Check out our interview with London based Electronic Pop Singer Songwriter Sofi Vonn who just released her EP “That Was A Close Call.”
Over the last 6th months Sofi has released a slew of singles including “Stranger”, “is it a crime?” and “Next To Me”, that have landed Sofi features in Queerty, Hollywood Life, Wonderland Magazine, Pop Wrapped and more! Now Sofi just released her debut EP last month (December 2021) following a premiere with LADYGUNN. Sofi’s deep lyrics and light melodies create a set of contradictions that somehow fit together perfectly to tell a relatable narrative of youth. With her exceptional voice, she deftly expresses emotions and opinions on society, love, sexuality, and all the other things that everyone goes through.
Follow Sofi @sofivonofficial
Hi Sofi, please tell us a little about you?
Helloo! I would start with saying that I had a very international upbringing. I grew up in New York City to German parents and then finished high school in Zürich, Switzerland. After that I studied in New Orleans and Berlin, which both had a big impact on me. Having this type of upbringing has really helped me draw influences from a variety of different backgrounds and styles of music, so I’m extremely grateful. I always knew I wanted to be a musician and could feel that I could make an impact with my songwriting, but I started my musical journey DJing techno. Slowly I started producing and singing in my sets, and now I’m here in London working on songwriting and performing full time! I’m hoping to incorporate more techno style sounds into my pop music this year, too, so we’ll see how that goes.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
creative, thoughtful, funny
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
Although it sounds cliché, I always knew I was going to be a singer/musician but wasn’t sure how to do it. I taught myself how to DJ in Berlin and then when I moved back to New York for a job at BMG I started booking a lot of gigs on the side and eventually started singing during my techno sets too. I was slowly realizing that that wasn’t fulfilling my desire to be a singer and it was only when the pandemic hit that I applied to do my master’s in music at Goldsmiths University in London, where I am now, so that’s how I got to where I am currently at.
How has this changed your life?
So far, I’ve had the best couple years of my life. Being able to pursue music has really given me another sense of purpose. I only released my first single in June and have already accomplished so much. There’s a lot of work that goes into it but it’s what I’ve always wanted to do, so it definitely pays off. The next two years of my career will be pivotal so I’m prepared to work as hard as I can!
What is the best and worst part of being a musician?
Firstly, I just love performing and making music. Although I have a very busy schedule, I also like that every day is different and I am flexible. I’d say the worst parts for me personally are how little it pays in the beginning and social media marketing as it takes up a lot of time and doesn’t always provide the best results. But I did just start out so I don’t mind!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I love just seeing and hearing people’s reaction to my music, especially when the lyrics resonate with them. The best is when people come up to you after a show and say they felt exactly what I was singing about. If my songs make people feel less alone in their thoughts then I’m happy. Seeing my fanbase grow is also very rewarding and exciting! I’m focused on getting one fan at a time as each new fan plays a critical role in my growth and journey.
What’s your advice for the newer musicians?
It’s never too late! Just start by writing & releasing as much as possible & try and find people to collaborate with. The more content the better. You can also use submit hub to try and find press and playlisting/labels as an independent artist for those releases. It takes a while but trust the process.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
deep, melodic, upbeat
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Nobody specifically influenced me or my decision to start making music. It was more of a thing that I knew I was going to do my entire life, even before I started DJing. I chose to pursue my singing career further once I realized that nothing else I was doing within the industry was fulfilling enough for me.
Do you play any instrument?
I play piano and am learning guitar! Does DJing count?
Do you ever get nervous?
Of course, who doesn’t ??
Tell us about your debut EP “That Was A Close Call?”
It was inspired by feelings of lack of self-worth, anxiety, and relationships. I wanted to put a really honest body of work representing a time in which I wasn’t content with my career and felt lonely and overwhelmed. This all changed when I started working on music full time in September 2020. I guess that switch is the “close call”, which represents a closing of a chapter (and is also a line from Stranger).
