When Mundane Magazine caught up with Sophie Powers, the conversation quickly unfolded into something deeper than a standard artist update. What began as a casual post–photoshoot check-in evolved into an honest dialogue about perfectionism, fan connection, independence, and the quiet strength it takes to choose joy—especially in an industry built on pressure.
With her new single “klepto” – a collaboration with C-Pop super Lexie Liu out today – an album in progress, and a renewed commitment to positivity in 2026, Sophie speaks candidly about her evolving relationship with her art, her audience, and herself.
Style Eileen Marou
A New Chapter: Positivity as a Practice
Mundane Magazine:
Sophie:
My new song “klepto” is out today and I’m working on an album, plus some standalone singles and features. There’s a lot happening that I can’t even talk about yet.
But honestly, this year is about positivity for me. That was my New Year’s resolution—finding happiness not just outside my career, but within it.
Mundane Magazine: Why positivity now?
Sophie:
Last year was actually really positive. A lot of amazing things happened. But I realized I focused way more on the negative than the good. Even when great things were happening, I’d zoom in on what wasn’t perfect. It sounds cheesy, but it’s true.
This year, I really want to put out a body of work that I’m proud of—and enjoy the process of doing it.
Perfectionism, Letting Go, and Knowing When to Stop Tweaking
Mundane Magazine: Do you think that mindset carries into how you make music—always finding the one thing that could be better?
Sophie:
Absolutely. I think artists are our own worst enemies. Creatives tend to fall into this perfectionist mindset, and that’s always an uphill battle.
Even when something is the best I can do, I’ll still think, “I could do better.” I constantly have to remind myself: don’t fix something that isn’t broken.
Mundane Magazine: A lot of incredible music never even sees the light of day.
Sophie:
Every time. I’ll think a song is the one, and then something else comes along that feels more honest, more exciting. If it were up to me, I’d probably release almost everything I’ve ever made.
Letting the Fans In
Mundane Magazine: You’re very open with your fans—leaking snippets, sharing demos, asking for feedback. That’s not something every artist does.
Sophie:
I really value my fans’ input. I leak a lot of my own music, and I care deeply about what they think—along with feedback from my team, my friends, my family.
I have my personal favorites, of course, but my fans are such a huge part of the process for me.
The New Song: Envy as Honesty
Mundane Magazine: Let’s talk about the new single. What can you tell us?
Sophie:
It’s basically envy, if envy were a song. And I love that—it’s such a common emotion, but people feel ashamed to admit it. I think there’s power in being that honest.
I actually wrote it as a demo three years ago and posted a snippet in 2023. Ever since then, I’ve gotten at least one DM a month asking for it—after just one TikTok. That told me everything.
Mundane Magazine: And the collaboration?
Sophie:
That’s where Lexie Liu came in. We both grew up loving that early-2000s era when jealousy, vanity, and desire were just… in the music.
That era felt wild because cameras on phones were new—everyone was suddenly hyper-aware of image. We tried to channel that heightened energy into the song together.
Fans, Creativity, and the Pressure to Deliver
Mundane Magazine: Your audience feels incredibly creative and engaged. Does that ever add pressure?
Sophie:
Of course. You want people to enjoy your work and get something out of it. But I also have to remember that art is subjective—not everyone will like everything I do, and that’s okay.
Mundane Magazine: That confidence feels very aligned with your overall energy.
Sophie:
Thank you. I think being real is the only option.
Muddy, Womanhood, and Claiming Power
Mundane Magazine: muddy felt like a shift. Was it?
Sophie:
It was the first song I put out that was purely sexual and empowering. I wrote it before I felt confident enough—in my body, in being a woman—to release it.
But womanhood is beautiful. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Putting that song out felt like stepping fully into myself.
Playing Korea and Finding Familiarity Abroad
Mundane Magazine: You’ve received a lot of love in Korea and the K-pop space. What was that experience like?
Sophie:
Honestly, the crowds were more respectful than in America—and I say that with love. I enjoy a rowdy crowd, but it was refreshing.
Toronto, where I grew up, is incredibly diverse with a large Korean community, so Korea actually felt familiar in a way. Everyone was kind, welcoming, and generous.
Knowing Early—and Taking the Leap
Mundane Magazine: When did you know music was what you wanted?
Sophie:
When I was 15, after performing at a summer campfire. I’d been making music privately for years—taking vocal lessons, doing choir—but never telling anyone because I’d been bullied before.
That one summer gave me the confidence to tell my parents: “I’m doing this. Why not start now?”
Independence, Industry Reality, and Respect for Artists
Mundane Magazine: Being an artist today means being everything—creator, marketer, editor, stylist.
Sophie:
Exactly. Anyone can do it now, which makes it harder—but also more rewarding. I have so much respect for independent artists who fund themselves, educate themselves, and keep going anyway.
It’s not easy to support yourself and make art. People don’t talk about that enough.
Mentorship, Trust, and Who You Surround Yourself With
Mundane Magazine: Was there someone who guided you early on?
Sophie:
My parents, and my producer Mike Gonick. I met him when I was 15 and moved to LA at 16 to make music with him. He’s been there from the beginning.
You really become who you surround yourself with. Even one studio session can change your art—for better or worse.
Looking Ahead: Music, Fashion, and the World
Mundane Magazine: What are you most excited about this year?
Sophie:
International touring, definitely—new countries, new audiences. I want to release a body of work I’m proud of.
And fashion. I loved my Gloomy Bear collaboration, but it was from an older era of mine. I’d love to do something darker, more aligned with my current aesthetic.
Sophie is stepping into 2026 with clarity, conviction, and a quiet confidence rooted in self-trust. If this conversation is any indication, the year ahead isn’t just about new music—it’s about ownership, evolution, and letting art exist without apology.
Follow Mundane Magazine for more in-depth artist conversations at mundanemag.com.
