An Interview With Singer-Songwriter SOPHIE ANN On Her Latest Debut Album, ‘Just Me’!

Meet the LA songstress Sophie Ann! 

She recently put out her nine track debut solo album called “Just Me.”  Sophie characterizes the album as “a very personal deep dive into heartbreak: the highs when I think I’m over it, and the lows when I realize I need more time to heal. Experiencing a break up with someone I thought I would spend my life with shook me to the core and changed who I am. Writing these songs was  how I worked through the heartbreak, including my missteps.”

With roots in jazz, pop soul, and funk, Sophie Ann had her first industry break when Just Me single “Read My Mind” was picked up by Radio Disney and Sirius XM, where it enjoyed heavy rotation across the US, making RD Top 3 alongside household names Sofia Carson, Galantis, and Why Don’t We. 

A self-proclaimed serial dater, Sophie Ann proudly announces this debut collection as her first ever release as a single, independent, and empowered woman. “Writing these songs was how I worked through pain,” she says, “to become the stronger, more self aware person I am today.”

Listen to Sophie’s Music Here- https://ffm.to/sophieannjustmealbum

Connect With Sophie Ann Online Here- https://www.facebook.com/sophieannlevine/

Learn more about Sophie Ann in the following All Access interview-

When it comes to your music, what are you most excited for this year? How has 2020 been treating you so far?

I’m really excited to start playing shows and sharing my music live. 2020 has been great so far! My album “Just Me” premiered on Billboard, and has already been picked up a major sync company as well.

Can you recall the moment when you thought you could be a musician? What do you think motivates you day in and day out? How has that changed over the years?

I think I realized I could do it when I was around 19 years old and started getting thrown into sessions with professional musicians, and I was keeping up! They definitely weren’t the best songs I’ve ever written, but I realized I was good enough. My motivation has always been the fact that music is my outlet, and it’s the only way I can fully express myself and the way I am feeling. I will never stop writing because of that. 

How do you think your hometown has influenced the kind of music that you make? If not, why is that?

I write in a lot of different styles but I always stay true to who I am and my main goal, which is to just write a great song. I think I am very driven by lyrics and I’m drawn to music that tells a story, no matter the style. 

Growing up, how important was music in your life? Was your family and friends supportive of this career choice? If you weren’t a musician today, could you see yourself doing anything else?

Music has always been in my heart. There were people in my life who encouraged me to go down a different path, but everyone came around eventually. Hopefully I have proven myself. If I wasn’t a musician today, I could see myself being a social worker. I went to school for social work for one semester and I loved it, but I ultimately gave it up to pursue my dream, which feels selfish at times, but I try to give back in other ways. 

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all? What has been the best part?

The biggest surprise was rediscovering my passion for performing. I had lost it for a while, but after writing this new album I can’t wait for the next time I get on stage so I can share my stories with the audience. An unexpected challenge has been staying organized and not getting overwhelmed with busy work, which comes with being a professional musician, but I’m so thankful for my team at Fire Tower Entertainment for helping me with that. The best part is knowing I won’t regret anything. I went for it and I’m following my dream, and I am grateful for that. 

What did it feel like finally releasing your debut solo album, “Just Me” recently? Did anything surprise you about the overall process of making it? Were there any unexpected challenges?

It felt great! I feel like I can finally move on from my past relationship. I loved that I was able to turn my pain into something positive. One challenge was being a perfectionist and not wanting to release anything that I wasn’t happy with. At some point I had to let go because I was being ridiculous. 

How was making this album like therapy for you after your last relationship ended?

I didn’t jump back into therapy right after my breakup, so being able to write about it and process my feelings was very therapeutic. 

Were you surprised at all at how well “Read My Mind” did on Radio Disney? Why do you think people responded so well to it?

I was shocked! You always hope that people will love what you write but I keep my expectations low. Read My Mind is such a fun song that both young and older people love, which is why I think it reached a lot of people. 

What was the inspiration for your single, “Flawless”?

My inspiration was feeling like losing someone was the best thing that could’ve happened to me at the time, and that a big weight was lifted off of me. 

Are you planning on making any music videos to these songs?

Eventually! Right now I’m focusing on a few other things, but I do really want to make visuals for my songs. 

How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started making music? What if anything has stayed the same about your music-making process?

I think I have grown because I’m not afraid to break the “songwriting rules” in terms of structure and play around. Some of my best songs were written when I didn’t feel constrained. I think my dedication to good lyrics has and will always stay the same. 

How do you feel about social media? What do you think social media has done for your career so far?

I think social media has its pros and cons, but it’s a great way for me to connect with fans and other musicians. 

What musicians would you absolutely love to work with in the future?

I would love to just watch Regina Spektor write a song. Same goes for Imogen Heap. I think those two women are extraordinary. 

Where would you love to hear a song of yours played?

I would love to hear one of my songs playing during a love or breakup scene in a movie. Something that pulls at your heart. 

At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?

I hope people realize they are not alone! I especially want people to know that it’s okay and human to make mistakes when you are healing. No one is perfect.