Blurring the line between pop and country, Sophia Scott is now bringing her country influences into the pop scene of LA. She brings a feminist outlook to country music, a genre often overrun with misogynistic lyricism and traditional gender roles, which can be heard on her most recent single, “White Fence” (entered Spotify’s NMF at #20) which rejects the traditional gender roles that come with the idealistic “white picket fence” life.
Sophia kicked off her career with YouTube covers, most notably her powerful rendition of of Rihanna’s “Love On The Brain” that hit over 1 million views. While grabbing a guitar and belting out a cover is still herself as a storyteller with an inventive, fresh sound.
Unheard Gems is so happy to get to talk with Sophia about her music career and her upcoming single “Strangers Again” (9/28).
Unheard Gems: Welcome to Unheard Gems! We are really excited to get the chance to talk with you!
Sophia Scott: Me too! Such a pleasure.
Unheard Gems:Just for our readers to get a little bit of background on you as a person and musician, when did you first know you wanted to pursue music and what was your journey like from that point to where you are now?
Sophia Scott: From a young age I was constantly singing and performing for family and friends. When I was in third grade my three girlfriends and I started a band called the “Candy Girls” and were sure we would be famous (haha). Being a musician has always been my dream, but it wasn’t until after college that I really decided to take it seriously. I moved to LA about 5 years ago and started playing smaller gigs around town.
I began posting covers on Youtube which helped me gain a fanbase as well as connect with
other writers and producers. From there I started writing and releasing singles up until now. I have learned so much in these past five years and can only imagine the growth that will happen in the five years to come.
Unheard Gems: How would you describe your style of music? You are, to my understanding, a mix of pop and country, how did you gravitate towards that genre and would you say that labeling genres help define you or others as musicians?
Sophia Scott: I describe my sound as “Southern Pop,” because the music has soul, R&B, country and pop elements to it. I don’t like that musicians need to be defined by a genre, I wish people could just let the music speak for itself. I believe part of being an artist means being able to create anything without having to try and fit it into a box.
Unheard Gems: What is it like being a woman in the country music scene especially with typically misogynistic lyricism and gender roles present in the genre?
Sophia Scott: It’s tough for sure, but also something I am passionate about changing
along with other female AND male country artists. I think it’s important to make more
people aware of this issue and speak about it in the music. My last single ‘White Fence’ was essentially a girl power anthem meant to inspire female strength and independence. I hope to encourage more and more women to speak up.
Unheard Gems: Can you tell us a bit about you as a songwriter? What inspires you and what is your process like?
Sophia Scott: I’m inspired by so many things and it really depends on my mood. A lot of my ideas come to me while I’m driving, or right as I’m falling asleep. I make a LOT of voice notes in my phone (melodies and/or lyrics) that I’ll eventually flesh out later. I like to switch up my writing style and sometimes write just alone with my guitar and sometimes with a track.
Unheard Gems: I love your upcoming single “Strangers Again”, I’m not a huge country listener but it perfectly bridges across genres so it is approachable to even those who aren’t the biggest country fans. What is the story behind this single and what was the process of writing it like.
Sophia Scott: Thanks so much, that is great to hear! I wrote this song in Nashville a few months ago with a few other writers. I’d had this idea of two people becoming “Strangers
Again” for a while and the fact that it’s such a common occurrence in our society but rarely emphasized. I went in and pitched the idea to the other writers and everyone in the room had had their own experiences with this concept so it all just sort of poured out. The song has an overall nostalgic feeling to it that I hope people pick up and relate to in their own way.
Unheard Gems: What is the LA country music scene like? Any things that have surprised you?
Sophia Scott: There is not a huge country music scene here but it has definitely grown immensely from when I first arrived. I’m surprised by how many people say that they “hate country music” because country is SO many things. I tend to argue with people when that line is dropped and can usually change a mind or two haha.
Unheard Gems: You really kicked off your career singing covers on YouTube, do you have any words of wisdom to other artists trying to get their big break and get their voice out there.
Sophia Scott: Yes! Although social media has it’s negative aspects, for those people
trying to get their voices heard it is an AMAZING tool. Youtube, Instagram, Musica.ly, Twitter etc. are great ways to share any sort of creative talent. There is so much out there and it’s easy to feel lost in the mix, so my advice is first of all - not to compare yourself too much. Second of all, use social media as a means of collaborating with others! I swear my biggest accomplishments have come from reaching out and working with other people.
Unheard Gems: If you could recommend to us another artist you think deserves more recognition in the music industry, or an Unheard Gem, who would you recommend?
Sophia Scott: Brooke Williams! She is a friend of mine and her music gives me all the feels.
Unheard Gems:Lastly, for all of our readers, where can they find you and your music?
Sophia Scott: You can find my music on Spotify, iTunes, and Youtube, and find me on Instagram: @sophunky. Thanks so much!
Check out Sophia’s newest song “Strangers Again”
Find Sophia: https://www.sophiascottmusic.com/
Interview by : Hannah Schneider