The Sit Down with Sophia Scott
It’s been a busy year for Sophia Scott since she released her full-length debut album, ‘Barstool Confessions.’ She toured across the US with Alana Springsteen before heading over to the UK to play her very first C2C Festival; playing five packed out shows across the weekend before adding a sixth opening up for Restless Road at Lafayette. She’s played dozens of shows and festivals across the US, including a recently wrapped run with Empire label-mate, Niko Moon, as well as releasing two more singles in her own right and, most recently, duetting on the Bonnie and Clyde vibes ‘She’s Trouble’ with another label-mate, Don Louis. So yeah, busy year.
And now Sophia’s back in London, full of cold, playing her very first headlining show this side of the pond, one that sold out weeks in advance; and she sat down with Nikki to chat all about it.
So this is different for you and I.
I know.
Usually I’m just in the crowd.
I know. I love this.
It’s good to see you again. Thank you for taking the time.
Of course, I’m so glad to see you.
Next week is actually one year since we met in Boston [Massachusetts] when you were opening up for Alana [Springsteen].
Oh my God, you’re right. That’s crazy. Wow!
It feels like you’ve done a lot in just a year. You’d just released ‘Barstool Confessions’ by that point, but you’ve also been over here earlier this year for your very first C2C, you’ve played shows and festivals all across the US, including a tour with Niko Moon. And you’ve released 2 singles and duetted on another. Sophia - do you ever sleep?
Oh my God [laughs]. It feels like not lately, especially as you can probably hear in my voice. Yeah, it’s definitely been very go go go, and I’m trying to figure out, what I feel like – although it’s not my beginning stages, I’ve been doing this for almost ten years - but it feels like things are really just starting to take off. So if feels like, in that regard, it’s still the beginning stages and I feel like there’s not a lot of balance right now, and I just kind of say yes and do everything that I can to keep going so that doesn’t allow for much sleep at the moment. But hopefully I’ll sleep over the holidays.
I mean, it doesn’t seem like you’re looking to slow down any time soon because you’re releasing another single on Friday.
Yeah, I know. To be real, I forgot it was coming out this week until this morning [laughs]. It’s been a whirlwind, and I’m also a bit jet-lagged.
When did you get in?
On Friday afternoon.
So a bit more time this trip; last time was like, the day before C2C – is that right?
Yeah. I remember then I was like, not well too. Every time I come here [laughs].
What does our country do to you? [laughs].
But no, no – let me tell you – I love London so much. I’m seriously having the best time.
You’ve said before that you love London - what is it about this city, or the UK generally that you love? I know you’re a vintage girl, so I’m assuming you’ve already hit up Brick Lane or Camden for shopping?
Oh yeah, we already went to Brick Lane. I didn’t buy anything because I was being smart this time.
Wow, you must really be sick? [Laughs].
I know, seriously right! I’m unwell [laughs]. And we didn’t have that much time, and we were looking more for a jacket for my drummer, so I wasn’t looking for myself for once. I already had my show outfit.
You got a pretty cool jacket last time you were over.
I know, and I didn’t bring it! It’s too heavy to pack and it made no sense because last time, when I brought it back to the states, my bag was overweight [laughs].
So what’s the best thing you’ve eaten since you’ve been over here, seen as you’ve not bought anything?
Ooh, I’ve had a lot of really good meals. We had Nobu sushi, which was amazing, but yesterday we had some kind of curry. I’d have to ask my guitar player because he ordered it – it was so good. It was good for my voice too because there was a lot of hot peppers and chicken tikka masala.
So we need to get you some more of that right now!
Yeah, yeah, yeah – we need to order that.
And now Sophia’s back in London, full of cold, playing her very first headlining show this side of the pond, one that sold out weeks in advance; and she sat down with Nikki to chat all about it.
So this is different for you and I.
I know.
Usually I’m just in the crowd.
I know. I love this.
It’s good to see you again. Thank you for taking the time.
Of course, I’m so glad to see you.
Next week is actually one year since we met in Boston [Massachusetts] when you were opening up for Alana [Springsteen].
Oh my God, you’re right. That’s crazy. Wow!
