Up-and-coming singer & song writer ‘Sofia Gillani’ is set to release her debut single

Here at So Magazine we’ve had the opportunity to feature up-and-coming artist Sofia Gillani and her debut single ‘Read your mind’, release date yet to be announced. she began her musical career at just 9 years old; starring as a lead in the musical “Evita” where she sang “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina”. Since then, Sofia has devoted herself to her music through writing, producing, self-promotion and directing music videos, all independently! Crafting a sound of her own. With an impressive collection of singles to her name, including the acclaimed ‘Water Run Dry,’ and ‘Levels’ both featured on BBC Introducing. Sofia Gillani has performed at numerous events from the main stage at Haslemere Fringe Festival to various HMV stores across the UK, and Southbank Centre Futuretense event.
Sofia has built an impressive discography already, with her new release ‘read your mind’ around the corner scheduled this February. Earlier on I had the pleasure of interviewing Sofia about her music journey and inspirations.

1. So where did it all start, your journey in music?

I took up musical theatre at school and performed at quite a few productions. I caught the bug of singing and performing from there on. Once I got a chance to record my own original song I never looked back. More shows came up and I have been honing my craft on the stage for the last few years. I would love to do more musical theatre in the future.

2. Would you say there are artists out there current and past that have
inspired your style/genre of music?

The world is my inspiration, and the relationships within it. My music is representative of my messages and emotions that I feel daily. So when I get even a hint of inspiration, I’ll jot down random words or ideas about what I’m feeling, and then later put it into a song. It is very freeing, and makes music so enjoyable for me. Over the years, I’ve definitely improved in how I illustrate those messages, and refined my skill.

I would say early on inspiration came from listening to Queen, Adele, Jhené Aiko, Michael Jackson, SOS band, Owl City and Charlie Puth. Over time my taste in music has become more eclectic from The Smiths, ariana grande, SZA, and the band IDKHTFM.

3. Your new single titled “read your mind”, what inspired you to make
this song?

‘Read Your Mind’ is about a more social side of me, where I often just
wanted to know what people were thinking, not because of fear of
judgement, but because I was so curious about how people had such
different personalities from each other but were able to connect.
I believe platonic love is so incredibly strong, so this song was mainly
about me building relationships that are so dear to me and navigating
different people – even with the trials and tribulations that come with it. I
feel like platonic love is not talked enough about, and this fun garage beat
makes this song so relatable as the highs and lows of close friendship
experiences is one that makes us very emotionally vulnerable.

4. As an artist what sort of image and message are you trying to deliver
across to your listeners?

Through my songs, I aim to share my personal experiences and create a sense of relatability with my listeners. One thing that sets me apart is my uniqueness. None of my songs are the same, and each song explores a new genre. My style is bold, young, and loud, and not limited to any specific type. I write all my music myself, and the creative process is simple. I express myself through music, so my songs are messages and meanings that have come from my life. Whenever I get inspiration, I immediately jot it down in my notes app. I write a few words on how I’m feeling and then start putting a song together when I’m ready. It’s a beautiful process.

5. How do you hope your music will impact. resonate and take its place
in the current and future market in the music industry?

I want to explore what I can do and see what music is out there. There are so many musicians/music statements today, and the wide variety just shows how other people perceive music, and I’m really open to that. I’d love to collaborate with people and get other perspectives and viewpoints, but also experiment with my voice.”

6. If there is any advice you would give to other aspiring female
vocalists/artists, what would it be?

Whatever your sound, vibe or inspiration is, try. No one can do the same thing as you, and you have absolutely nothing to lose. Don’t do it for fame, do it because you love music, and want to be the future.