Sofia Vondell is a musician and artist from across the pond, California to be exact. Self-proclaimed vagabond that has an abundance of talent, along with a huge Alfred Hitchcock passion, so get ready for some suspense and wait to see if Sofia will ever get that Hitchcock tattoo.
We met up with Sofia at a Karaoke bar in (Los Angeles) where she was debating between performing a song by The Weather Girls or The Spice Girls, we interrupted her thought process to ask her a few questions....
Sofia can you tell the readers a little about yourself and how would you describe your music
I’m a musician and artist. I write all kinds of music, but I recently put out a low-fi, dreamy piano based album called Ivory Walls.
I first heard Le Tresor which shows your talent on the piano, when did you first begin to play that instrument?
Thank you! I need to embrace those songs more. Those songs are so special to me. I have always played the piano. There was a piano in the house I grew up in and it was love at first site. It’s been an on and off love affair.
You have been writing and playing under the guise of Ivory Walls how is this coming along?
Great! The Ivory Walls album was just put out on ITunes. It’s been getting some really good press. I’m so excited about it.
Not only are you a talented musician but also a designer, what gives you most pleasure?
It’s a tight close call, but I think I would have to choose music.
Can you tell the readers of your musical journey up to today?
Random. I’ve played guitar in some arty punk style bands, but it’s only recently I’ve been taking my self seriously as a solo artist. I will be embracing the guitar more in up incoming recordings. It’s just random that I put out a piano based album.
What classic song would you like to have written and why?
Maybe Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor because horror films are rad.
Who is your biggest musical influence?
Not fair….That’s too hard of a question for me. There is just not one. Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, The Cramps, Nina Simone, Etta James, Bowie, My Bloody Valentine, Blondie, T-Rex, James Chance, Screaming J Hawkins, Jesus and Mary Chain, Link Wray, Suicide, Beach House, Indian Jewelry, Grimes, The Misfits. God I don’t know, none of these people have anything to do with piano jams. I don’t think there is one artist that puts out piano solo recording only that I’m 100% influenced by.
The last album/record you bought?
I recently bought The Chromatics 2012 “Kill for Love” LP. It’s so good. I listen to it over and over.
What makes you smile?
My dog Ruby.
You’re a fan of Punk music, how does Punk music in the States whilst you were growing up compare with the punk music of today?
The music I like was generally before my time. I like a lot of New York and California Seventies and early eighties bands. There is a raw, rebellious, sometimes fifties rock and roll quality to it.
What is your guilty pleasure?
A simple glass of Pinot Noir
I understand you are an Alfred Hitchcock fan, what is it about him that you like and what film of his is your favourite?
As a small child I was introduced to the Alfred Hitchcock hour. There’s a nostalgia there. I love his style. He has a great dark sense of humour that he was really good at projecting. If you study him you’ll find he started out in the silent film era. This may be why his style is so detail oriented and how he was able convey a mood even without dialogue. His cinematography is in my opinion the best. The people he choose to collaborate with were also amazing like Edith Head and Sal Bass. He of course pick amazing actors. There is an attention to certain details I love. Truly one of a kind. He is an amazing artist that uses Film as his medium. I always say Vertigo as being my favourite, but lately I’ve been into The Birds.
In 10 words what does music mean to you?
Music holds a special place in my heart, total happiness.
What are you working on musically for 2014?
I'm working on an EP that’s almost finished and possibly another album. I’m always writing music and having ideas.
Sofia was getting nowhere with selecting a song to sing, in the end, we decided to help her out by duetting over 'The Time of My Life' from the movie Dirty Dancing (remember Patrick Swayze?).....After the song, we unleashed some quick fire questions on her.
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Coke or Pepsi? Coke
Holidays/Vacations – Beach or ski-ing? Beach
Meat or Vegetables? Vegetables
CD or Vinyl? Vinyl
Car or Motorbike? Car
Cat or Dog? Dog
Acoustic or Electric? Electric
Cooked Breakfast (bacon/eggs/mushrooms/toast etc) or Cereal? Cereal
You've read up on Sofia's inner most secrets, please spare another few minutes reading all of her social media pages, they're all listed below for your convenience....
Musicmuso would like to thank Sofia for sparing her time to take part in the interview, we wish her every success in the future.
Interview by Mark Wincott