Having experienced this young woman’s startlingly emotive voice at the start of May 2021 in a live setting, I had to seek out her music, courtesy of James Morgan, Sofie’s manager and head of JAMO Music. 

During her short set, performed outside at a local, West Oxfordshire cafe, I was quietly blown away by a stripped back cover of Radiohead’s ‘Creep’ instantly reminded of both Adele and Olivia Rodrigo. Her voice and delivery was tender, brimming with regret and a depth of experience that belies her relative youth. Yes, Sofie is (only) 15 years old, having started on the performance circuit from 9, whilst recording since the age of 10. 

As for ‘Instagram Models’, this deceptively uncomplicated torch song builds to a series of slow motion crescendos, set amidst a reflective, confessional lyric focusing upon the real public pressures social media platforms create for the younger generation : ‘behind the make-up / there’s an innocent little girl / that no-one will ever truly know.’ A plangent, gently picked guitar refrain compliments the minor keys that frame the anxiety surrounding posting pictures of supposed perfection that mask ever present feelings of inadequacy. 

Yet, it is Sofie’s voice that ultimately seduces your ears : its effortless projection, quality of tone and ability to just creep under your skin and subtly take the breath away. She never over emotes, holds the attention, draws you in, inexorably, to the stage where you are willing her to blow the barriers apart and spread this beauty for even more humans to experience. 

This artist has a future and it is happening now. Seek out this song - on repeat - and her devastatingly intense performances. No regrets, at all.  

Review by Hugh Ogilvie

More info on Sofie Elyse

Pop, singer songwriter Sofie Elyse from Oxfordshire, started her career at the very early age of 9 Years old and has been recording and releasing music from the age of 10.

Sofie bagged a deal at JAMO Music in November 2020 under manager James Morgan, releasing her debut single on the 28th November, called ‘Instagram Models’. In which she shines a light on public pressures that social media creates on this generation. Many of Sofie’s songs reflect the thoughts and feelings of her surroundings and she brings this across in her effortless vocal performances, that are as good live as they are on tape. Since that release, Sofie is now sponsored by Joseph Taylor Pianos.

Sofie has performed as part of many competitions, one including Teenstar where she reached the national finals. Sofie also kicked off her gigging career in front of a 10,000 strong crowd, Sub headlining for the UK’s best Prodigy tribute band at Witney Music Festival! She had also previously performed alongside Oxford City Orchestra at the Sheldonian Theatre, Westfield presents in the heart of London, and had also performed in front of celebrity guests at the winter Gardens in Blackpool.

She has since been a regular face working for James Morgan gigging around Oxfordshire and surrounding areas weekly!