a chat with sophie powers

BY LIAM GILLIN (HE/HIM)

Sitting down with Sophie Powers was an incredible opportunity. Known for her innovative blend of early 2000s pop punk and early 2010s hyper pop, Sophie has been making waves in the music industry. With her latest single "Obsessed" coming out today, I was eager to delve into her creative process, inspirations, and the story behind her unique sound.

The Creative Process of Combining Hyperpop and Pop Punk

Question: Your newest single "Obsessed" seamlessly blends elements of early 2000s pop punk with early 2010s hyper pop. Can you share insights into your creative process behind merging these distinct sounds, and what inspired you to explore this fusion?

Answer: The fusion of early 2000s pop punk and early 2010s hyper pop in "Obsessed" was a deliberate creative choice. I've always been fascinated by the energy and raw emotion of pop punk from the early 2000s, as well as the vibrant and experimental nature of hyper pop from the early 2010s. Bringing these two distinct sounds together allowed me to create something fresh and exciting while paying homage to the music that has influenced me. The creative process involved carefully blending elements from both genres, experimenting with different sonic textures and melodies until we found the perfect balance. Ultimately, "Obsessed" is a reflection of my musical journey and the diverse range of influences that have shaped my sound. It's about pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories while still staying true to my artistic vision.

The Power of Manifestation

Question: It's fascinating to hear about you and Ashley Sienna's dedication to practicing manifestation for nearly 8 years. How do you implement manifestation tactics into your work of music creation, and can you share any specific instances where this practice has directly influenced your creative process or outcomes, perhaps even in the making of "Obsessed"?

Answer: Manifestation is a big part of the song, especially in Ashley's verse. But for me, the song is more about obsession in general. I use manifestation in the sense that words have a lot of power, and I believe the energy you put out is the energy you receive. So, I incorporate daily affirmations into my life. For example, I constantly affirm to myself that I am a major artist signed to a major label. It's like the concept of "fake it till you make it." You believe in something so strongly until it becomes a reality. I've been doing this my whole life, even with acting. As a kid actor, after an audition, I'd already act as if I got the role. I'd block out my calendar, saying I'm busy shooting. It's become almost second nature to me, this kind of delusion, but it's really boosted my self-confidence. In the song, the chorus could be from the perspective of the crush, manifesting the person they're obsessed with. Hearing those words repeatedly can really influence how they think about that person. So, words have power, and it's like the power of manifestation in action.

“OBSESSED” SINGLE COVER ART | COURTESY OF WARNER MUSIC GROUP

The Admirable Qualities of Influential Artists

Question: Your admiration for artists like Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, and Avril Lavigne is evident in both your music and fashion choices. Beyond their bold fashion statements, how do you believe the essence of their artistry has influenced your creative journey, and what specific qualities from each artist do you strive to incorporate into your own work?

Answer: Lady Gaga's fashion is so avant-garde and creative. She looks like a superhero. I love her so much. Basically, I grew up reading a lot of comic books, and I still watch a lot of anime, and I wanna look like a superhero. So, stylistically, the way I dress fashion-wise, I would say I draw from her the most. As well as Avril, of course, with those punk tendencies. But, I just love the fact that they're all three really strong females. And so different. If you compare Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, which a lot of people did, they're so different. And then you can kind of say, okay, like, there are some similarities, yeah. But like, they're still very different. But if you compare Avril Lavigne to Lady Gaga, to Britney Spears, you're like, no. Those are three completely different artists. And Avril, I really love her passion to rock out and Britney brings like this confidence and charisma to every song that she's on. So I guess in terms of outside of the fashion with Lady Gaga and Avril, Britney, I've drawn from in a lot of like, who she is, less than her music. Like she represents a strong female who knows what she wants to me. And obviously Avril and Gaga. I just love those electronic sounds that Gaga uses and Avril, you know, like I said, she likes to rock out. So I would say sonically, that's where I draw from.

A New Chapter of Touring

Question: Touring with Waterparks again this month must be an exciting opportunity, especially considering you've toured with them before in June. What can fans expect to be different or new about this upcoming tour compared to your previous experience touring with them last year?

Answer: Yeah, firstly, there's new music and a new setlist. Secondly, there's a live band this time. Last time, I was playing a lot of Waterparks shows, at least for the first few shows that I did. It was just tracks, and now I have a drummer and a guitarist. I've even learned guitar for a specific song on the set, though I knew how to play guitar before, just at a novice level. But I've learned the chords and the timing, so I'm practicing that. And I have an all-female band. Oh my gosh, my voice. Yeah, so that's fun. But yeah, I could say those are some minor changes. I've also grown in confidence a lot since then.

It's funny how to carry the stage by yourself because you have to learn how to captivate an audience without backup dancers, no band. You're like, "Holy shit." It's like, how do I do this? So you kind of figure it out as you go. And then once you get the band, you can captivate that audience, but there is other eye candy as well.

As I wrap up my conversation with Sophie Powers, it's evident that her passion for music and commitment to pushing boundaries knows no bounds. Her dedication to her craft and unwavering authenticity set her apart as a rising star in the industry. With each track, Sophie continues to captivate audiences and inspire listeners worldwide. I'm excited to witness her journey unfold and eagerly anticipate the next chapter in her musical evolution.

Sophie Power’s newest single “Obsessed” is now available on all streaming platforms. You can stream it here: https://sophiepowers.lnk.to/Obsessed