Feature by Sarah Spohn
New Jersey is known for plenty of the greats: Bruce Springsteen, a.k.a ‘The Boss’ himself, Frankie Valli, Whitney Houston, Jon Bon Jovi and even Lauryn Hill. The seaside town’s latest treasure to wash upon the shore just might be current music business major and musician SØF.
Formerly known as Sofia Nicole, the award-winning artist’s humble beginnings of YouTube covers and webcams spring-boarded the singer to become more regionally known. After winning the “Top 18 and Under Vocalist” at the Jersey Acoustic Music Awards in 2013, SØF has grown up a lot.
The pop singer manages to hold her own both musically and in a philanthropic sense. Having performed for wounded veterans at the Lyons Veterans Hospital, she received a community service commendation award from the U.S. Marine Corps.
Any college student knows how hard it can be managing your time wisely. Classes can consist of absurd amounts of homework, cramming for exams, lengthy papers and finding any time outside of school duties is hard to come by. That’s no excuse for SØF though, who dedicates any time outside of the classroom to two things: her music and helping people through that music.
Another career highlight for the young singer was her time spent on NBC’s “The Voice” in 2014. While in Los Angeles, time spent with a vocal coach led to both personal and professional growth for the college student. All of these accolades may be great at shedding a small light on the up-and-coming singer, but SØF’s music is the real way to get to know her.
Her latest single, “Ghosts” comes out Monday, January 30. “Ghosts” starts off with sharp lyrics, Cigarette-stained kiss, with breath to match, smokes two packs a day, I’d say she’s quite the catch. Perhaps a carefully-coined lyrical diss to a former boyfriend’s new girl, SØF isn’t afraid to open strong with this song. And definitely not afraid to leave everything out on the table.
Clear, refined vocals are never overshadowed or drown out by backing guitars and percussion. SØF is always front and center, proving her worth and ability to step onto the main stage, strong and steady. The indie pop track includes contemplative lyrics of figuring out one’s self and the gusto of setting out to prove someone wrong. You think you know me, but you don’t. You think I won’t leave this alone, but I’m about to prove you wrong.
To the likes of Fiona Apple, JoJo, Demi Lovato and even a tiny growl in her voice reminiscent of a young Christina Aguilera, the pop star knows how to address relatable topics in an upbeat manner. Her sassy, easily distinguishable delivery would be ideal on the stage, for both Broadway and the live show arena formats.
In “Ghosts,” SØF recommends the listener to quit holding onto the past, and with her stamina at such a young age, it appears she have quite the future in the indie pop music world.
Filed under: feature friday Tagged: ghosts, music creates us, SØF, sofia nicole