Austin, Texas-based singer-songwriter Sophie Seng discussed her EP, “Precipice,” and more:
Q: What inspired the songs that ultimately made up your EP, “Precipice”?
Sophie Seng: The main inspiration for “Precipice” came together on a road trip where I travelled from Texas to California. When I was driving through the forests of Northern California I noticed all the new growth sprouting from the ruins of a wildfire, and I found that super inspiring. One of the lyrics on this EP is “from destruction comes creation” and I’d say that is the theme of the project. Some songs are about my emotional struggles and growth through young adulthood, some are about helping others through their “fires”, and some are more of a reflection on this concept unfolding over time.
Q: Generally, what influences you as a songwriter?
Sophie Seng: My main influences as a songwriter are personal experiences and my emotions. I always try to write from a very honest place so all of my songs feel raw and true to me. Outside of that, I am influenced by nature, travelling, listening to music, playing (and attending) live shows, and my inspiring and incredibly talented music community here in Austin!
Q: Who are some of the artists and songwriters that influence your own music the most?
Sophie Seng: Some of my favorite artists and songwriters are Tamino, Joni Mitchell, Radiohead, Coleman Hawkins, Billie Holiday, Leonard Cohen, and so many others! I grew up studying jazz saxophone (all the way through college) so a lot of my musical background and influence is in jazz.
Photo By: Lucie Beatrix
Q: Your bio describes you as having an “eclectic style.” How do you feel that you’ve evolved as an artist over time in that way?
Sophie Seng: I’m proud of my eclectic style. My first priority in making music is creating sounds that match the feeling of the song, and second is to try and create something that people haven’t heard before – something that can’t be easily put into a box. I like having the freedom to express myself in a way that isn’t confined by being stuck in a specific genre.
Q: Which of your songs hold the most importance to you and why?
Sophie Seng: I honestly hold all of the songs off “Precipice” very close to my heart. I took my time picking my favorite songs I have written over the past few years and put them all on that EP. But, if I had to pick one, it would be “Fake.” That song is the most emotional for me to perform, since it is about a very challenging time in my life and reflecting about how I overcame that. It feels vulnerable to sing, but that is also the song that has resonated the most deeply with people. Connecting with people through my music is my favorite thing in the world, and my ultimate goal in creating and sharing music.
Q: What is next for you as an artist in 2024?
Sophie Seng: This year I plan to start performing with a full band again! I’ve mostly been playing as a duo for the past year or two, and I am excited to expand my band and start having some more fleshed out arrangements and bigger shows! I also went on my first tour last November, and would love to do another small tour this year. I am currently focusing on writing new music, so stay tuned for that as well!
Interviewed by Travis Boyer
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