Written during a time of uncertainty when the country was in and out of lockdowns, ‘Habits’ sees Sofia embrace her Spanish heritage, with two of the EP tracks, ‘Religion’ and ‘Are You Listening’, sung in both English and Spanish. Darker and more sensual than her previous releases, the EP showcases her natural gift for storytelling and her ability to convey feelings and emotions through her music, all wrapped up in her captivatingly sultry and delicate vocals.
Tell us about the genesis of your project ‘Habits’
I wrote ‘Habits’ during the time we were in and out of lockdowns during the pandemic. Nearly all the songs were written completely remotely which was a crazy new experience when working on a project, but I think it definitely made the project a more reflective one where I was really looking back on the things I valued and wanted in that moment. When I listen back I think I was experimenting with sounds a lot more being inspired by artists like Caroline Polachek and Christine and The Queens, but the actual songwriting feels more introspective and actually more hopeful than my previous work.
What should a song or piece of art communicate in your opinion?
I think what’s most important to communicate in art is authenticity. That’s all you can do as an artist is put your heart and soul into something for other people to interpret and make their own.
Who were your top 3 artists last year?
Caroline Polachek, Carol Ades and Rachel Chinouriri
What do you do when you’re feeling uninspired?
Try and absorb other art around me, listen to new music or sometimes I go back and listen to the music I loved when I was a kid. In those moments I try to see writing as an exercise more than ‘this has to be THE song’. A lot of the time it’s just about minimising the pressure.
What are your 2022 projects and goals?
Play more shows, play more shows, play more shows! I’m properly preparing the live show at the moment which is going to be so much fun. So growing this community I’ve started to build around the music is a big goal.
Favourite movie or TV show?
Right now Love on The Spectrum.
Tell us about your latest release ‘Religion’ and how it came about
I wrote this one on the piano while I was in Spain during one of the many lockdowns. I sent the idea to Shor who’s an amazing producer, with some references and he got it immediately!
What is something you would want to change in the music and entertainment industry?
I think the biggest thing that needs to change is the rate of songwriter royalties. The industry hasn’t really caught up with how music is consumed right now and it’s almost impossible to make a living as a songwriter. There are some great organisation out there like PRS and SONA in the US that are really looking out for songwriters and working to improve the situation.
Can you outline your creative process?
It varies a lot but I’ve found I’m at my happiest creatively when I have some collaborative sessions and some solo writing time where I can really get in my own head in a good way. Then I can go and ask for feedback and be edited, buT i think it’s best to just write in an unfiltered way when you’re starting an idea.
Who inspires your style and aesthetics?
I usually make a lot of mood boards with art, photos and colour schemes that inspire me. They’re usually the colours I kind of associate the songs with, then I grow the aesthetics from that. ‘Habits’ was always pretty dark aesthetically but with these shimmers of light and hope in it too.
What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why? Honestly just sticking to it really. Committing to music, because it’s an industry that is never going to encourage you to keep going. It’s pretty harsh so finding the right people, remaining inspired and committed to this is something I’m really proud of.
What do you think an artist should sing about nowadays?
My whole big thing is trying to live as authentically as possible and inspire people to do the same. I think if a message or a cause is authentic to you then definitely sing about it, be outspoken and honest. But I don’t think artists should pander to remain current.
Do you have any regrets?
Not really to be honest, because everything that has happened has made the writer and artist I am today. I think learning from mistakes is key and I’ve definitely done that but I don’t really regret things.
What is some piece of advice you would give to yourself right now?
Sta present. There’s always such a temptation to go onto the next project, the next goal etc. So I’m making more of an effort to celebrate every song release, video release and the little things that are milestones that shouldn’t be forgotten.
