What is your name?
Sophia Mina
What is your genre of music?
I always say pop / commercial / urban
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m a singer and songwriter from London. I’m half Greek Cypriot half Chinese. I use to want to act when I was younger, but singing and songwriting kinda took over and now it’s my life and I wouldn’t change it.
Tell us more about your music.
My music is in terms of melodies I think very reminiscent of the 90s/ early 2000s, because I love that style of songwriting it really just fits with me.
You are set to release your new single ‘Run To’ in April , tell us more about it.
Well it will be released on the 1st March the same day as the EP, so there will definitely be a lot of movement happening in April 😉
What was the writing process like?
Very natural, came up with a real stimulus and my producer was working on the beat in the session and we wanted to go for a commercial sound, but nothing too poppy and a bit more meaningful so that’s what came out.
What was the recording process like?
So this is an interesting one, because I actually originally wrote this song for an singer who has a really soulful and beautiful voice, so when we got her to record it initially it sounded great. But, when I heard it back I felt like this song is me. This sounds like I wrote this for myself. I felt like I just really connected with the melody and the lyrics and I felt like if I didn’t have that as part of my artist repertoire, something would have been missing. So we spoke to her and she was fine with me adding it to my own material, so when I re-recorded it I tried to keep some of that soulfulness, but gave it more of that pop/ commercial delivery which is me.
Who did you work with on the single?
Melanie Haynes the original singer and Michael Antoniou my producer / co-writer.
You are also set to release your new EP ‘The Fly’ in March , what can we expect from it.
Well despite it’s liberating title, it’s kind of a break up EP well the first 3 tracks anyways. Fly is the more liberating, upbeat summer track of the EP and then we have the Lewi White Remix of Where’s Love ft Rawz Artilla, which was my first single but a much more urban mix.
What was the writing process like?
It was interesting process. Fly was really easy to write, as soon as I heard the beat I knew exactly what kinda thing I wanted to do over it and well my and my producer have an amazing writing relationship, so again it was very natural. My third track on the EP called Conversations I also co wrote and even though I was still with my boyfriend at the time of writing it, I did kinda feel like that’s where I was emotionally subconsciously at least anyways. You’ll know what I mean once you’ve heard it. Lastly, Easier Said Than Done, was a massive struggle for me, because that was actually my ultimate ultimate break up song. I was with this guy for 4 years and I was clearly still not over it. So I really struggled coming out with lyrics that had any clarity to them, because in my head I kept holding onto some sort of hope that me and him would get back together. I was writing with my friend Syon, who basically helped clarify the reality of my situation and that’s how we were able to finish the track. I don’t think I would of been able to do it without him, he really helped me keep it together through the process of that song.
What was the recording process like?
Easy or hard depending on which song, it’s probably obvious what’s what haha.
What is the message you are trying to tell us?
This EP is about getting over heartbreak, trying to figure out yourself, life and love . But, also letting go, being free and at one with yourself, because if you don’t love yourself and know your self worth. No one else will.
Will we see any shows or a tour maybe?
I’ll be having my official EP launch at Tape members club in Mayfair on the 5th April, which has limited entry so get in touch asap if you want to come. I will also be performing at the Amy’s Yard Showcase 8th May location tbc. I might actually be performing at the Karamel Club N22 6UJ on the 27th March, but I haven’t fully confirmed. Check my socials for updates.
If so where will you be heading?
I’ll most probably be doing a little UK tour towards the end of the year.
What else can we expect from you?
The music video for Fly is currently being edited, so you should see that soon. As well as a video for Where’s Love and possibly Run To, as it is the single.
Are you a signed?
I’m not signed to any body, but I am working with a label Deep Stack Records who support me as an artist.
Who are your influences?
My biggest influence is Max Martin and Dr Luke, because they are the heart and soul to pop music and the music they made had such a big impact on the world.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Topping the charts, having sold out tours and featuring in a few commercials / movies. Preferably action films so I can be that Asian girl that kicks everybody’s ass.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Erm, that’s quite difficult, cause I don’t really do much else. But, I love dancing and going clubbing with the girls. Going to beauty / fashion events, to the cinema and just having quality time with my family and friends. My dog counts as my family.
Where would your dream venue to play in your hometown?
Alexandra Palace
Would you be up for collaborating with an unsigned artist or band? If so how can they contact you?
100% I’m constantly collaborating with new upcoming / established artists every week. They can just hit me up on insta, probably even email me directly from there. When I have the time, I will check it out and see if I feel what they’re doing and if I see potential in a collaboration I will connect.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
Probably hit me baby one more time. That’s my go to song at Karaoke and probably the most iconic pop song of all time. I think that song could make anyone what to get into the music scene.
Where is your dream festival to perform?
Coachella
What made you go in to music?
I’ve sung my whole life and I use to have a spice girls T-shirt when I was little that said Wanna be pop star, so I use to sing along to them or Britney or Christina Aguilera with my hairbrush pretending to be a pop star.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Be patient, what will be will be. If it’s meant to happen it will, so just keep doing you until it does.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not just about the industry also just as an artist/band?
Be true to yourself and make music you love and connect with, because if you don’t no one will believe what you’re singing or writing about.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Whatever happens, happens for a reason. Even though sometimes you don’t wanna hear it.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Phone, lipstick, every brow pencil, water, make powder oooh and a 6th to pee before hand!
You come off Tour
1/ Where is the first place you go? Home to my bed.
2/Who is the first person you see? My mom, dad, bro, sister in law, Goddaughter and dog. Sorry couldn’t choose. And then after that most probably my producer haha
3/What is the first thing you eat. Cheese and Onion Walkers Crisps of course
Where is the go to place in your hometown?
Tape is my go to club with the girls. Novikov / Yauatcha I love for food and drinks.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Instagram, Facebook and Soundcloud
Twitter and Snapchat: sophiaminaofcl