It feels like you’ve done a lot in just a year. You’d just released ‘Barstool Confessions’ by that point, but you’ve also been over here earlier this year for your very first C2C, you’ve played shows and festivals all across the US, including a tour with Niko Moon. And you’ve released 2 singles and duetted on another. Sophia - do you ever sleep?
Oh my God [laughs]. It feels like not lately, especially as you can probably hear in my voice. Yeah, it’s definitely been very go go go, and I’m trying to figure out, what I feel like – although it’s not my beginning stages, I’ve been doing this for almost ten years - but it feels like things are really just starting to take off. So if feels like, in that regard, it’s still the beginning stages and I feel like there’s not a lot of balance right now, and I just kind of say yes and do everything that I can to keep going so that doesn’t allow for much sleep at the moment. But hopefully I’ll sleep over the holidays.
I mean, it doesn’t seem like you’re looking to slow down any time soon because you’re releasing another single on Friday.
Yeah, I know. To be real, I forgot it was coming out this week until this morning [laughs]. It’s been a whirlwind, and I’m also a bit jet-lagged.
When did you get in?
On Friday afternoon.
So a bit more time this trip; last time was like, the day before C2C – is that right?
Yeah. I remember then I was like, not well too. Every time I come here [laughs].
What does our country do to you? [laughs].
But no, no – let me tell you – I love London so much. I’m seriously having the best time.
You’ve said before that you love London - what is it about this city, or the UK generally that you love? I know you’re a vintage girl, so I’m assuming you’ve already hit up Brick Lane or Camden for shopping?
Oh yeah, we already went to Brick Lane. I didn’t buy anything because I was being smart this time.
Wow, you must really be sick? [Laughs].
I know, seriously right! I’m unwell [laughs]. And we didn’t have that much time, and we were looking more for a jacket for my drummer, so I wasn’t looking for myself for once. I already had my show outfit.
You got a pretty cool jacket last time you were over.
I know, and I didn’t bring it! It’s too heavy to pack and it made no sense because last time, when I brought it back to the states, my bag was overweight [laughs].
So what’s the best thing you’ve eaten since you’ve been over here, seen as you’ve not bought anything?
Ooh, I’ve had a lot of really good meals. We had Nobu sushi, which was amazing, but yesterday we had some kind of curry. I’d have to ask my guitar player because he ordered it – it was so good. It was good for my voice too because there was a lot of hot peppers and chicken tikka masala.
So we need to get you some more of that right now!
Yeah, yeah, yeah – we need to order that.
Speaking of last time, when you were over here to play C2C, you said you were so excited to play that festival for the first time. What does it mean to you now, to be back so soon playing your very first headlining show in the UK? One that’s been sold out for weeks.
It’s very surreal. I actually can’t believe that C2C was earlier this year – it feels like it was two years ago. I think it’s just kind of crazy because up until I played C2C, I don’t think I realised what the fanbase was here until I was able to see it firsthand. So now, realising with pretty little promotion that I sold out this show is just such a testament to how die hard and amazing the fans are here. I’m really honoured and I’m really grateful, and I wish I wasn’t sick. You guys are just gonna have to sing really loud.
Oh man, my singing is not good, no one wants my voice thrown into the mix.
[Laughs]
But you and your voice packed out all five shows across C2C in March.
Yeah, I know, that was crazy.
Speaking specifically about the music you’ve released since ‘Barstool Confessions.’ First one was ‘Wildflowers,’ which feels like it could’ve been the last track on ‘Barstool Confessions,’ like the healed continuation to ‘Watering Roses.’
Yes, totally.
But then there’s been ‘Buy A Round’ and you’ve duetted on ‘She’s Trouble,’ which definitely have a sassier, sexier kinda vibe.
Yeah.
Kinda like a ‘Red Dress’ vibe – is that indicative of where you’re heading for your next record? Are you planning your next record yet?
