Woman Of The Month: Sophia Saffarain
Woman Of The Month: Sophia Saffarain
On Our First Feature we have the Singer-Songwriter & British Beauty Sophia Saffarain best known as a member of girl group Four Of Diamonds. They've released some amazing songs like Name On It Ft. Burna Boy, Stupid Things Ft. Saweetie, Blind, Walk Away & Eating Me Up. Fans have been anticipating an album and the band has performed yet to be released songs like Sick & Tired, Lingo & the recent drama & seductively kissed song: Never Learn My Lesson penned by Tre. While the girls are still together, they're releasing solo projects to further express individuality and collectiveness.
Sophia released her debut solo single and it's very different, it stands out. She's coming into her own as an artist, the look, feel & sound are her...which looks like an organic creation thought out and we'll expressed. Her voice is strong, raspy, rich & memorable on records as it has you wanting more. My first impression was hearing her sing Ella Henderson's haunting hit song Ghost on The X Factor & I was so impressed, wanted to hear more of her voice. Her solos as part of 4OD have been pleasing sonically and the delivery is always smooth and crisp.
Official Artwork.
What I Need is an impressive debut, definitely showcases her individuality and direction as an artist. She's going for something more edgy, emotion packed, aggressively smooth and fresh. Her vocals give you sense that she's in control and assured. 5/5 we're excited for her journey as an artist, this had me like "What???" It's so GOOD.
We had a chat with her about the song and this is what she had to say. (Have to mention she's so welcoming and super awesome. I ran around the room when agreed to the interview)
McKing: Firstly Welcome to Mzansi Avenue.
Who is Sophia Saffarain and what's her message with her music?
Sophia: I began my journey with music at an early age. From initially being classically trained, having a short spell in musical theatre, to developing a passion for gospel and most recently experiencing the pop industry as part of a girl-group, I have developed a wide appreciation for all genres and the industry as a whole.
Through the years of finding an outlet in writing, creating and performing, I’d like to think I’ve shaped a voice and sound of my own that identify who I am as both a person and artist.
Embodying lyrical content that stems from personal experiences surrounding topics of relationships and internal battles, I invite listeners into the depths of my mind and share moments of empowerment, vulnerability and honesty. My message is that no matter who you are, how you look or where you come from… there is room for you in whatever you want to pursue in life. If you believe it, are willing to work for it and you really really want it, you can have whatever you want.
I write, record and do the vocal arrangements for my music myself, with ‘What I Need’ being the first of many singles lined up throughout the year, all being released fully independently with the project being completely self-funded. The catalyst in my solo musical journey is Pierre Medor , my executive producer, who has produced for the likes of Usher, Alicia Keys, Brandy and Omarion to name a few.
McKing: A strong foundation you're on, How did the song come about?
Sophia: I wrote the song funnily enough in the shower, well the hook anyway. I had this guitar loop from Bruce which I loved so I just played it on repeat while I was showering one morning and that’s when the “What I Need, What I Need oh” hook was born. Crazy isn’t it haha! I then headed straight to the studio to record it and write the rest of the song and sent it to Pierre who produced it up to what it is now.
McKing: Singing in the shower pays off, the song is massive!! What was the writing process like?
Sophia: This was one of those songs that kind of came quite easily. That definitely doesn’t happen all the time. It was with this song that I realised I really enjoy writing to guitar loops because it’s like a blank canvas - the possibilities are endless. This was also the first song I’d written in a while that wasn’t overly intense on the emotion side and just felt vibe-y but still had the relatability factor.
McKing: Did you consult anyone as it was your first solo song and self funded..
Sophia: I literally did everything myself for this one. I had help from friends in the industry here and there when it came to certain minor behind-the-scenes details that I’ve not had to do myself before like registering the song and actually physically uploading it to the DSPs but other than that it was kind of just me seeing what I could actually do by myself and taking that step to get that first song out there. I almost used it as a bit of a guinea-pig to learn from and see what I can do to make the release go even more smoothly next time round.
McKing: Wow that's truly amazing, We are in a time where a song has to sound like this or that to be on radio and do you think that messes with true artistry if one has to leave authenticity and follow a standard?
Sophia: It’s up to you what you want from your music. If you’re making music to blow up and become famous “overnight”, it might be less relatable lyrically but more catchy and melody-focused. Then you kind of have to follow that standard and that’s ok - you know what your purpose is and you can kind of keep an eye on whatever kind of blueprints might exist when it comes to popular songs that often do well. This is probably where the most financial benefit lies and within the shortest amount of time. I see this way as more of a “job”.
However, if you’re making music that you genuinely love, its a passion project that feeds your soul and that’s where you get your reward then you just don’t worry about fitting any kind of mould or trying to make a song for radio. You just make what feels right to you and what you love and I believe if you are honest, authentic and truly believe in your music, there will be people out there who relate and will believe in you right back. But this route takes time and steady growth. You’ve got to be in it for the long haul.
It all comes down to your goals and intentions really and what purpose music serves in your life - what you want out of it.
McKing: Wow that's epicly empowering for anyone, thank you for that. Recording the song itself; how did it feel going from verse to prechorus to chorus and it's just you?
As you're in a girl band.
Sophia: You know what, because we’d just come out of the thick of the pandemic and the girls and I hadn’t been able to spend time together, I kind of had to get used to being without them. It definitely felt weird at first but it was also refreshing to be able to find myself again, re-gain my individuality and work on a genre of music that I’m really passionate about and is different to the Four of Diamonds stuff. It’s like learning to stand on your own two feet (again), a bit daunting at first but so rewarding and beneficial in the long-run.
McKing: Your favourite lyric on the song?
Sophia: “Soon as I turn my back, you’ll miss it
Who said giving in was a sin”
McKing: Arranging the melodies and having full creative control must've been liberating but did you feel a certain amount of pressure?
Sophia: Oh massive pressure. I’m my own worst enemy sometimes and put way too much pressure on myself for everything to be perfect. I was wanting to emulate the standard of work that the label used to provide for the girls and I, but being a one man band and not having access to the budget or scale of talented people that they did. That’s something I had to get my head round and learn to work with what I’ve got. I’m getting there!
McKing: And you've put in the work, the song is amazing, many artists will be inspired to step out and do something independently. If ever there's a remix, who would you like to collaborate with and why?
Sophia: There may just be one coming so keep your eyes peeled! It’s one for the steppers and party go-ers. There’s a hint in there as to who it’s with…
McKing: We cannot wait to hear it, if the original is this good, the remix will be a serve. What does the song mean to you?
Sophia: Aside from the conceptual relatability, this song represents me stepping out of my comfort zone and being bold, brave and resilient. It’s an achievement both personally and career-wise and that’s why it will always hold a special place for me.
McKing: Can we expect an EP or more singles in the next coming months?
Sophia: I’ve got at least 3 more singles coming this year so keep your eyes peeled on my socials for updates!
We'll definitely turn on notifications.
Sophia is breaking out and standing out. The song is memorable, relatable and pops to perfection with its energy. It's what you need on your playlist. Do check it out.
Photo Cred: @JamesNorthPhotography
Follow Sophia On:
Facebook: @SophiaSaffarain
Twitter: @SophiaSaffarain
Instagram: @SophiaSaffarain
YouTube: @SophiaSaffarain
Mzansi Avenue.
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