INTERVIEW:
Sophia Danai
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YOU get a real sense of emotion and passion…
when hearing the song, Come Thru. It is from the wonderful Canadian artist, Sophia Danai – she talks about the track's history and creation. I ask her about filming the single’s video; what we can expect from her album, Real Lies – she tells me why Canada is producing such great artist.
Danai tells me how and when music came into her life; some fresh acts we need to keep our ears out for; how music fulfils and nourishes her – Danai tells me whether there are any tour dates coming up (whether, among those dates, the U.K. is part of her plans).
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Hi, Sophia. How are you? How has your week been?
Great. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind with the release. It feels so exciting/terrifying to have this record in the world.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
Hey! My name is Sophia Danai and I am from Vancouver B.C. I’m a singer/songwriter and I use my music to get me through some difficult sh*t - in the hope that it will help others too.
Come Thru seems to reflect a spirit fighting against hard times and strain. What, to you, is the story behind the song?
This song is about my marriage falling apart and finally being able to let go of everything that haunted me about it. I was very young when we met and, although it only lasted for a year, it was an intense, tumultuous experience that I’m happy to be on the other side of.
At the core, this song is about claiming your space and standing up for yourself when it can be the most difficult.
The video looks like it was a pretty interesting experience. Was it quite cathartic and fun filming it?!
Yes, it was incredible. The director, Jon Thomas, took my idea and ran with it. He shot, directed and edited the piece. It was especially cathartic because the guitar I broke in the video was the one I bought on my honeymoon in Bruges. I wanted the guitar I broke to be mine and to mean something. I wanted the video to represent breaking cycles and rising from the ashes.
Everything that was once beautiful can be ugly, and vice versa - everything comes full circle.
It is from your upcoming album, Real Lies. What can we expect from the record in terms of themes and ideas?
“Real eyes realize real lies” - that quote is the inspiration for the title. To me, it represents how our truth is always evolving and, how, with every lesson and change in our life, we uncover the layers to get closer to who we really are. Being able to identify how we lie to ourselves and what lies we have internalized about ourselves from others is very powerful. For me, I feel like this record is my true debut and everything I’ve gone through up until this point has allowed me to let go, open up and share my story.
We are all human and have flaws and feel insecure at times - it’s about having compassion for ourselves and others and trusting the process.
How did the breakup of a marriage and creative struggles affect you as a hungry musician? Did you question what you wanted to be in life?
Of course! I can’t tell you how many times I thought, should I really be pursuing this; who am I kidding; I can’t do this. My ex was actually the first person who ever recorded me so it was even more horrible when it ended because I felt like I had lost my relationship and all we had created together.
None of it ever got released but I felt like I truly lost everything. The biggest gift I got from that split was learning I could do so much on my own; I learnt how to produce myself, started working with a variety of different people - and doing gigs with just me and a guitar.
It’s important to have a great team around you but it’s also important to know that, if you just have yourself, you can make magic happen. When I went into myself and focused on my craft, I attracted the right people and was able to make my vision come to life.
PHOTO CREDIT: Alaina Michelle Photography
How does music enrich and guide you as a person? Did you have any childhood musical idols?
Music is my healer; where I can express my sadness, anger, insecurity and love. It’s the way I process my emotions and connect with God. I feel like when I truly connect and get to that special place where a song pours out: I am connecting to a source that connects us all. It’s something very spiritual for me. My childhood idols are Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin; Alicia Keys, Amy Winehouse; Portishead, Destiny’s Child; Lauryn Hill, Fiona Apple and Shania Twain (I could go on!).
PHOTO CREDIT: Tatum McLea
I am hearing a lot of great Canadian musicians come through. What is it about the country and people that inspire terrific music?
Hmm…maybe that we only have three-four months of summer and lots of time to hibernate and create! Also - Vancouver is especially beautiful with its mountains, ocean and forests that will take your breath away. Our government also helps fund musicians, which is huge!
This record was made, in part, by a grant I received by Factor and Creative BC. It enabled me to make my dream project independently, which was a game-changer.
Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading off to?
Waldorf: May 5th - Vancouver, B.C.
The Drake Underground: May 10th - Canadian Music Week, Toronto (Ontario).
Might you head to the U.K. and play here?
Yes, absolutely, I want to - and it will happen over the next year or two.
What do you hope to achieve in 2018?
Global domination with my music but, you know…baby steps (smiles). Ha. Honestly; I want to continue evolving and enjoy the journey that my music is taking me on. I’m so excited to share what I’ve created.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?
I have so many amazing music memories.
Recently, I was finishing a long day of gigging and rehearsing and then I went to jam at a friend’s. I felt such a sense of joy that my daily life consists of so much music! Anytime I am writing or on stage; I feel a sense of deep gratitude; it’s such a privilege to do what I love for a living - and I don’t take that for granted.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Take time to develop your craft; focus on being great and honing your talent. No one can deny artistry and skill. You will find strength in the confidence you gain from this and attract the right team to help you amplify your vision and execute your dream! Trust your intuition: you know what’s right for you - and don’t forget that!
If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
IN THIS PHOTO: Omar Khan
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
There are amazing artists coming out of Vancouver like Omar Khan, Brevner; DANI Le Rose, The Boom Booms and Little Destroyer.
Also; my girl Kendall Thompson from Toronto.
IN THIS PHOTO: DANI Le Rose
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Time off?! What’s that?! (Laughs). Right now, I’m not taking a lot of time off but, when I do, I make dinner with friends; go for a swim or go to the movies. I just saw A Quiet Place and it was so, so good - I cried the whole time. I’m a big baby in movies though. I cry at everything.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
People by Omar Khan
Thank you so much!
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