Yes, I am planning it. When I get back from London I’m gonna start recording it. Yeah, I think it’s like a little more … ‘Wildflowers,’ like you said, is more the healed version of where I’m at, I think, and then ‘Buy A Round’ is leaning into this new era of life, which is sort of me – I mean, I’ve always had that. I’ve always had the sass, but I think sonically especially, just the way that the music sounds is gonna be a little dirtier, messier sounding. I would say we’re kind of leaning into old school Sheryl Crow kind of vibe. And yeah, then it’s a little more rootsy country; like there’s definitely still a good mixture of ballads and heartbreaking songs, and then there’s my party songs ‘cause we gotta have ‘em.
You gotta have ‘em. But then your new single – ‘Tumbleweed’ – is different again. Can you speak a little about that?
Yeah it’s definitely a different type of song than I’ve released probably in a while. It’s pretty stripped back and I think it’s really about like, it’s not necessarily a true story because I’m not with anyone but it’s sort of me maybe writing to my future self of like: it’s gonna take a certain type of person to tie me down.
Right.
You know. Or just someone, ‘cause I feel like I have this free spirit, wild spirit a bit, which is in relation to the tumbleweed, you know, so putting roots on a tumbleweed is basically maybe finding somebody that still allows me to be myself but can ground me a bit.
And they’ve gotta be okay with your life as it right now.
With all of this, yeah. It’s crazy.
Because like you said, you’ve been doing this almost ten years but it is also really starting to take off right now.
Yeah, I hope so.
It seems that way.
Thank you.
It’s very surreal. I actually can’t believe that C2C was earlier this year – it feels like it was two years ago. I think it’s just kind of crazy because up until I played C2C, I don’t think I realised what the fanbase was here until I was able to see it firsthand. So now, realising with pretty little promotion that I sold out this show is just such a testament to how die hard and amazing the fans are here. I’m really honoured and I’m really grateful, and I wish I wasn’t sick. You guys are just gonna have to sing really loud.
Oh man, my singing is not good, no one wants my voice thrown into the mix.
[Laughs]
But you and your voice packed out all five shows across C2C in March.
Yeah, I know, that was crazy.
Speaking specifically about the music you’ve released since ‘Barstool Confessions.’ First one was ‘Wildflowers,’ which feels like it could’ve been the last track on ‘Barstool Confessions,’ like the healed continuation to ‘Watering Roses.’
Yes, totally.
But then there’s been ‘Buy A Round’ and you’ve duetted on ‘She’s Trouble,’ which definitely have a sassier, sexier kinda vibe.
Yeah.
Kinda like a ‘Red Dress’ vibe – is that indicative of where you’re heading for your next record? Are you planning your next record yet?
Yes, I am planning it. When I get back from London I’m gonna start recording it. Yeah, I think it’s like a little more … ‘Wildflowers,’ like you said, is more the healed version of where I’m at, I think, and then ‘Buy A Round’ is leaning into this new era of life, which is sort of me – I mean, I’ve always had that. I’ve always had the sass, but I think sonically especially, just the way that the music sounds is gonna be a little dirtier, messier sounding. I would say we’re kind of leaning into old school Sheryl Crow kind of vibe. And yeah, then it’s a little more rootsy country; like there’s definitely still a good mixture of ballads and heartbreaking songs, and then there’s my party songs ‘cause we gotta have ‘em.
You gotta have ‘em. But then your new single – ‘Tumbleweed’ – is different again. Can you speak a little about that?
Yeah it’s definitely a different type of song than I’ve released probably in a while. It’s pretty stripped back and I think it’s really about like, it’s not necessarily a true story because I’m not with anyone but it’s sort of me maybe writing to my future self of like: it’s gonna take a certain type of person to tie me down.
Right.
You know. Or just someone, ‘cause I feel like I have this free spirit, wild spirit a bit, which is in relation to the tumbleweed, you know, so putting roots on a tumbleweed is basically maybe finding somebody that still allows me to be myself but can ground me a bit.
And they’ve gotta be okay with your life as it right now.
With all of this, yeah. It’s crazy.
Because like you said, you’ve been doing this almost ten years but it is also really starting to take off right now.
Yeah, I hope so.
It seems that way.
Thank you.
Going back to C2C a little bit, you’ve been announced for the European leg of the festival – how excited are you for that?
