Sofia Gilliani is an independent Asian pop artist. Beginning her career at nine years old, Sofia has devoted herself to her music through writing, producing, self promoting and directing music videos all independently.
We sat down with Sofia to discuss new music and her journey as an independent artist.
SOFIA GILLIANI
Lottie: Tell us your name and what you do?
Sofia: My name is Sofia Gilliani. I’m an independent singer-songwriter that specialises in something called avant-garde pop, which is a fancy way of saying that I love doing pop music, but I love mixing it with different genres like R&B and drill.
Lottie: Where did your passion for music come from?
Sofia: It’s a load of different things. My dad was a musician and that’s not my sole reason for being in music, I promise. However, because he was a musician, naturally we had a lot of instruments and things all over the house. Curiosity got the better of me and I started playing with some of it (the instruments). I would start tinkering with some of it but eventually found that vocals was my main thing. I think because I’m quite a naturally loud and bold person as well as watching loads of talent shows and singing in my garden, I eventually reapplied this is something that I want to be doing for a long time.
Lottie: How would you describe the music you make?
Sofia: I’d say it’s quite experimental but also very pop-centric so it’s quite fun and upbeat. I always wanted it to be something you could listen to in the car and nod your head. They’re never really sad songs because that’s not what I want to hear. Recently I’ve been going in an R&B direction which I’m excited to see how that translates later on in my music career. But my first album is very R&B centric a few raps are in there for sure.
THE MUSIC
Lottie: You released your first song Aint A Game 6 years ago. If you were to change anything about the song now what would it be and why?
Sofia: Six years is a long time! My dad loves it (Aint a Game) but I listen to it and I cant take myself seriously. It felt mature for what it is because my voice is quite deep and has always been quite deep. People didn’t realise that it was a twelve year old singing this but the concept of it’ aint a game’ well everything was a game, I was twelve years old! I think maybe making it a bit more realistic from my point of view but I don’t know maybe the idealism is the part of the charm of starting so young.
Lottie: Tell me about the creative process behind your latest release Don’t Forget Yourself – what inspired you to write it?
Sofia: Its quite an intense song, drill focused with faster raps in there. The consensus behind it is that I’m growing up, becoming more mature. I wanted to establish boundaries not just with my listeners but also with people around me. Changes were happening, people coming and going constantly I felt I needed a message to remind myself I am that girl.
Lottie: Looking at your first song Ain’t A Game compared to your most recent one Don’t Forget Yourself, how do you think you’ve grown as an artist in those six years?
Sofia: If twelve year old me heard Don’t Forget Yourself she would have cried I think because it’s very confronting. As an artist I’ve definitely evolved in the sense that I’m more in charge of my creative side. Younger me relied on people telling me what works and what doesn’t; what would people want to listen to. I came to a conclusion that I wanted to make music for myself. Don’t Forget Yourself symbolises that growth considering the song is a message to me rather than a message to everyone else.
Lottie: When you go into the studio do you like to have a plan or are you more open minded when it comes to making music?
Sofia: Its very much on the day. I feel like if I plan it too much, I get in my head about it. The one thing I love with music especially with my music, I don’t feel pressured to create a certain song, message or sound. I go in the studio with my dad and a producer who’s the sweetest guy in the world. We sit in the studio and figure out what sounds good, and what do we want to convey, a lot of experimenting goes on. I tend to go to the studio with a song already written, it’s just about creating the sound around it.
I believe I’m quite a perfectionist, I don’t know how they haven’t gotten sick of me yet! I always go to the studio with a song already written it’s just about creating the sound around it. I like to have a fresh brain, and too not overthink how the song should sound.
REFLECTING ON SOFIAS CAREER SO FAR
Lottie: What do you think is the biggest challenge for up and coming artists today?
Sofia: Comparison is a big issue as everyone is always comparing themselves to people who have also started at a similar age then developed into this big thing. For example Zara Larson has been doing this for ages and only now has she become very successful. I find there’s lots of independent artists comparing their beginning point with her end as people want the success now. I think one lesson I’ve learned is to appreciate the small victories and be patient since all the good stuff has happened when I wait for it. Its tricky but we get they in the end, its a dream that you have to work hard for it.
Lottie: If you had to choose one of your own songs to listen to forever, what would it be and why?
Sofia: There are definitely songs that I prefer more than others but at the moment, we’re cooking an unreleased one that’s potentially coming out in February. I would listen to that day after day but I cant say too much about it now. For the meantime though I would say either Read Your Mind or Wake Up which are two of my favourites and lead singles on my new album.
Lottie: Who’s your biggest inspiration?
Sofia: My inspiration always changes but at the moment Charlie Puth and RAYE, I love them both so much. Charlie Puth for his musicality and experimentation as he’s technical with it, I really admire his process. Regarding RAYE I think her sound is quite similar to mine and she’s so skilled, I aspire to have my music like that.”
Lottie: Favourite song to perform and why?
Sofia: Definitely an unreleased one but if I had to choose a released one, I would say Wake Up because it’s very garage centred. It allows me to but on an alter-ego so I can be this PinkPantheress-esque character plus, who doesn’t love an alter ego?
THE FUTURE
Lottie: What do you feel is your biggest achievement of your music career so far?
Sofia: Having my debut album on vinyl is an amazing landmark because having that physical product makes me really reminiscent on all the hard, faith and investment people have had in me. It’s crazy that all this hard work resulted in something such as a hard product that we’re trying to get distributed globally. Its insane to me!
Lottie: Dream artist or producer you want to collaborate with?
Sofia: Lets be honest, Charlie Puth. But to give you something a little different maybe Victoria Monet? She’s so thoughtful with her words and she seems like a nice person in general. Maybe that’s me being a bit para-social but based off the number of collaborations she’s done, she seems like a good person.
Lottie: Favorite song you’ve written and why?
Sofia: Read Your Mind. I think the message is nice since it’s about not being able to read peoples minds and being okay with that, sort of like being in your own little bubble.
Lottie: Have you got any exciting projects coming up that you can share?
Sofia: I’m working on a new song for February, it’s incredible. It’s going to be so fun, think Pharrell Williams, think heading into spring kind of month. It’s very pop, very synth but I think you guys will love it, but for now we’re just on that debut album ride and Don’t Forget Yourself.
Listen to Sofia Gilliani’s new single Dont Forget Yourself now:
Sofia Gilliani: Instagram