by abby crabill
photo by alex berger
Sophia Scott is a multi-instrumentalist songwriter who resides in Nashville, Tennessee. Scott uses her songwriting as a method of releasing her emotions when confronted with hardship. She admits that "it’s okay to not be okay" and believes that it is important to recognize your emotions. Sophia recently released her debut EP, One Of These Days, exploring her personal struggles. With a few live performances already under her belt, Sophia is excited for the potential of more live shows in the future.
What originally got you interested in pursuing music?
Sophia: “It has just been something I was drawn to my entire life. Ever since I was a little girl I’ve been writing my own music.”
Besides country, what are some of your other favorite genres of music?
Sophia: “I love all genres for the most part, but definitely pop, hip hop, and R&B are high up on the list.”
From start to finish, what is your favorite part of the songwriting process?
Sophia: “My favorite part of the songwriting process is finding an incredible concept, lyric, or phrase that I am obsessed with. Sitting and working out a map of what the song is going to be, usually sharing it with someone else (another collaborator) and sitting down to write. I am super particular when it comes to my lyricism, you have to be for country… but once a song is finished and can be read down easily from start to finish, there’s no better feeling!”
Can you share a little bit about your debut EP One Of These Days?
Sophia: “This project is a super personal body of work. I have been writing it for over three years, and each song was thoughtfully picked to really share my story front to back. There are some super emotional songs that came from a very vulnerable place, and on the other side of the coin, there are my windows down, female empowerment anthems. I like to think there’s a little something for everyone.”
What song is your favorite/means the most to you from your new EP? Why?
Sophia: “Probably ‘One Of These Days,’ because it’s not only the title track to the project, but it is the song that allowed me to tap into my real, deep, dark emotions as a songwriter. It’s a really personal song that has become my reminder to myself that through any struggle in my life, there is always going to be strength and growth on the other side of that hardship”
What is it about songwriting that allows you to be so vulnerable and real when it comes to writing about your personal struggles?
Sophia: “It’s my way of therapy. Some people journal, I write music. Writing out my emotions on paper really helps me get the knots out of my stomach and is the release I often need to heal. Or start the process for healing whatever it is I’m writing about.”
What advice can you give others who may be struggling with their mental wellness?
Sophia: “It’s okay to not be okay. Give yourself a break, the time, and the space to feel your emotions and just sit with them. Recognize them, acknowledge them, and then find ways you can free yourself. When I’m struggling with my mental health, I like to go outside, meditate, write things down and find the people around me who can be a pillar of support during those difficult times. Knowing it’s okay to ask for help is important.”
You have put on several live performances, including opening for the Jonas Brothers and being on The Kelly Clarkson Show. What were those experiences like for you?
Sophia: “So exhilarating, so surreal, and just overall incredible. I can’t wait to do more things like that. I am itching to go on tour so bad.”
What can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?
Sophia: “More music! More shows! Lot’s of exciting things on the horizon. :)”