Ferocious, flirtatious, and defiantly unfiltered, Leeds-based pop-rock provocateur Sophia Garvey makes her boldest statement yet with 'Let The Cat In', the first single from her upcoming debut album 'Pure Filth'. Blurring the line between chaos and charisma, the track is a snarling, seductive blast of alt-pop that leaves no room for polite introductions. It purrs, claws, and pounces with wild abandon.
With roots in visual art, nightlife, and DIY rebellion, Sophia has built a world where pop is unruly, desire is primal, and emotion is proudly messy. First gaining attention with 'Post Break Up Sex', later featured in Netflix’s You, she’s continued to push boundaries with each release. Now, with 'Let The Cat In', she opens a new era that’s filthy, fearless, and unwilling to be house-trained.
So with the new single out 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?
In, like, Year 5, my school in Middlewich had the Hallé Orchestra sponsor some instruments for us to learn. I really wanted to play the sax along with three others (there were only two), so my teacher offered a marble if one of us would swap to trumpet – just so happened my crush at the time had an empty seat next to him. A win if u ask me. Loved it, but moved countries and had to give it back – it was a torrid love affair. My real love lies with the guitar. I’m thankful my Nan and Grandad lugged it from the UK for me when I first started out.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
90s Britpop, rock, Madonna, Britney – anything with a filthy bass and a whole lotta sass. On the flip side, a bit of Jack Johnson – his In Between Dreams album was the soundtrack to my childhood holidays by the sea, so it holds a special place in my heart.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not – you can thank my dad for introducing me. When I was younger, I got an iPad for Christmas and some Apple gift cards. I begged my dad to download it for me. To this day, still one of my favourite albums.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Hung Up – Madonna. Gosh, what a banger. I played it live once at a party with my guitarist for my mate’s manager’s husband’s 50th, who just so happened to be mates with Nigella Lawson. She hand-fed me pizza part way through, and who am I to deny – so I choked out the rest of it. 10/10 for both song and experience.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I start by existing in my bedroom or a space with Lare. Then I go between chain smoking and pacing until I’ve wound myself up and gotten to the bottom of how I’m feeling. Once I’ve had enough of that, I pick up my guitar and fanny about until I can articulate it properly. Usually the first draft is brutal. I then listen to that on repeat until I pick out the parts I like, rewrite, and show my producer David – usually followed by a long rant and a can of Stella.
Who are your favourite artists you’ve found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’ve really been enjoying Sandhouse, particularly Bite Me Back – it just scratches an itch. A lot of Shaun Ryder: Black Grape, Happy Mondays, DARE – all great stuff. And of course my go-tos: Lana Del Rey, Arctic Monkeys, and Cherry Glazerr.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Phwoar – would have to be The Stone Roses or Fontaines D.C., or anyone who’ll have me xx
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being able to express my feelings through music. I treat each of my songs like a diary entry – the good, the bad, and the ugly innermost workings of my mind. It’s scary being so honest, but I hope it invites others to join in.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Being told you can’t. Remember tho, just because they can’t, it doesn’t mean you can’t. Be nefarious – do it, I dare u.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
My parents telling me – if u don’t ask, u don’t get.
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Sophia Garvey's new single 'Let The Cat In' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.