And about your singles “Stranger”, “is it a crime?” and “Next To Me?”
Next To Me was actually the last song I wrote once I was in London and feeling happier with my life. I produced this for one of my classes at Goldsmiths using electronic samples and creating beats to it. Unlike the other songs on the EP, I wrote the lyrics after producing it. The sound was inspired by my love of electronic music, which makes sense since I started out producing techno.
Stranger was the first single I released. I really like the sound of this one. The meaning is up to interpretation and I don’t want to ruin that for anyone, but the clear message is that people come and go in life and although it may feel bad at first, they’ll eventually be nothing more than a stranger.
is it a crime is a really honest song of mine in which I talk about knowing what I want but feeling ashamed about my feelings. People can make you feel like your desires aren’t valid but I think there’s something beautiful about standing up to that. The same goes for people in any situation – it’s not a crime to know what you need and deserve.
What’s the story behind the songs?
oops i think i answered this above aha.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
Probably being careful with certain people who may want to rip you off or don’t have good intentions with wanting to work together. I’ve definitely learned to carefully look over everything I agree to as I had it in the past where a producer I worked with didn’t properly credit me for the work I did on the track we did together. working at a record label before has really helped me with knowing my rights.
How would your best friend describe you?
passionate, funny, easy going, a good & loyal friend
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
To hold it out because better things are coming, and don’t be afraid to be yourself – the right people will accept you. and that your dreams are attainable!
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“Nothing Matters, I’m Around” because those are two of my mottos which basically mean that nothing matters in the sense that ruminating won’t get you anywhere and I’m around as in life goes on
What book should every entrepreneur read?
“The One Thing” by Gary W. Keller and Jay Papasan
What’s next for Sofi Vonn in 2022?
Lots of stuff! I’ve got a bunch of music, will make a bunch more and am performing lots! I also graduate from my masters in popular music at Goldsmiths in September, so I imagine things will pick up from there.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Smoothies
And your favorite cheat food?
I am addicted to sticky toffee pudding at the moment
What is your own definition of happiness?
I don’t know if I can define this – I’d say it depends more on your own mindset and how you choose to react to things, practicing mindfulness definitely helps. We’re all just doing the best we can which is important to remember!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I’ll say it again. Justin Bieber but dead probably Amy Winehouse or Janis Joplin
Best advice ever given?
My friend once said that no matter how simple some art seems, it’s still something that you didn’t do. This helps me when I think some things I create are very simple but am reminded that a lot of the time simple is what makes certain songs beautiful and memorable. I also just look at other forms of art differently and am able to appreciate more!
Do you support any charity?
I’ve actually just recorded a live set for War Child UK. The donation link will be live from February 15th – March 8th. Any donation would be greatly appreciated, 100% goes to War Child UK!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Hopefully I’ll have released two full length albums by then and will be touring!
Favorite song? Why?
Lately i’ve been into London is Lonely by Holly Humberstone & People Ive been sad by Christine and the Queens. I really love Holly Humberstone’s melodies and lyrics, especially that song makes me emotional. People I’ve been sad is just catchy and i really like the indie electronic production.
What do you think of Social Media?
I actually just wrote a paper on this! It’s definitely come with downsides, but overall, it has changed the game for independent artists. Obviously it also puts pressure on musicians to engage more and creates unhealthy/unrealistic standards in society. I try not to compare my life to what I see on social media and take everything with a grain of salt.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Snapchat / Apple Music / SoundCloud / YouTube
Favorite Book: Recently, Untamed by Glennon Doyle. I found it very motivational
Favorite Quote: “Trusting the process means everything. It takes 10 years to reach that one year that can change your life.” — Russ
Favorite Movie: We’re The Millers
Favorite Tv Series: Law & Order SVU
Favorite Food: Pad See Ew
Favorite Travel Destination: anywhere with a beach and waves!
Favorite Sports Team: don’t have one but I’ll go with The Saints from New Orleans if I had to choose
