What is your name?
Sophia Petro
What is your genre of music?
Pop, with a hint of country.
Give us a little bio about you.
Hailing from Melbourne, Australia is Country/Pop songstress Sophia Petro. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Taylor Swift, Maisie Peters and Gretta Ray, Sophia’s raw and honest lyricism depicts her life experiences, divulging her romantic and platonic relationships. Her writing encapsulates aspects of folk and country with a modern pop-infused twist. Her songs feature layers of lush backing vocals, soft dream-like production, and layers of guitar driving the rhythm section.
What made you go into music?
I was inspired to get into music by my dad, who is a bass player and classically trained pianist. As a result, I was constantly surrounded and exposed to a large variety of music during my childhood. He also was responsible for teaching me guitar and piano and bought me my first guitar (a Taylor, because he knows I love Taylor Swift). We still regularly jam out together and he played bass on a few of the tracks on my upcoming EP ‘The 11th Hour’ (Memory of You, Boy in the Shadow and Fall Twice).
My mum, although not a musician herself, is such a creative individual and during my childhood, she would constantly be writing stories, drawing and reading my brother and I books every night. This resulted in my great love for words and crafting stories of my own. From a very young age, I decided I wanted to be a novelist, but after discovering my love for songwriting, I realized that was my true passion.
Who are your influences?
Taylor Swift is my ultimate inspiration – I became a Swiftie in my early teens and never looked back. She is such an extraordinary songwriter and conveys her emotions and experiences in a way that resonates deeply with so many people. The community she has built is amazing – every time I meet someone new and discover they’re a Swiftie – it’s like we’re instantly best friends.
I am also deeply inspired by Maisie Peters and Gretta Ray – I adore their music and they are such brilliant songwriters. I only discovered Maisie Peters in recent years, but she quickly solidified herself as one of my favourite artists. As for Gretta Ray, I really appreciate the way she expresses emotions and experiences so eloquently and intricately. You could never mistake a Gretta Ray song for anyone else.
Are you signed?
No, I’m an independent artist
You released your new single ‘Rose Glow’, tell us more about the single and the meaning behind the song.
Gabrielle Emery (‘EMEREE’) and I wrote Rosé Glow during a studio session. We were actually producing another song I’d written for the EP but after hours of trying to make it work, we decided it just didn’t slot in with the other songs. Then, we spontaneously wrote Rosé Glow. When I think of ‘Rosé Glow’ I envision getting ready for a night out with friends whilst sipping on a drink and having lighthearted, laughter filled conversations. There were many times in the past where I was secretly hoping to encounter someone I had a crush on during a night out. The track indulges in a bit of fantasy – those fleeting moments when the “rosé glow” casts an enchanting spell, blurring the lines between reality and the possibility of what could be. Sometimes, you can’t tell whether you truly like someone or if it’s just the cheery atmosphere combined with one too many glasses of rosé. All in all, it is definitely the most upbeat, vibrant song I have released thus far.
Describe the track in two words.
Sparkly, alluring
What was the writing and recording process like?
As previously mentioned, EMEREE and I wrote Rosé Glow during a studio session. We wrote until the end of the first chorus and then I took it home and finished the remainder of the lyrics that very night, because I was so inspired. The production process was just as fun as the writing process (and the song!). From recording random sounds and morphing them to sound cool (e.g., winding up a film camera) to going out for burritos and drinks at lunchtime and then returning to the studio (slightly giddy…) and spontaneously deciding to record final vocals, it was such an enjoyable experience. EMEREE absolutely killed the production, she is brilliant and wildly creative. My inspiration will forever and always be Taylor Swift. I was back to hyper fixating on the 1989 album (for the one millionth time), so we drew inspiration from songs such as Style. We wanted to create a fun, pop song, one to groove to whilst screaming the lyrics. Style is so iconic to me, that introduction is simply perfection and we wanted to craft a track that reeled listeners in the way Style does. I’m so proud of what we created and am honestly thankful the track I initially planned on releasing didn’t sit right with me – because now we have Rosé Glow!
Who did you work with on the single?
- Gabrielle Emery (we wrote the song together and she produced and mixed it)
- Mastered by Darren Ziesing
Will we see a music video for ‘Rose Glow’, and if so what can we expect from the creative process?
I wrangled my friends together and we made a cute video for Rosé Glow. It’s just a bit of fun, but it was so lovely to just be surrounded by ‘my closest friends’ – getting ready, dancing around and drinking rosé together. The video was filmed and edited by Minami Deguchi.
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, what can expect from the creative process?
Yes! Rosé Glow is a prelude to my debut EP, ‘The 11th Hour’, set to be released in August. 11 has always felt like my lucky number. I was born on the 11th and at age 11, began writing songs. I have also procrastinated releasing my music for many years, despite having wanted to so desperately. I struggled with self-belief and the confidence to properly pursue my passion. I guess you could say, I kept leaving music till ‘The 11th Hour’. To finally make this EP has been the most fulfilling, rewarding, enjoyable and emotionally chaotic experience. I’ve been sitting on some of these songs for years (I wrote Boy in the Shadow at 14!), so to finally release them is the most surreal feeling. I was lucky enough to meet and befriend EMEREE, who is an extraordinary producer and has brought these songs to life so perfectly. I am so excited to share it with you in August!
Do you have any live shows coming up?
I do. In fact I have a few very exciting live shows coming up. I’m keeping it under wraps right now so I will just be cryptic and encourage you to stay up to date with my social media platforms.
Let us know where we can get tickets if so.
To be revealed shortly.
What else can we expect in 2023?
My EP ‘The 11th Hour’, live shows and much, much more!
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Honestly, I have no idea. Ideally, I hope I am a full-time singer/songwriter and get to keep making music forever!
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
What goes around, comes around and treat people the way you want to be treated.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
- A massive bottle of water
- My set list
- Guitar tuner
- Guitar tick
- GOOD VIBES AND LOTS OF ENERGY
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes!
My linktree containing my social media accounts is: https://linktr.ee/sophiapetro
