Congratulations on the release of your new single “Why”! Can you share the story behind this song and what inspired you to write it?
Sofi: Thank you so much! Well, the song came out of a feeling of trying to fulfill or complete myself but doing it back words. It does sound like a cliché but selflove rules. Nothing nor no one can do that for you. So, to everyone out there, focus on self-worth and self-love first. Then the rest of the world will fall in love with you too. At least the ones who knows you, and those are the only ones who should matter to you.
How did you get your start in music? Did you always know you wanted to pursue a career in it?
Sofi: I would say yes. In the beginning I just loved to write. It didn’t have to be music. My big brother played guitar and my dad piano, so I guess I started learning a few chords and put a melody to it – then the words came along. My music teacher in school was very important to me and made me believe in myself. I recorded my first demo while living in Paris. When I came back to Sweden for the summer, I got my first record deal and decided to stay in Stockholm for the period of making and promoting that first album called “One”.
If you could have dinner with any artist in the world, who would you pick and why?
Sofi: Annie Lennox. I have always loved her way of writing - and who she is as a person. If Amy Winehouse was still alive, I would have loved to have a long dinner with her too.
Can you tell us a bit about your involvement with UNHCR? The work you’ve done there has been so inspiring!
Sofi: Thank you. The day before the war broke out, I started writing a song called “Endlessly”. When we got the news about what was happening in the world – and so close to us here in Sweden - I wanted to dedicate the song to them and did so together with UNHCR. It felt like it was meant to be just that way. I always want to continue doing charity in any way I can.
You’ve been working in the industry for over 12 years now and have accomplished some incredible things! What would you say has been the proudest moment of your career thus far?
Sofi: When I came to LA my private life fell into pieces and I didn’t know anyone. But somehow through the people I had met and through an album I just recorded I got my first little synch on a show called the hills. It paid my rent that month and I kept it going. Finally I landed a record deal on Atlantic Records.
What can we expect next from you? I am genuinely so excited to see what your future holds!
Sofi: Thanks again. I have a new album recorded. If we see and feel like people connect with “Why” then slowly but surely we’ll keep releasing more music. And I’ll always keep writing. It’s what makes me being able to cope with myself – and the world.
Interviewed By Sarah Curry
FOLLOW SOFI: