on the management front, and so they chaperoned her at my show. One of the managers there; Joe Buscema, saw my set and liked it enough to reach out to my team. Next thing I knew, I was in Gabe Saporta's office with Joe and the TAG Music team. I flew to Atlantic's New York office a few weeks later! I had some other label offers at the time, but Atlantic and TAG definitely felt like the right fit. I'm very excited and everyone has been amazing to me so far. I've never been so happy to attend a meeting before this! Haha
What is it like working with someone like Gabe? What’s the best piece of advice he’s given you?
Gabe is one of the most musically inclined people I've ever met. His ears are off the charts. I'd say some of the best musical advice he's given me is that inauthenticity kills songs. I could write a song about french fries, or about being a mermaid, but the second it's not authentic to me sonicially, or lyricially, the listener can tell. He's also encouraged me to experiment, while keeping my sound more cohesive than it's ever been before. I'm really excited for everyone to hear these new songs.
You also recently released the video for “Nosebleed”. What was the video shoot like and who came up with the concept for it?
The video shoot was one of the smoothest videos I've ever shot! I think I have my video commissioner Andrew Reid and Paving Co productions to thank for that. Before this, I was co-directing, starring in, producing, set designing, co-styling, and doing almost every single thing for my music videos. That was great don't get me wrong, but it was nice to have some of those pressures alleviated. I came up with the initial concept, as I do creative direct almost everything I do and like to be very hands-on still. I wanted a K-pop/Hip-Hop dance choreo moment for the chorus, and a stiff country club setting for such a gritty song. It's meant to be slightly off-putting and dark, but still fun.
Do you have a favorite moment from the video? Why?
My favourite moment was definitely driving the golf cart and getting to "crash" it because IT WAS SO FUN?! PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY THOUGH EVERYONE. Anyways, it's been super long since I was able to drive around with some friends and just vibe to music. I've been so busy touring and I miss doing that with my friends back home in Toronto. My LA friends (on set with me in the golf cart scene) were super easy going though and I'm glad they were there with me. :)
You have some upcoming tour dates with Waterparks and POPTROPICASLUTZ! What can fans expect from your show on these tours? Do you have any surprises planned?
These shows are about to be the best shows I've done yet. We've had time to perfect new music since then, and the set list will include lots of unreleased songs, as well as some more dance choreo! I don't normally dance on stage, but I used to dance for theatre, and I miss it, so I figured why not! I'll also have new and exclusive tour merch, and will be doing meet and greets after every show. I'm super excited.
Can we expect more new music from you this year? Is there any chance that you’re working on an EP or album? If so, what can you tell us so far?
Yes! I'm working on my album right now actually. So far we've got over 30 ideas, but are finalizing the best 15 over the summer and fall. I don't have a release date for the album yet, however, I'll be dropping a new song the first week of June. The June 9th song contains some of the most personal lyrics I've ever written, and goes into detail about my struggles with body dysmorphia, EDs, Depression, Anxiety, Bullying and other dark subject matter. The album also touches on those subjects, but also contains a lot of optimism and feel good music.
My last EP was titled Red In Revenge, but having that body of work out in the world was my Revenge. I'm not as angry at the world as I used to be. I've accepted that there is a lot of bad out there, but I want to be a part of the solution, not the problem. I'm really proud of my personal growth, and hopefully my supporters will notice that growth within the music.
Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Do you have anything else that you would like to add?
Thanks for taking the time to interview me! I would just like to remind anyone reading this that art is subjective. Not everyone is going to like your art, and that's okay. The important thing is that YOU like your art. Once you start creating for yourself, you will create peace, and provide comfort for others through your art. I promise. I also want to say thanks for letting me create art and share a part of myself with you powerpuffs. Love you all.
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