Following on from a string of impactful releases in recent years, Mexican-Canadian artist Sophia Be now makes her eagerly-awaited return to deliver her heartfelt new single 'I Still Love You'.
Adopting a warm and tender piano-led aesthetic for her newest outing, 'I Still Love You' makes for a dazzling return to form for her. With her soaring vocals layered across a rich and sombre production throughout, she is certainly looking to pull on our heartstrings with this one.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I fell in love with the piano first! My dad worked in the film industry for a few years before I had even been born, so I was exposed to film scores from the moment I was born. Most of the pieces my dad listened to were piano-heavy. A lot of my childhood memories go back to a melody from a film score–Deborah’s Theme from “Once Upon a Time in America” or Love Theme from “Cinema Paradiso”, among many others. I love how dynamic the piano is. I love layering sounds that elicit certain feelings. I love that you can write complex musical constructions with the piano. Writing music on a piano is like creating a kaleidoscope of emotions.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Apart from film scores, I grew up listening to anything old and romantic. I loved the 80s and anything that focused on the matters of the heart. I am a total romantic. I’ve also always had a love for pop music, and especially for classic love ballads. There is something timeless about a ballad. You might be someone who likes heavy metal, but if you listen to “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney or Dolly, you know exactly what song it is, and it will most likely elicit an emotion nonetheless.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I owned was Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time. The tracks were fun, airy, heartfelt, and catchy. That album got a lot of scratches. I played it on repeat. I learned every lyric and felt connected to Britney. She was, and will always be, an icon. I would play the album in my room and dream of being interviewed about my music one day! I love the purity behind those songs. They felt honest and young.
What is the one song you wish you could have written yourself?
Lately, I wish I could have written “Through the Fire” performed by Chaka Khan, written by Cynthia Weil, David Foster, and Tom Keane. I love David Foster. He is a music industry hero to me. He’s worked with some of my favourite artists and written some pretty amazing pop hits. I love that he works with vocal divas. Those are the types of songs I love writing–vocal diva songs that get to the heart.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I love listening to new music to see what’s out there. Lately, I’ve been inspired by Summer Walker, Ella Mai, Kwn, and Isaiah Falls. But I always go back to old R&B. New generations still know and love those songs. That is a true gift when you write a song that transcends time. I have an obsession with old music, but I still love how music and music genres evolve. A lot of what I write is also centered around my voice. I write songs that feel connected to my voice and that suit my voice. My voice is the centrepiece of my music.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Apart from the ones I’ve already mentioned, I’ve recently been listening to Chris Renzema, Chris Stapleton, Stevie Wonder, and always, Mariah Carey. As you can tell from my list, I listen to a wide range of music. I love finding new songs and artists.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to open for Mariah Carey one day. I love her so much. She is a hero to me. She is a forerunner in the music industry, who has accomplished what not many will. She is one of a kind with such a unique equation of beautiful artistry, depth, and a talent that is otherworldly. I relate to her in some respects. I respect her and have memorised almost every song with every background vocal and inflection, and arrangement. I also simply have deep respect for her because it is not easy to walk through this industry and stay relevant 30-plus years later.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I love the space to feel what I feel. I do feel everything so deeply, and then the fact that I get to share that with the world is my second favorite thing. Music reminds us we are less alone in this world than we think. Music connects us. I love connecting with people. I love it when people tell me that they felt what I was singing. I know that we felt it together, even if what they felt was unique and personal; we shared that moment in space and time. I love it also, on a skill-based note, when people tell me they felt inspired to try something out vocally, outside of their comfort zone. That’s when I know I’ve done my job.
And what is the most frustrating part?
It’s frustrating to have to break through the politics of the industry! It feels like, as musicians, we have to jump through so many hurdles just to be able to do what we do best, connect with people through music.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best piece of advice I’ve received came from my pastor, Rich, who was an amazing leader to our creative team at church. He said to me once, “Do what you’re doing, and then release it. Let it go.” He was encouraging me to let go of the outcome, knowing that I had done my best. Letting go is a sacred and freeing practice, regardless of religious beliefs. We can’t control how things unfold, but in our surrender, we can find freedom to enjoy what we bring to the table. It’s less pressure when what you bring to the table is simply an offering. This has liberated me from the pressure of what others might think or say. It’s helped me to enjoy the journey.
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Sophia Be's new single 'I Still Love You' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.