Check out our interview with rising Australian pop artist, Sophia Petro who just released her eagerly awaited single “Rosé Glow,” bursting with mesmerizing, catchy melodies and relatable storytelling lyricism.
Sophia Petro paints a vivid picture of the exhilarating experience of getting ready for a night out with friends. As the chorus unfolds, she delves into the secret yearnings for a deeper connection with someone who captures her heart amidst the bustling energy of a social gathering.
Produced and mixed by Gabrielle Emery (EMEREE) and mastered by Darren Ziesing, the creative process behind “Rosé Glow” was a collaborative effort between Sophia Petro and producer Gabrielle Emery.
Follow Sophia @sophiapetro_
Hi Sophia, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! I’m a 21 year old singer/songwriter from Naarm/Melbourne Australia. My writing has been described as a fusion of pop, country and folk.
Growing up, I was always surrounded by music because my dad is a musician (a bass player and classically trained pianist). He taught me some piano and guitar at a young age. My mum, although not a musician herself, is also an extremely creative individual with a great love of literature, so she would read me books and poetry most evenings. As a result, I loved writing and storytelling and dreamed of being a novelist. At age 11, I decided to combine writing and music and began songwriting, soon discovering it was my true passion.
I started releasing my music at the beginning of this year. I’ve released three singles thus far (Memory of You, Leave and Rosé Glow) and am set to release my debut EP, The 11th Hour, on August 11th.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Folk and country with a modern pop-infused twist
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
As I mentioned, I was exposed to a large variety of music growing up and also was encouraged to read and pursue creative writing from a young age. Thus naturally evolved and I eventually combined the two things I loved and began to songwrite at age 11.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes, I play the guitar and dabble in some piano as well.
Do you ever get nervous?
All the time. Especially before gigging or releasing new music. It always ends up being so much fun though and the nerves eventually fade.
Tell us about your new single “Rosé Glow?”
Rosé Glow is the embodiment of fun – it’s sparkly, alluring and nostalgic of unforgettable nights out with friends. It’s the type of pop song you add to your ‘getting ready’ playlist and sing whilst doing your makeup and having pre-drinks with friends. It also dabbles in a bit of fantasy – blurring the lines between reality and possibility.
What’s the story behind the song?
I was in the studio with my producer Gabrielle Emery and I had another song in mind for my debut EP, The 11th Hour. However, after we started producing it, it just didn’t feel right or seem to slot in with the other tracks. We then decided to just write a song together (which was cool because this was my first songwriting collaboration). We brainstormed and decided we wanted it to be a fun, pop song people would listen to whilst getting ready with their friends. We worked on it up until the end of the first chorus and then I took it home and finished the remainder of the lyrics that very night because I just loved it so much.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I just love writing songs. Honestly, hiding away in my bedroom with my guitar and writing all about my feelings and experiences is so cathartic and therapeutic. Bringing them to life in the studio and then sharing the songs with people and seeing others connect and resonate with what I’ve written is such an incredible feeling.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Honestly, I’m a fiction girl. So my recommendations would just be romance novels, sorry!
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
When I was in my early to mid teens, I hid my songwriting from everyone but my family. As a teen, I was so concerned about being liked and being thought of as “cool”, so I didn’t even tell my friends I wrote songs because I thought it was embarrassing (in retrospect, it was not – songwriting is SUPER COOL, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise). I think I would just tell my younger self, “stop putting so much emphasis on other people’s opinions of you, stop shying away from pursuing your dreams and just give it all you’ve got.”
How would your best friend describe you?
Well, I hope my best friends would describe me as:
Funny (I feel like I regularly make them laugh – hopefully they’re laughing with me… not at me hahaha)
An attentive listener and someone who gives good advice
A great hugger (this isn’t up for debate – I give wonderful hugs)
Positive and warm
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
This is me trying
Why?
Because I love Taylor Swift
Because pursuing a creative career entails a lot of trying and perseverance
Because you shouldn’t be afraid to be seen trying – even if you feel like you don’t instantly and continuously make progress – just keep going!
Because I intend to try really, really hard to make my dreams a reality 🙂
What’s next for Sophia Petro in 2023?
I am releasing my debut EP, The 11th Hour, on August 11th!
The 11th Hour includes 5 songs that reflect my life for the past 7 years. From childish infatuation, to feeling isolated, alone and unwanted, to just enjoying time with friends, to falling in love once (and then falling again), to sisterhood and ensuring that loved ones are in healthy, positive relationships, The 11th Hour divulges my feelings, experiences and observations.
I also have some exciting gigs on the horizon (keep your eyes peeled)!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Avocado. I LOVE AVO. Especially on toast with cherry tomatoes and feta cheese.
And your favorite cheat food?
I love all foods that could be classified as cheat foods – I especially love red velvet cake.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Knitted sweaters are my kryptonite. So, casual, comfy?
What is your own definition of happiness?
Working full-time as a singer/songwriting, getting to explore and expand on my creativity everyday, having a wonderful, supportive group of people around me, living near the beach and getting to start every morning with a walk on the sand with my future dog.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Taylor Swift. I have been a Swiftie since my early teens and Taylor Swift has been a tremendous inspiration to me. Her remarkable songwriting skills, unwavering dedication to her craft, and ability to connect with millions of people around the world is absolutely incredible. I want to pick her brain and tell her how much I adore her and share the impact her music has had on my life.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
GREECE! WITH ANYONE (preferably family/friends).
I was lucky enough to visit Greece last year. My grandparents all immigrated to Australia from Greece, so I have family over there. Visiting is like returning to my home away from home. And the Greek Islands… need I say more?
Best advice ever given?
Dreams don’t fade, even if you put them on the back burner and pretend they don’t exist, you will always wonder what could have been, so just go for it and give it 100% (thanks for the motivation mum)!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I have no idea – but hopefully I’m a full time singer/songwriter and get to do this forever! I hope I’m touring and performing regularly and continuing to release music.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Anything by Taylor Swift, Maisie Peters or Gretta Ray.
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s necessary – especially when trying to pursue a career in music. It can also be very draining and it’s important to switch off your phone once in a while and have a breather. I think it’s an amazing tool to connect with people and I have gained some incredibly lovely supporters because of it!
Where we can follow you?
I’m pretty much on all social media platforms @sophiapetro
You can find direct links here: https://linktr.ee/sophiapetro