So incredibly excited. I’ve never been to Berlin or Rotterdam.
I was there for the first time this year, at both, and it was crazy. Those fans were really into it.
Really? Crazier than London?
I think so – Rotterdam for sure. Berlin were maybe kinda quiet at times, but into it, but the Netherlands I would say so. But I was drinking in the Netherlands, so maybe my perception was off [laughs]. There were some tequilas.
Good for you.
[Laughs] Thank you.
[Laughs]
I know nothing else has been announced as yet, but is there any chance that, the weekend after that, you might be hanging around in London again?
I’m hoping so. I’m waiting to hear. You and I are both waiting to hear.
Exactly. I’m manifesting that.
Me too. Fingers crossed.
But we know you’re definitely gonna be back again in July for Roadhouse Weekender.
Yes.
Which is already shaping up, if it is gonna be everything it says for the first one, it’s gonna be more like the US festivals you have over there. Which we haven’t really seen over here yet to that extent. How excited are you for that?
I’m so excited, especially to be here in the summertime, because I feel like every time I’ve been here, it’s been freezing.
[Laughs] Yeah, you might just catch that narrow little window where we have good weather.
Yeah, hopefully I won’t be sick then. I’m so excited. I’m so honoured to be here for that. I feel like it’s just gonna be London, but in the summer, which is something that I’m super excited about because I’ve never seen that, like I feel every city changes with the seasons, you know?
So incredibly excited. I’ve never been to Berlin or Rotterdam.
I was there for the first time this year, at both, and it was crazy. Those fans were really into it.
Really? Crazier than London?
I think so – Rotterdam for sure. Berlin were maybe kinda quiet at times, but into it, but the Netherlands I would say so. But I was drinking in the Netherlands, so maybe my perception was off [laughs]. There were some tequilas.
Good for you.
[Laughs] Thank you.
[Laughs]
I know nothing else has been announced as yet, but is there any chance that, the weekend after that, you might be hanging around in London again?
I’m hoping so. I’m waiting to hear. You and I are both waiting to hear.
Exactly. I’m manifesting that.
Me too. Fingers crossed.
But we know you’re definitely gonna be back again in July for Roadhouse Weekender.
Yes.
Which is already shaping up, if it is gonna be everything it says for the first one, it’s gonna be more like the US festivals you have over there. Which we haven’t really seen over here yet to that extent. How excited are you for that?
I’m so excited, especially to be here in the summertime, because I feel like every time I’ve been here, it’s been freezing.
[Laughs] Yeah, you might just catch that narrow little window where we have good weather.
Yeah, hopefully I won’t be sick then. I’m so excited. I’m so honoured to be here for that. I feel like it’s just gonna be London, but in the summer, which is something that I’m super excited about because I’ve never seen that, like I feel every city changes with the seasons, you know?
To that end, to wrap up, seen as you’re gonna be here a lot next year, are you up for me testing you on some British slang to get you by.
Oh my God, please.
Let’s see what your knowledge is.
Word.
Okay, I’m gonna chuck some words at ya, or a phrase, and I’m gonna ease you in gently.
Let’s do it.
Knackered.
Knackered? Like drunk?
Oh man, I thought I was easing you in gently with that one.
[Laughs].
But I’d get why you’d guess that.
Is that not it?
No. Like tired.
Oh okay, so I’m knackered right now? [laughs].
Buzzin’.
Drunk?
No.
[Laughs]
Like ‘I’ve just seen Sophia Scott’s show and –
I’m buzzin’ – I’m excited? Happy?
Yeah.
Okay, cool.
Faffing.
Faffing?
Faffing. Like ‘what are you faffing around for, we’ve gotta go.’
I’m looking around?
Kind of, we’re getting there. Like procra--
Oh procrastinating? Okay, I like it.
Brass monkeys.
I don’t know.
So like, ‘get the heating on, it’s brass monkeys out there.’
Oh, it’s freezing.
It’s freezing. I mean, I don’t say that, but it’s a thing.
Wow. Okay, I love that. Damn, I was hoping that I would know some of these because my guitar player’s been throwing them at me left and right. What did he say to me yesterday? We’re going to the dog and duck.
