Born in the United States and raised across Europe by her American father and Spanish mother, Sofia Lafuente turned to music at an early age as a form of escapism from her trans-continental upbringing. “Wherever I would go, if I was new or I was feeling out of place, music was the thing that made me feel completely free,” Sofia shares.
After undergoing significant surgery on her back at the age of 13, songwriting became a vital part of her life.“I picked up a guitar because it was the only thing I could do in a back brace! Songs just started coming out of me. I needed an outlet.” By 14, Sofia was performing live and quickly got herself into writing and studio sessions.
Raised on a potent mix of The Beatles, Shakira and Fleetwood Mac, Sofia draws from her combined influences as well as her varied upbringing, thriving on being able to experiment with her music and the concepts and emotions she’s able to portray.
Who inspired you to make music?
I grew up with a lot of music around me. My parents would play music in the house all the time and actually, two of my uncles are musicians. It was always something that was very respected growing up.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
I think it’s given musicians a lot more freedom when it comes to growing our own following and our fanbase organically. Now you can release music relatively easily. The only thing is that the business is really saturated so it takes a lot more work to break through the noise. It’s a blessing and a curse at the same time.
Have you got a ritual of sorts when writing and thinking about your music?
I don’t know if I have a particular ritual but I definitely have to be with people that make me feel comfortable and able to open up. Those are the best sessions. When you can just let yourself feel what you’re feeling and cut the bullshit. Honesty is the most important thing.
How would you describe your music?
Cinematic yet intimate? I love big atmospheric sounds but the stories I tell are very personal so I try to contrast the two to bring the stories to life. I definitely like to enhance the drama of everyday life.
What’s next for you?
Shows! I am so excited to play more shows now that things are opening up again. I also have accumulated quite a lot of new music I wrote during the lockdowns so there is definitely more to come.
What are your top two favorite songs of all time? Why those songs?
‘Hard Feelings’ by Lorde, the production is wild yet the lyrics and the story feel so personal like she is writing in a diary, it’s beautiful. I also love ‘Rhiannon’ by Fleetwood Mac. Their songwriting ranges from confessional stories to intricate stories that have characters and come from myths and legends. This one is particularly witchy. It’s my favorite.
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
Vigil on BBC. I am big into police dramas and mysteries, I have watched them all.
What do you think the greatest invention has been?
The voice memo app. I would have lost so many song ideas without it!
Do you have any lucky items, objects, or traditions?
I love rings and all of the ones I wear have a meaning or story behind them, who gave them to me, or where I got them. If I ever take them off I feel a little naked like I don’t have my loved ones around me.
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
Have you played the Roundhouse yet?
If you had to describe yourself as a flavor, what would it be?
Salted caramel with little honeycomb bits in it.
Following the release of her debut EP ‘Control’ earlier this year, singer-songwriter Sofia makes her highly anticipated return with the release of her captivating new single, ‘Good Intentions’, out on all streaming platforms now
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