EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SOPHIE (Posted January 23rd, 2007)

In this exclusive interview, Sophie talks about her upcoming album, tour and what expectations she has for the new record. And much more. Enjoy!

Q: Many seem to think that each new record from you is a little sadder or depressive than the last one. How would you describe your new album?

A: I think of it as a quite "kind" album. Maybe there's sadness, but without depression...

Q: Would you please tell us about the new songs?

A: I'm sorry, but I can't really talk about the songs. They are in a way my secrets...

Q: Your last album "A Decade of Dreams" went straight to number 2 at the Swedish charts. What expectations do you have for this new record?

A: I'm noticing I'm getting more and more nervous the closer I get to a new release, it's like I'm waiting for bad reviews. Sometimes I think they must get tired of me now, but there's nothing I can do about it because this is the only way I can do the music...

Q: How long have you been working with this album?

A: Maybe two months or so all together.

Q: Is it easier to write new songs as a well-established artist? Is it different things that inspire you to write lyrics now?

A: It's still the same things that inspire me, and that's people, feelings and situations.

Q: In 2005 you wrote a song for Freddie Wadling. Was this just a one-time-event, or would you like to write songs for other artists again?

A: I would definitely want to try writing to others again. It gave me a different feeling that was really special.

Q: The song you wrote for Freddie Wadling (Det sitter i dig) was your first in your mother tongue, right? Will you ever write or sing lyrics in Swedish again?

A: I think not. It was very hard and it shouldn't be...

Q: Lars Halapi has produced all your albums so far. It's not hard to understand why; he's a great producer and guitarist, but have you ever considered producing your own records?

A: No, I haven't. He and our band is a big reason why and when I'm starting to long for a recording. I have no ambition or a need to do it on my own or with another producer. Life changes enough, so when something feels good I'll stick to it as long as I can.

Q: Do you wish you were a more profiled artist, or do you prefer to be in the "shadow"?

A: I think it's on a nice level. I'm just about an artist when we're on stage, and almost all other time I can let that go...

Q: What type of music inpires you?

A: Music that gets to me, it can be different kinds and not seldom when I watches movies...

Q: How would you describe your own music?

A: Quite quiet, slow, simple songs.

Q: Do you feel you have grown much as an artist since your debut in 1995?

A: I don't know really. I have learned much about myself, but so I am 12 years older... I think I grow slow but I don't have much trouble with that.

Q: Is it hard to combine family and music? Does your domestic life limit your life as an artist?

A: The only thing is that it's harder to get that time for your self for writing. I have to be "on the earth" so to speak and sometimes I can miss "disappearing for days". Sometimes there are some schedules to work out, but who hasn't?

Q: Earlier in your career you once told that you didn't like being on stage. Today it seems like you are touring more frequently and it seems like you are really enjoying it. What has changed?

A: I have got more relaxed. I can actually hear the band playing, and I dare to look at the people and feel the greatness that they're there. And the best times is when it feels like everyone shares the same feeling...

Q: You are not only travelling in Sweden, you have also built up a loyal fan base around the world. Are your audience always a quiet, listening crowd? Have you noticed any difference between your Swedish fans and your fans from abroad?

A: Mostly they're listening, maybe they're a little more quiet abroad. It's so fantastic people actually is coming to see us. And it seems to be all kind of ages.

Q: How do you pick out songs you are going to play at a concert?

A: We pick them together. Some are more or less "easy" to play. The coming tour we're planning to play mostly new songs.

Q: Is there any songs you don't want to play live? Which?

A: There's always one or two that I'm little scared of, but the band convinces me to play them anyway... But that's my secrets too...

Q: If you should give just one advice to those who have a dream about starting a career in the music business, what would it be?

A: Stay true to yourself.