We recently had the chance to connect with Sophia Joelle and have shared our conversation below.
Sophia, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think most people secretly have no idea what they’re doing! The older I get, the more I realize this. Everyone is trying to figure out what life is all about, and no one has a roadmap. Some days that scares me, but others, it’s exciting!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sophia Joelle, and I am an independent artist and songwriter here in Nashville. I am working to build a platform that celebrates the messy parts of life. I want my music as an artist to encourage people to think and feel deeply, and give them a safe space to do that. As a songwriter, I hope to collaborate with the other talented writers and artists out there. I want music to continue to have a point of view, and not slip into the culture of “virality.” This past year, I released a double EP called “Versions Of Me,” that encapsulated the confusion of finding your identity in your early 20’s. This year, I am hoping to release more music, and play live more often.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was the first time I played a song I had written for people, and they truly enjoyed it. It felt powerful to create something that others could relate to and remember.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Honestly, I think the fear of success has held me back the most in my life. As children, we have these dreams, or callings that we follow because it’s exciting and new. As we get older, we start to realize the responsibility we will inherit if our dreams do come true. What will it cost financially? How will peoples expectations of us be inflated? Will we be exposed to more scrutiny than praise? What if we reach our dreams and don’t feel fulfilled? All of these questions have personally held me back. It takes a concerted effort to keep reaching for the dream anyway, and trust that when success comes, I will be ready for it.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think the version of me that comes through in my music is very authentic to me, but favors my serious side. It is much easier to write about heartbreak and trials than it is to write about funny or happy moments in life. In reality, I’m a pretty positive and goofy person, and sometimes I struggle to capture that side of myself in my online presence.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace in any form of water. I actually learned to swim before I could walk, and some of my best creative ideas have come to me in bodies of water (or the shower.) Any time I feel overwhelmed, I know that going for a swim or taking a bath will help me re-center myself. When I was little, I used to sit at the bottom of my parents pool and write songs in my head. I’d come bursting through the surface and yell to my mom “Hurry! Write this down!”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://imsophiajoelle.com
- Instagram: @imsophiajoelle
- Facebook: Sophia Joelle
- Youtube: Sophia Joelle
- Other: TikTok: @imsophiajoelle
Image Credits
Maggie Montgomery
Karson Eaton
Haley Deeds
Derek Jones