[Laughs]. The dog and duck?
It means like a shitty bar apparently?
I’ve never heard of that one [laughs]. Cheesed off.
Cheesed off?
Cheesed off, which is, admittedly, probably something more like my mum would use than me.
Pissed off?
Yeah, there ya go. The dog’s bollocks.
The dog’s bollocks?
Yep [laughs].
Something that sucks?
Opposite.
That’s the shit?
Yeah.
Awesome. That’s the dog’s bollocks, okay. Love it.
That one might do you well at Roadhouse Weekender.
Okay, [laughs] this weekend is the dog’s bollocks. Hell yeah.
You’re doing well, there’s some random ones here.
I feel like I’m doing terrible.
You’ve got time, you’ll get this.
Yeah, oh my God, can you send me these? [laughs].
I will. You’ve got this. Knees up.
Knees up? Like bottoms up? Like we’re gonna party?
Yeah.
Okay, cool.
Last one: Muppet.
Muppet?
Yeah. Like, ‘don’t listen to him, he’s a muppet.’
Oh, I love it – he’s a clown? He’s an idiot?
You got it, you finished strong.
I finished strong, let’s go. High five.
That feels like a good place to wrap it up [laughs].
[Laughs]. Thanks Nikki.
It’s good to see you.
You too. I’m so happy you’re here. And I’m seriously counting on you guys to sing loud in the crowd.
I’ll try, for you.
Oh my God, please.
Let’s see what your knowledge is.
Word.
Okay, I’m gonna chuck some words at ya, or a phrase, and I’m gonna ease you in gently.
Let’s do it.
Knackered.
Knackered? Like drunk?
Oh man, I thought I was easing you in gently with that one.
[Laughs].
But I’d get why you’d guess that.
Is that not it?
No. Like tired.
Oh okay, so I’m knackered right now? [laughs].
Buzzin’.
Drunk?
No.
[Laughs]
Like ‘I’ve just seen Sophia Scott’s show and –
I’m buzzin’ – I’m excited? Happy?
Yeah.
Okay, cool.
Faffing.
Faffing?
Faffing. Like ‘what are you faffing around for, we’ve gotta go.’
I’m looking around?
Kind of, we’re getting there. Like procra--
Oh procrastinating? Okay, I like it.
Brass monkeys.
I don’t know.
So like, ‘get the heating on, it’s brass monkeys out there.’
Oh, it’s freezing.
It’s freezing. I mean, I don’t say that, but it’s a thing.
Wow. Okay, I love that. Damn, I was hoping that I would know some of these because my guitar player’s been throwing them at me left and right. What did he say to me yesterday? We’re going to the dog and duck.
[Laughs]. The dog and duck?
It means like a shitty bar apparently?
I’ve never heard of that one [laughs]. Cheesed off.
Cheesed off?
Cheesed off, which is, admittedly, probably something more like my mum would use than me.
Pissed off?
Yeah, there ya go. The dog’s bollocks.
The dog’s bollocks?
Yep [laughs].
Something that sucks?
Opposite.
That’s the shit?
Yeah.
Awesome. That’s the dog’s bollocks, okay. Love it.
That one might do you well at Roadhouse Weekender.
Okay, [laughs] this weekend is the dog’s bollocks. Hell yeah.
You’re doing well, there’s some random ones here.
I feel like I’m doing terrible.
You’ve got time, you’ll get this.
Yeah, oh my God, can you send me these? [laughs].
I will. You’ve got this. Knees up.
Knees up? Like bottoms up? Like we’re gonna party?
Yeah.
Okay, cool.
Last one: Muppet.
Muppet?
Yeah. Like, ‘don’t listen to him, he’s a muppet.’
Oh, I love it – he’s a clown? He’s an idiot?
You got it, you finished strong.
I finished strong, let’s go. High five.
That feels like a good place to wrap it up [laughs].
[Laughs]. Thanks Nikki.
It’s good to see you.
You too. I’m so happy you’re here. And I’m seriously counting on you guys to sing loud in the crowd.
I’ll try, for you.