Check out our interview with Australian pop artist, songwriter and producer Sofké who just released today her new hit single “Too Much Fun.”
Growing up, Sofké’s household would constantly play old vintage records, such as Carol King, Elvis, Fleetwood Mac, and Bob Dylan. These records inspired her to write poetry and songs, as well as perform in choirs or musicals. Influenced by the 70s, Dance, RnB, and Alternative Dream Pop, Sofké curated her sound to be a mix of ambient pop with dance nu-disco. With the knowledge she learned from the Conservatory of Music in Australia and her connections with several international music producers, Sofké is creating music people can connect with all while inspiring them to get up and dance!
Follow Sofké @iamsofke
Hi Sofké, please tell us a little about you?
I am a Songwriter and Producer living in Coogee beach in Sydney. I was born in North Queensland to Russian immigrant parents. I was writing poetry and songs as soon as I could read and studied performing arts from a young age. I always loved to connect and move…I was featured in TV and music theatre growing up and won multiple state dance awards, so creative industries was a natural progression for me.
I spent a lot of time at the Conservatory of Music in Sydney studying voice and music production. I learned Ableton about six years ago and created experimental atmospheric & dream pop compositions. This last year, I have been working with international producers on more commercial works which have been really fun.
Singing is my downtime. It’s a great way to be present and relax. In my spare time I write for others, help companies with their brand strategies, make music video content, read about quantum physics, meditate and go to Yoga.
I’m grateful for where I live. I set up my bright little studio overlooking the valley and ocean. My close friends all live locally and the people here are fun and down to earth. It’s beautiful to end the day walking along the cliffs being mesmerized by a roaring ocean.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Empathetic, quick-witted, sometimes shy
We’re sure you have been asked this a million times but how did you get into the industry?
The more work I did, the more people I met. I was offered gigs and artists started asking me to write and produce for them. The major turning point was about six years ago when I met a very talented producer who believed in me. He was always checking in to see if I did my daily runs or upgraded to the latest version of Ableton, reinforcing the belief that it is okay to be a weird and wonderful artist. I took a lot of risks and sacrifices to stay true to who I am and every day I have to remind myself of that and to keep going.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Unpredictable, rhapsodic, sometimes ethereal
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Legendary music producers like Quincy Jones. I grew up listening to my parents’ vintage records of great songwriters like Carol King & Bob Dylan. Exceptional vocalists like Micheal Jackson, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston. These days I love listening to incredible poetic artists like G-Eazy, Bear, Lana Del Rey, and Banks.
I think music chooses you too. For me, singing is a way to come back to myself, to express and ground myself. Writing allows us to turn challenges and dark times into beautiful things. It gives the complex mind something to conceptualize and be excited about. This creativity raises my vibration. It’s even more rewarding when you hear something you wrote bringing relief or inspiration to another person.
Do you play any instrument?
I play keys and a little guitar. I have a joke about the guitar that my dad bought me when I was a kid; “Every Sydney musician has played it more than me. Haha. I am definitely a little better on keys.
Do you ever get nervous?
I do. It’s easy to get into your head with self-doubt and judge yourself, wanting everything to be perfect. The best performances, however, are when you can get into your body and just enjoy the moment. That’s when you really connect with others. It helps to breathe and set an intention.
Tell us about your new single “Too much Fun”?
It’s pretty bold and raw, It’s got a bouncy vibe to it and I can imagine it going down well for people’s workouts! I guess you could say it’s got classic EDM and house roots with experimental phrasing. It says to women, “don’t be afraid to speak your mind”.
What’s the story behind this song?
Oh, it’s juicy…don’t know if I can share it all haha…
I wrote “too much fun” at the end of Aussie Summer in Coogee beach on Valentine’s day. It started with a boy of course but at a deeper level, it’s really about me having to make the choice between something that was very fun, causing immense highs & lows but leaving me tired and distracted from my heart and path. It was a huge period of growth and I learned so much about myself and others but it really shook me up enough to face the self-doubt that was holding me back. It’s really about overcoming distractions and destructive behavior in order to stay grounded and follow dreams.
And about the success of your hit single “So Rare?”
Thank you for asking! I had so much positive support for “So rare” it received great feedback. I heard today that an Aussie film Director wants to use it in his latest film which is really exciting. He said it’s very Kavinsky, which I think is a great compliment as I always loved making cinematographic songs 🙂
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
It’s fun because it gives you this burst of energy and life. When I’m making music I don’t need much else.
It’s also fun when I get a track back from a great producer and can jump on my bed dancing to it.
It’s rewarding and soothing when you get to connect and harmonize with other musicians. It’s really rewarding when you can make people smile or stop for a moment to enjoy life around them.
That is the best part about gigging and when you remind yourself that this isn’t about you or making every note and run perfect, it’s about what you can do to ease another person’s suffering. That change in mentality, immediately, is really what music is all about for me.
What are the five things you can’t live without?
My laptop where I produce and store my songs, 528hz vibrational meditation tracks and Wim Hof breathwork, sitting in leafy green sun-kissed parks…Can I say vocal cords?!
What’s next for Sofké in 2021?
It’s really about creating a vibrant, fun, and restful place for me to make more music. The rest of the year is going to be about creating more clarity on a personal level. Slowing down and making more inspiring joyful tracks…I will likely take a turn back to producing more myself again, taking what I have learned and combining it with atmospheric compositions.
What is your favorite song? And why?
Omg sooooo many and through the decades, it’s hard to say there is just one!
I am going to have to give you a classic and say “Dov’e l’amore” by CHER. It’s “other level” passion…it takes me to a balmy faraway place of color and beautiful bodies dancing on the street. The vibrant Latin influences and Spanish guitar is mesmerizing. I think CHER called it “Italian Salsa.” I really love to sing it too, it brings back to me what it is to be a woman and reminds me of what I’m like when I love someone.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Can I say mine?… I wrote a self-help book last year. I’ll let you know more when it’s out 😀
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
Turning down a great day job. I was offered a role to be Head of Brand and Creative for a global company. It was a great opportunity but hugely demanding on both my time and energy. I chose music over being glued to deadlines. I couldn’t imagine a life where I didn’t have time for artistry.
Any loves other than music?
Writing poetry and books. Deep, interesting people. The ocean and sunrises.
Best advice ever given?
Perfection is the enemy of good. I am still working on that one!
How’s a typical day in your life?
So busy at the moment! I have lots of projects going at once right now. I am up very early for meditation and a workout.
I work from home so I try to get out and enjoy some sunshine first thing or if I can’t, I do a moonlight walk later on. Luckily my home is pretty bright but sometimes I take my laptop into the garden or work on the deck. I really love the outdoors. One day I imagine I will have a home with rooms with detachable roofs so that I can leave them open most of the day and night.
Name one of your strengths?
Resilience. I don’t stay down for long. I see everything as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Ooooh….good question! Either early morning wake up with yoga, do some writing, healthy brunch with my sister, or a lazy day in with someone after a wild night…followed by a dip in the ocean and a burger from this incredible place down by the beach.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
In the car, “Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Rey.
At karaoke – “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse
What is your own definition of happiness?
Having sensory perception. Those moments when you feel you are connected to everything in you and around you.
Do you support any charities?
World Wildlife Fund Australia
What is your favorite healthy food?
There is a great place in Bronte Beach called Pilgrims– It does amazing vegetarian superfood bowls.
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza
What would be a deal-breaker on a first date?
I like intelligent, strong, self-aware men. Doesn’t matter how complex but if I sense otherwise, I’m not really interested.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Fyodor Dostoevsky. He lived through such tumultuous times and continued to write inspiring literature.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Living a musically free life surrounded by good people, working with incredible artists, and traveling the world. Discovering new places and people. I have a dream to sing with Andrea Bocelli at his family winery in Tuscany and of course to perform at Webster Hall.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Street with a classic vintage tweak.
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s a nice way to stay in touch with people and collate the beautiful things in your life but if I am being honest, I prefer to spend time offline because – life is short!
Where can we follow you?
Instagram: @iamsofke
Quote: “There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people” Vincent Van Gogh
Movie: Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Travel Destination: Rome
