We’ve got a very special Track of the Week this week!
Listen now to the latest release from Sophie Sailor, and find out more about the track below…
What was your inspiration when you began writing ‘Obsession’?
Funnily, I had to think of my grandma feeling sorry for me having to get up that early in the morning on a Sunday to play a football match. For me, it is a great pleasure, but I know a lot of people who at some point just stopped to do what they are passionate about. The song describes the process of recognising that we should not apologise for who we are and what we do or care too much about people who criticise us.
Are there any artists that inspire you when writing?
I’m really obsessed with the piano. That’s why I feel very inspired by pianists like Elton John, Billy Joel, Tom Odell, but even classical musicians like John Williams.
While writing this song, I was also listening to Bruce Springsteen and Sam Fender a lot, which I think gave it a rough touch.
What is key to your sound and how do you make your music stand out?
My goal is to write melodies that are a bit obtrusive so that people hopefully remember them. The piano is the centre, and is what the other instruments revolve around. For the arrangement, I use a lot of “call and response” interaction. It also helps that I only have a little idea of how to sing. This automatically leads to some edgy imperfections.
How does your songwriting process work?
Usually, it starts with a basic idea for lyrics (often a statement of my grandma). This always comes with a melody or some rough ideas for an arrangement, which I then try to reproduce on the piano. Finishing the lyrics is the trickiest part for me. But luckily, I turn into a very efficient writer while jogging. The difficulty is to keep the ideas until I come back home.
Describe your sound in three words…
Focussed, warm …imperfect
How has studying at BIMM helped you develop as an artist?
I was no artist at all. I have always been very industrious but I was a bit hesitant about leaving my bedroom. Above all, studying at BIMM taught me that I have to get off my backside. Being surrounded by so many like-minded aspiring musicians also encouraged me to start my own singer-songwriter project, which I otherwise never would have done, I guess.
What’s next for you?
This autumn, I am producing songs for a musical, which will be an exciting new experience. I’m hoping to still have time to write loads of songs and find some people to perform them live as long as this will be safely possible. I am also working on my next single release.
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Track of the Week is open for submissions from our Students and Alumni – email your demo, release date and where you studied over to [email protected]
