Born in NYC and based in London, Sofi Vonn is a singer, songwriter and Dj who is building a name for herself thanks to her incredible deep lyrics, light melodies and multifaceted talent.
Sofi was raised by German parents in New York City, a mixture of culture and backgrounds that helped her come out with an artistic style that is uniquely her own.
While working for the record label BMG, she was able to learn marketing skills that she then used to help advance her DJ career at night, becoming an in-demand house and techno DJ around the city of New York for about two years.
A force to be reckoned with, who found an especially powerful ally when she met renowned music executive Charlie Walk (who helped launch the careers of Lorde, Ariana Grande, and The Weeknd, among many others). He soon became her mentor and brought her to his prestigious Music Mastery program.
The year 2021 marked her official debut as a singer and songwriter as she released her first highly anticipated single “Stranger” , followed by more singles such as “Is It A Crime?” , “Next To Me” and “Anxiety” included in her brand new EP “THAT WAS A CLOSE CALL”.
She recently released her first track of 2022 named “Reasons” , a beautiful song inspired by the feelings of post break-up.
With her exceptional voice, she deftly expresses emotions and opinions on society, love, sexuality, and all the other things that everyone goes through.
We had the chance to talk to Sofi Vonn about her life and music so be ready to dive into our conversation!
Where are you originally from?
New York! I grew up there until I was about 16 and then finished high school in Zürich when my family moved. My parents are both German so they wanted to move back to Europe, which I am happy about now. I think this upbringing has helped me draw from a variety of influences when I write my music.
Who were your biggest music influences growing up? There isn't a specific artist that I can pinpoint, but I listened to stuff like ACDC, Lady Gaga, 50 Cent, ABBA, Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna etc!
When and how you began your journey as a musician?
Growing up I sang in the chorus and church choir, but didn't revisit music again until I graduated from my Bachelors at Tulane University. I always knew I wanted to be singer / musician so I started out DJing house and techno as I thought that would be a good start in performing. I booked many gigs in Manhattan and Brooklyn for two years (sometimes sang live as well) until I moved to London to do my Masters in Popular Music at Goldsmiths in September 2020. I've been working on my music full time ever since! It's been a long journey to get here but I am very happy with what I have accomplished given that I only released my first single in June 2021.
Do you follow a process or ritual before a performance to get rid of nerves or performance anxiety?
Not really, I usually try to swim and go to the steam room at my gym the day of and do my vocal exercises once at home and then at the venue right before I go on. Otherwise I'll maybe have one drink or do a shot before I go on, but I think some nerves are good and help my performance. The 30 minutes before going on is nerve racking no matter what you do from my experience thus far.
What was the inspiration behind your most recent EP "THAT WAS A CLOSE CALL"?
It was inspired by feelings of lack of self-worth, anxiety, and relationships. I wanted to put a really honest body of work representing a time in which I wasn't content with my career and felt lonely and overwhelmed. Next To Me was actually the last song I wrote once I was in London and feeling happier with my life. I guess that switch is the "close call", which represents a closing of a chapter (and is also a line from Stranger).
What is your favorite song to perform live?
Right now, Reasons! But it always changes. How would your bandmates describe you and your work ethic? They would say I am very driven and also business savvy within the industry. I book all my own gigs and plan everything leading up to show including marketing, booking session musicians, rehearsals etc.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Right now, Christine & the Queens would be dope!
Do you have any advice for aspiring songwriters?
It's never too late! Just start by writing & releasing as much as possible & try and find people to collaborate with. The more content the better. You can also use submit hub to try and find press and playlisting/labels as an independent artist for those releases. It takes a while but trust the process.
First photo by Niklas Haze, all photos by WORLD OF REVEL
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