The Past, Present, and Future of Sophia Stel

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With a new single released and a new creative chapter unfolding, Sophia sat down to reflect on her journey...past, present, and future.

How has being Canadian shaped your path as an artist?

In Vancouver, the scene is pretty small and there are very few female producers. I didn’t really understand how the music industry worked when I first started out. At times it felt isolating. But now, I feel really proud to be from here. Canadian artists are so creative and hardworking, and I think that kind of underdog energy makes you push even harder to be seen internationally.

Were you always artistic and drawn to music?

I used to walk around and sing and make up songs. That’s what my mom always said. I took some music lessons and started writing songs, and honestly, once I started, I found it pretty hard to stop.

Were you doing covers back then or writing your own songs?

I was in a couple of cover bands in high school, and I did some folk covers with my older brother. But I’ve always been pretty bad at learning other people’s songs... I have a terrible memory. I’m much better at remembering my own lyrics, so I just started writing my own songs early on.

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Who influenced your soundback then?

At first, it was folk. I was really into Sufjan Stevens. Later, I got obsessed with Young Thug. I’ve always been drawn to artists who write unforgettable hooks and songs that give you that gut-level reaction.

Are you the type to replay a song over-and-over again?

Definitely. If I really love a song, I’ll have it on repeat for a while. And then I’ll go explore everything else that artist has done.

What did you use when you first started making music?

I bought a 2013 MacBook when I was young, and honestly, I used that until last year. I’ve always worked with pretty minimal gear: a $300 mic, a $100 interface, and before that, just a USB mic and GarageBand. My guitar was a gift from a friend. It’s not fancy, but it works. I’ve always believed if you want to make something, you’ll find a way.

Have you found your sound as an artist or is it still evolving?

It’s definitely still evolving. I was saying before, hookiness or a catchyness is really important to me when I am making music. But it's more than that, it's a certain feeling and it's hard to explain–more of an emotional connection to what I'm making. I’m always chasing a feeling, something emotional, honest, intimate. I’ve never had a moment where I’ve gone, “This is it, this is my sound forever.”

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Do you consider your music to fit within a genre?

Not necessarily. I think in general my music tends to be soundtrack-like. To me it's meant to be listened to on your walk home with headphones in, it's quite private.

Tell me about your latest single, Everyone Falls Asleep In Their Own Time.

I wrote it exactly one year ago. It came together really fast too. It’s a love song, but it’s about acceptance knowing you're growing apart and realizing some things are inevitable.

Does this new music represent a new chapter?

Yeah, definitely. The last project covered the past three years of my life. This new music feels like the next version of me.

Outside of making music, what are your passions?

I’ve really gotten into videography, just random moments mostly, anything that catches my eye. It feels like this natural extension of making music, like I’m building little visual worlds. Also, I have always loved to skateboard.

What’s next for you?

I want to score a film. I want to produce for other artists. And honestly, I want to make the best album of all time.