INTERVIEW: Sôra — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: @thomasbraut

Sôra

___________

THE awesome Sôra…

has been telling me about her new song, Sakura, and the story behind it. I discover the kind of music she was raised on and what we can expect from her upcoming E.P., Number One - she tells me how her downtime is spent.

Sôra reveals her favourite memory from music and which three albums are important to her; if there are going to be any gigs approaching; which rising artists we need to get involved with – she provides some useful advice for musicians coming through.

__________

Hi, Sôra. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey, I’m great. The week has been busy, just as I like it!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m a singer, songwriter and musician. I’m still studying Jazz - there’s always more to learn! Music is my life and has always been part of it. For those new to my music, I think it is a mix of many different styles that I’ve grown up with like Pop, Hip-Hop; Jazz, Soul; R&B and even Rock.

Sakura is your new track. Is there a story behind the song?

Sakura is a song about the cycle of life and death so I guess there was, is and will be millions of stories behind that song. My dad passed away when I was young and, after that, I started questioning what happens after life ends. This questioning was a real inspiration for the song Sakura.

It is from your upcoming E.P., Number One. What sort of themes and ideas inspired the music?

Everyday life and the emotions I feel; human beings and the positive aspect of being a human. All the capacity that human beings share like strength, perseverance; resilience and, most of all, love…which is the key and the solution to everything. I’m an optimist!

Talk to me about your parents and upbringing. Did you grow up around a lot of music? How important was where you were living to you in regards inspiration?

Music was there all the time. My father used to mix and had a huge music culture. I remember my father sharing his taste in music and making me discover what he liked for hours; going from The Doors to Madonna. My mum used to blast the music out when we were all doing the housework, dusting and hovering with Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis Presley or The Jackson 5 in the background. From time to time, we’d stop and have a really good dance in the living room before continuing the cleaning!

PHOTO CREDIT: @thomasbraut

It seems like you are influenced by a wide range of sounds and styles. Do you think having that eclectic and curious mind lends your music greater width and potential?

I think being exposed to different cultures has made me more open to a big variety of music and sounds. The English, Spanish and French music scene is very different and I was lucky enough to experience all three. But, also, I’ve always loved very different sounds and enjoyed Classical music as well as Rap.

I think that, today, musicians have become so good in their specific types of music that what’s interesting is to do something very different and combine the sounds in a way that’s new and personal.

Do you tend to find musical guidance from new artists or are you keener on slightly older sounds?

Both! Creation is always enriching whether it’s old or new!

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I hope to finish my first album and have a tour planned for next year!

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?

Yes! My first concert with my partner Clement at Le Point Ephémère in Paris. The atmosphere was incredible; people were wild and it was the first time I shared my music with the public! I got so much back from the audience.

Which three songs/albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

The three album I’m choosing mean the most because they bring up warm and old memories and had an important role to play in my musical construction. But, it doesn’t mean they’re my favorite of all-time. That’s impossible to answer!

The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1 from Earth Wind & Fire

It is really is part of my childhood memories. It’s a very joyful album and it was the period I started listening properly to the bass. At that time, I realized bass was one of my favorite instruments

B’Day from Beyoncé

It is amazing! I used to have Hip-Hop lessons at that time and I remember watching those video clips when I came home from school and trying to copy the choreographies. Deja Vu was clearly my favourite in the album and the video was great! I also remember screaming my head off, trying to sing like Beyoncé!

The last one would be Baduizm from Erykah Badu

Because it has brought me closer to Jazz and closer to singing. I was so much in admiration when I discovered this album. All her gimmicks and her small rhythmical leads were so innovating. It’s one of my favorites.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Erykah Badu, of course. She’s a mentor for all the modern singers out there and has an incredible aura.

PHOTO CREDIT: Berrebictures

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Never give up; always believe in your dreams and be true to yourself

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

I’ll be playing at Le Hasard Ludique in Paris on 28th September and there will probably be other opportunities between now and the end of the year. You can be sure you’ll be informed via the social network.

IN THIS PHOTO: Danista

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I’ve just discovered Danitsa. She’s a Swiss artist and does really cool hybrid Hip-Hop music. Really like her voice! And, if you haven’t heard of Charlotte Dos Santos…you should really listen to her album, Cleo. I love it.

IN THIS PHOTO: Charlotte Dos Santos

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

No, not much time at the moment! If I do, it’s nice to spend time with my family and friends and the household animals! A dog and two cats! This time spent relaxing helps me get inspiration for songwriter and composing. So, I’m never totally cut off from music.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Trying Not to Die - Louis Cole (ft. Dennis Hamm)