I’d been told some wonderful things about Sophie Amato and I really wanted to learn more about her, with her brand new EP ‘Glorious Mess’ out today, what better time to catch up with her and ask her a bunch of questions, here’s how we got on….

I know that you’re called Sophia Amato, you’re a London based singer and songwriter who originates from Sicily who has spent the last few years between London and New York, please tell us a bit more about yourself

Hi! My dad’s Sicilian so I have a big Italian family! And before lockdown I was spending a lot of time in New York!

Tell me something about yourself that not many people would know….

I love playing chess!

Would you say that you grew up in a musical house? Were your folks into music in a big way? Did they play any instruments?

No! My parents aren’t musical but my nan was a singer, I never met her sadly...but I have an amazing old photo of her singing. 

Do you play any instruments, if so what?

A little piano, that’s how I usually start my ideas. I used to work on an RC505 vocal loop pedal, and would create electronic soundscapes which was fun.

Your music covers multiple genres (soul, jazz, gospel, R&B, electronica), I would like to ask about your influences, is there one act or musician that made you want to start writing songs?

Lauryn Hill was a massive influence in wanting to write, I used to watch her unplugged MTV performance on repeat.

If you weren’t a songwriter, what do you think you’d be doing for work? 

A painter 

“Stunning”,  “Lo-Fi”, “Electronic”, “Rich”,  “Soulful”, “Spellbinding” & “Beautiful” are words that have been used to describe your latest track ‘Seven Sad Sins’, these are enough to make anyone stop what they’re doing and listen, would you like to add any more words to the list?

Ha ha, no that’s already making me blush..

This is your 3rd single, did you approach it differently to the way you did for the first and second? If you adopted a different approach, what was different?

I’m trying to get better at letting go! The more I release the easier it is!

How does it feel to be likened to Arlo Parks, Celeste and Cleo Sol?

They’re all really exciting artists so it’s a huge compliment!

You’ve spent the last few years between London and New York, both very different cities, what do you think you enjoy most about both places? Which do you prefer and why?

I love the energy in both cities. London will always be home, but I don’t like being too stuck in one place for too long. 

Let’s imagine you’re hosting a dinner party for some close friends, what is on the menu?

Ramen!

You’re currently in the studio with producers such as Bastian (Jess Glynne, Jessie Ware), Lapsley (Karma Kid aka Shy Luv), Cutfather (Birds Of Prey), Dan Caplen (Clean Bandit, Macklemore) and John Foyle (FKA Twigs), when will we be seeing the fruits of your labour? 

Soon! This year I have lots of music coming out...

I heard that you are working on the release of an EP, will this be as a result of working with the above producers?

Yes! My EP ‘Glorious Mess’ which is out today, go check it out! 

Michael and Emily Eavis from Glastonbury Festival have just been on the phone asking you to nominate the three headline acts for 2022, who are you going to choose? (You can choose from alive/dead acts or artists) - GO!

Freddie Mercury, Fugees, and Miles Davis

Would you say that you have ‘found your sound’ or are you still searching?

I think my sound is always evolving. Different collaborations always bring a different sound and quality.

There’s no point in me asking what the music scene is like in London as everyone knows it’s a very lively and vibrant place for artists and musicians to ply their trade but how do you find the scene in London compares to that of New York? 

I think similar, but New York stays open later, so you can catch live music in the early hours. 

Would you say that it is harder to be accepted as an artist in London or New York? Why do you think this is?

Both are big cities full of artists so I think it can always be a challenge. But the positive is there’s always an opportunity to perform and to collaborate with others.  

There’s finally light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to live shows and events, are you planning on getting out there once we are allowed to do so? (please list any dates/venues)

Yes! I have a headline show at the end of the year, we’re just confirming dates now. I’m so exited to perform live!

Please tell me about some artists and bands that you’re into that you think our readers should invest some time in….

I’m listening to Serpent with Feet and Mustafa the Poet at the moment!

Lastly, please impart some wise words for anyone who might just be starting out on their own musical journey….

Stay curious, keep sharing :)

To keep up to date with Sophia’s musical happenings, follow her on Instagram