18 year old rising star Sophie Powers has one mission: to make listeners feel. Refusing to be defined by one genre, her infectious concoction of glitchy alt pop is perfect for fans of artists like Slayyyter or Dorian Electra. Powers brings a darker, grittier quality to her music that isn’t present in a lot of hyperpop, fusing sonic elements to create her own unique blend.
Recently signing to Atlantic Records, Sophie Powers is in the midst of a huge pivotal moment in her career. Landing several slots on tours as an opener (Wicca Phase Springs Eternal, Carlie Hanson, Waterparks) and regularly releasing new music, Powers is definitely creating a name for herself in the music industry. I got a chance to catch up with her via email, and talk with her about all of her exciting opportunities and achievements.
Brigid: Congratulations on the release of “Nosebleed”! How are you feeling about all of it?
Sophie: Thank you so much! It feels great having such a supportive team surrounding my first release on a major label. I’m so thankful. I’m also glad people seem to be enjoying the song!
B: I love the hyperpop-influenced sound of this track, could you tell me a bit about the creative process of the song and how it all came together?
S: Me and Camm Hunter co-wrote this song , and Mike Gonek produced it. I free-styled flows, and so did Camm, then got to writing. It was a fairly easy song to write, considering that at the time we wrote the song (Fall 2021) there was a third wave of Covid and I had a LOT on my mind. Seeing friend after friend get diagnosed with ADHD and go crazy in their room became normal to me. Luckily I moved to LA during the early stages of the pandemic, and music kept me sane. But seeing everything happening around me, the world turning upside down, I had to flip a switch emotionally to block it all out. I was seeing everything and feeling nothing. That’s really the basis of the song.
B: Who are some of your influences when it comes to music?
S: I grew up in the 2000’s and I remember Lady Gaga, Avril Lavinge, and Kesha changing my life when I was little. But my parents are very into rock/grunge music, so I also was always around that too. With music from artists such as Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, I gained a quick understanding of storytelling in songs. I also started to love guitars, and developed a love of punk music on my own from there.
B: You became a full-time musician at the age of 16, what was that transition like? I read that your father was a musician, do you feel like growing up close to the industry made it easier to transition into it while being so young?
S: I actually became a full time musician at 15, I just didn’t start releasing music until 16 because I spent 8 months writing horrible songs. I did move out to LA at 16 however to improve my craft. My dad was a musician, but that was only during his late teens-late 20s. Music wasn’t working out for him the way he wanted, so he took the business route instead. For that reason I’d say I didn’t grow up close to the industry so the transition wasn’t easier in that sense. But the transition was easier in the sense that my Dad, having been a musician, was very encouraging and supportive of me wanting to be one. My mom is also very supportive and saw my musical interests at a young age. I’m very lucky.
B: I read that you are also a fashion designer! Were you primarily inspired by your mother, who worked in fashion? What are your goals within the fashion industry?
S: My mom worked in fashion PR before she had me and my siblings, but that wasn’t what inspired me about her. My inspiration was her own personal style. She just dresses like this hippie grunge rock chic, and it’s so cool. I still steal her clothing sometimes. My goals within the industry though are to start my own brand and have it be more inclusive, and eccentric than a lot of other clothing on the market. Fashion isn’t what you wear as much as how you feel IN what you wear. It saved my confidence and has completely altered my self image. I want to help others in the way my fashion/art/music as a whole has helped me!
B: How do you balance being both a musician and a fashion designer?
S: Well currently I don’t have a brand out, so music takes the majority of my time. But once my brand launches in late 2023, I’m not sure how I’ll balance both. I love them so much though so I’m sure I can make it work.
B: How do you feel your sound has evolved since you released your first single “Lonely Army” in 2021?
S: I feel as if I’ve gotten bolder and improved as a singer/songwriter a LOT since “Lonely Army.” My wordplay, vocal abilities are much more daring now than something I would’ve recorded at the time “Lonely Army” was made. I’m not afraid to experiment and say how I feel. Lonely army is vulnerable, but new songs I’ve written are even more vulnerable. Honestly I’m not sure how I’ll release them yet as they’re very very personal. I think it’s important for me to release them though, as my vulnerability might be able to help someone else in a similar place.
B: Congratulations, also, on recently signing with Atlantic Records! How are you feeling about getting signed to a major label?
S: Thank you!! It feels like a childhood dream come true. It also is a really nice feeling being recognized by a label that has had such success. I’m like, “you see that in me? Ok let’s go!!” It’s very validating as an artist to have your work recognized by anyone, let alone a major label. I’m so thankful for everyone there, and everyone who’s gotten me to this point. But I’m just getting started!
B: You’re currently on tour with Carlie Hanson, what has that experience been like so far? What are some of your favorite aspects of being on the road?
S: It’s been such a great tour! Carlie is so talented, and Senses the opener before me is also talented. I love being surrounded by talented people. It’s motivating. I’ve loved this tour because it started for me in my home city, Toronto, and I played my first show ever there. That was an amazing start to the tour and it’s only been better since then! My favorite aspects of being on the road are the conversations, however. Chatting with fans, my band mates, and Carlie’s team, I learn so much every day. I’m surrounded by people from all walks of life- it’s so cool! My extroverted self is at home.
B: Following the release of “Nosebleed”, are there any other upcoming projects you can share a bit about? Anything else for fans to look forward to in 2023?
S: Well I just announced I’m opening for Waterparks, HUNNY the band from June 2nd to June 14! And I’m touring this summer which I haven’t announced official dates yet for! Fans can also look forward to a clothing brand dropping in late 2023. I’m so excited!!!!
Listen to “Nosebleed” here!
