What is your name?
Sophie Kilburn
What is your genre of music?
Alt-pop indie rock/Singer-songwriter
Give us a little bio about you.
I am originally from a town called Matlock in Derbyshire. Smack bang in the middle of England. I moved to London 8 years ago (oh my god that is a long time) to pursue a career in acting. I got into drama school and when I graduated, I found myself drifting back into writing and performing music after losing a close loved one. The loss tested me and music was my only constant. It resulted in me believing in myself and my ability to pursue a career in music. It has taken me the last two years to really hone in what music I want to make. In October I self-released my debut single Indigo Fever into the world and am finally starting my journey as an artist.
What made you go into music?
My dad was a massive influence growing up, he has mad skills on the guitar like Hendrix, playing the guitar blindly from the back of his head. From the word go I would want to write my own songs before covers but for me music was/is a way to free my emotions. I am very emotional and hyperaware so writing songs is a liberation, a consolidation of thoughts, a happy place where I can write about how things affect me. It is important to have a creative outlet and not suppress it. Maybe it is slightly narcissistic (I hope not) but I like the idea of a complete stranger listening to one of my songs and daydreaming they are in their own music video for it (we all do it), easing the pressure in their day a bit you know.
Are you a signed?
No, I am not.
You released your single ‘Indigo Fever’, tell us more about the single.
Indigo Fever is a punchy alt-pop anthem that is catchy with substance. It has something to say and isn’t afraid to say it. Indigo Fever is my official debut single, an introduction to what is to come from me as an artist.
What is the meaning behind the single? The song is an outpour of needing to be desired whilst battling with the fear of intimacy. I think the track is more relatable now more than ever. In general, there seems to be an overriding fear of being alone, even though technically we are more connected than ever. Everything seems so disposable, for example, with dating there is always a thought what if someone better is around the corner, do I hold off or close off?
Describe the track in two words.
Fiery and Resistant
What was the writing process like?
I wrote the song a few years ago and it was actually quite quick, normally it can be a stop and start process. Quite often songs start with a line and then I branch off from that so with Indigo Fever it was “How can you love your body when nobody is loving you?”. The notion that deep down without a connection we are just helpless bodies existing. Light-hearted I know!
What was the recording process like?
With this song I recorded it originally in Swindon in this beautiful live studio but the version didn’t reflect what I wanted the song to be so a few months later I took a risk and re-recorded in a cosy studio in Stoke Newington over two days and made sure I got the record where I wanted it to be.
Who did you work with on the single?
So I took the song to an amazing producer called Jack Gourlay. I have so much love and respect for him for his guidance and by the fact he introduced me to sour and chive hummus crisps! He has worked with great artists like Rhodes, Caitlyn Scarlett and Paradisia to name a few. Jack understood what I wanted the production to be, we are on the same wavelength. Then the beautiful human that is James Smithells (The Last Morrell, check him out) came in and did some guitar work on the song and by the end of the two days we managed to create a record that was both powerful but fragile at the same time. It was the first time with recording where I couldn’t wait for people to hear it. I felt I could finally let it go.
Will we see a music video for the track?
Hopefully, I would love to add visuals to it because the production has so much colour to it. Like anything it takes a bit of time and planning but yes, it is on the horizon.
Will we see an EP or album and if so what can we expect?
Yes, next year I will be releasing my debut EP My Room Made Public, which is all about figuring out what we should make public and what we should keep to ourselves. There’s so much pressure to share everything and be brave and sometimes we just act on impulse with no time to reflect on the situation = messy. The EP is very exposing but also mysterious. I like playing with opposites.
Do you have any shows coming up?
I will definitely be gigging next year just waiting on confirmations. The best way to stay in the loop is following me on social media.
If so where will you be heading?
All over, I hope to start world music domination next year.
What else can we expect in 2019/Early 2020?
Early next year is about getting the next single ready for release, which I am really looking forward to doing.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any upcoming artists?
I do but that would be telling
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Yeh of course. I think it is important to work with as many people as you can but the key is to find people that you work well with on the creative front and can skill swap with.
Do you play any instruments?
Yes, I do. I play guitar. I can’t play the guitar behind the back of my head like my dad, but I write all my songs on guitar. I am going to start learning keys next year that is on the goals 2020 list.
Who are your influences?
I always seem to drift back to Lana Del Rey and Florence and the Machine. I am definitely on the Billie Eilish and Finneas fan bus. They are bringing more variety in pop music, which is refreshing to see and hear. Right now, I am listening to a lot of Julia Jacklin and Angie Macmahon their song writing, and voices are just heaven. I am drawn to anyone who can tug my emotional strings. Again, I am emotional.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
I get a lot of inspiration from having conversations and listening to people. Also, I listen to podcasts quite a bit and there have been a few times when a guest on Desert Island Discs has said something that has sparked my song-writing brain.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
It would be great to have released my debut album and be touring the globe. Be doing what I love full time and be an established singer and songwriter.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
So I am not ashamed to say I have a day job because girl’s gotta eat and surviving in London is expensive! I work as an IT Assistant, even though I know nothing about IT. I basically spend some of my days being an extra character in the IT Crowd. I also love watching stand-up comedy, especially James Acaster and Ricky Gervais and am also learning Spanish.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits. For me Dire Straits were one of those bands that your parents made you listen to growing up so much that you became a fan without realising it. It was the first song I heard that had a real story to it. It is so simple but every word carries weight.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
From my dad. “Persist, persist persist. Remember you’re a Kilburn”
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians about the industry and just as an artist?
I would say the industry is tough because you learn how to find people who are going to generally help and people who just make empty promises. I went to so many industry seminars and the panels would say find your team and I never really understood that until I experienced the above. If you are an artist I would say when you don’t get that gig or that radio airplay you wanted always have another opportunity you are chasing because it will help keep you stable and not make you feel stuck because there is always something on the go. Make sure to give yourself a break. You aren’t a machine and getting burnt out isn’t going to help you move forward.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Follow the plan not the feeling.” Genius! Mind you I am not perfect and I did tell you I was emotional so I try to stick by it as best I can.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
So Matlock is on the edge of the Peak District, very picturesque. It is described as a costal town without the coast so I would say go to the Height of Abraham cables cars so you can take in the scenic views and breathe in some fresh air without the seagulls.
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? Bed. I know I will be shattered.
2/ Who do you see first? After I’ve slept probably my housemates, I have a catch up with them and of course see my fam.
3/What do you eat first? Nachos with all the trimmings or cheese chips or both.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Guitar
Capo
Myself
To say thank you to the sound engineer
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes, I do thank you for asking! So, on Instagram and Facebook , On Twitter .
