Sophie Pecora – To Save The World

By starrymag | July 19, 2022

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would describe my sound as a poetry/rap style of pop music.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) My main musical influences are Alec Benjamin because of his descriptive story telling about meaningful subjects, and NF is another big inspiration of mine. NF inspires me in my rapping, and he also writes about important and meaningful subjects. He’s good about being vulnerable and truthful, which his listeners connect to. I strive for this as well. I am also influenced by many other artists. I love listening to music and I always appreciate good songwriting.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “I’m Fine.”

 

A) During quarantine I was bored and lonely at home and I was playing my guitar. I started writing about how I was feeling, and the chorus (words and melody) started coming to me. The line “but I always say that I’m fine” came to me, and the rest of the song flowed out. I wrote about how I feel sometimes when I don’t want to talk about my feelings and saying “I’m fine” is easier than trying to explain and possibly having someone not understand. I like writing upbeat melodies to sad lyrics because it takes some of the weight off the struggles. You can still have fun and dance to it while relating, and hopefully you feel better after.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think it’s very relatable. Saying “I’m fine” when someone asks how you are is a common response. It’s also very common to not really be feeling fine, yet you still say it. The song explores that whole dynamic.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) I’m dancing around a lot in the video and having fun. People related to this, too. They seemed to appreciate seeing me dance around while singing about how I don’t always feel fine. I like to show that even when we don’t feel well, we can still have fun.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I get asked this a lot. I write every day and I do have a process. I sit alone in my music room and start playing my guitar or piano, but usually my guitar. I think of a chord progression and then write the song, the melody and lyrics, based on that chord progression. I record a voice memo and start free styling lyrics and melodies so I can re-listen and build on whatever I like. Sometimes I start with a subject in mind for a song, and sometimes I don’t. Basically, it feels like I’m playing around – like I’m in a flow – when I create my songs. Even when I’m not in the ideal creative zone, I can still write – it just tends to be a slower process, and I find that I don’t like what I’m coming up with as easily, but this doesn’t stop me from continuing. I eventually get back into a flow. My main focus is to daily sit alone in my music room and just write something. I don’t need music before I can create lyrics, but I found it usually all happens at the same time.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I work with an awesome producer! His name is Gus Ross. He’s produced almost all of my songs so far. Gus and I work so well together in the studio. I come in prepared with full songs written (melodies and lyrics) and a vision in my head about how I want it to sound and what instrumentation I’d like to use. He understands the sound I’m going for and adds in his own magic. He is fun to work with and very encouraging and he wants me to be happy with how the songs turn out. It’s so cool to see what I’ve written come to life!

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your new EP To Save the World?

 

A) I was feeling overwhelmed by the news and what’s happening in the world and could feel how emotional I was getting while watching it all. I was feeling like if all it took was someone to care a lot, I would be the one to save the world because that’s how strong and intense I was feeling. I care so much and was wishing that how I was feeling could translate to saving other people who are going through so much hardship, heartache and pain. As I was writing this song I was thinking about all the songs I write and that I get so many messages every day from people telling me how much my songs help them. They say that they feel like I’m putting into words exactly how they are feeling, and it makes them feel so much better. I thought – maybe caring really could help people? Maybe it’s true that me and anyone who cares so deeply can help the world in some way by doing something from the heart. I hope “To Save the World” gives hope to people who care like I do and feel kind of helpless like I do.

 

Q) What songs on the EP hold a special place in your heart and what makes them so significant to you?

 

A) This is a hard one because every song I make is special. I only put songs out that I personally love. “To Save the World” is probably my favorite track on this EP because of how powerful the message is. If I can encourage people to show more care, even when the world seems hopeless sometimes, then I’ve done something important and helpful. The other songs are significant, too. “Pretty People” reminds me to not compare myself to others on social media. “I’m Fine” reminds me to try and talk about my feelings more because I always feel better when I do. “I’m in a Rut” reminds me that things will improve even when I feel like they won’t. “Bring Me Down” is an anthem that inspires me to not let people bring me down and keep going for my dreams.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from exploring this new EP?

 

A) I think of my music as turning feelings into art and my hope is that when people listen to my songs, they feel understood and not so alone. I hope this EP has the same effect. I hope people feel comforted and experience enjoyment when listening to all the songs.

 

Q) Will there be an upcoming tour to promote your new music?

 

A) I don’t have a tour planned. I’d like to build up my fan base more to ensure a successful tour. Also, as an independent artist, most of my funds currently go toward music production, but I have been doing shows here and there primarily in the Los Angeles area. I am looking forward to touring soon and going wherever the fans of my music are! My fourth EP is already produced, so I’ll have a great amount of songs to tour with!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) NF and Alec Benjamin – it’s a close tie with these two!

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) Conan Gray’s newest album Superache right now! The storytelling and songwriting are incredible and inspiring.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) People are online and on social media so often these days. It’s a great way to introduce my music to fans and people who have never heard my songs yet. I also do some Instagram Lives so I can connect more with people. I’m an introvert, so it’s hard for me sometimes, but I really appreciate everyone and try my best to show it! It makes me really happy to hear how much people enjoy what I’m creating.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) It means so much to me that you feel a connection to my songs and take the time to listen and leave such nice comments on my social media pages. I try to respond to as many as possible because I want you to know how much I appreciate you. I hope you are doing well and, even if you’re not, I hope you’re holding on to hope like I do and I’m sending you love. I hope you continue to enjoy my songs as I put them out. I have so, so many more to share soon! I’m so excited for you to hear, stay tuned!

 

 

 

Watch the video for “To Save The World”