Alt POP Band from London and Birmingham, UK. Described by Zane Lowe as ''The most promising British talent since Radiohead''. Believe us, Believe anything.

Sophie-Loval is a multifaceted British talent. At her core she’s a singer-song writer, but her skills don’t stop there. Also an actress and model, her days being raised in Ibiza have served her well. 

Now ready to unveil her debut album, an electro pop affair infused with soul, the music seductively weaves the grit and reality of London living with the rebellious, carefree ethos of Ibiza. This tension that exists between two worlds is kept throughout her album, the lyrics displaying an insight into the growing pains of a young woman determined to develop a stand-alone spirit in the face of bitter challenges. Tracks such as “Inner city child” and “Teach me” reveal a painful honesty that many would hide from. Sophie also brings to light questions of sexual identity, fitting in, wanting to be liked and having a sense of belonging. 

This is an album that knows no boundaries. Hardly surprising as Sophie cites a myriad of eclectic musical influences and loves that have helped shape her sound. From the production skills of Apparat to the deep folksy tones of Terry Callier. The hip-hop beats of Nas and Busta Rhymes. Linkin Park to Jack White and the Gorillaz, as well as the frank rhymes of Etta Bond, her modern day contemporary.

Then there’s the voice. With a perhaps unexpected depth, Sophie’s vocal has a habit of making the hairs on your skin stand on end. Deeply grounded and self-assured, her voice is also reminiscent of the depth and urgency associated with Etta James in all its Motown quality. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Sophie is an old soul, the power and force of her lyrics better served by such a voice.

Taking it back to the beginning, Sophie believes her upbringing has stood her well for the journey ahead. Both her parents provided a strong creative foundation for her early life. Sophie’s mother was a pivotal figure in the fashion industry in the UK before lending her knowledge and skills to the isle of Ibiza while her father is a talented musician. Thus, she grew up surrounded by a strong sense of freedom and creativity. But while Sophie’s’ childhood in Ibiza may sound idyllic and whilst it was full of sunny days, it wasn’t without hardship; her mother, Rachel had arrived in Ibiza as a single parent with three children under five years old. 

“She knew there was no way she could bring the three of us up in London, unless it was a life on benefits. She wanted so much more for us girls.” Her mother instilled a sense of self-belief in making the impossible possible and proved it with her own success. She also introduced Sophie to Nichiren Buddhism, which is a life affirming philosophy based on a respect for oneself and others. “I feel very lucky to understand the power of faith. It is a practical tool that I have used often to push myself past my fears and transform dark times into light.” Sophie’s passion was further ignited when she moved to London full time, and decided that music was her life and focus.

With that determination in her heart, Sophie’s lyricism changed dramatically when she started writing poetry.  ‘I started to really open up, stopped pretending life was always wonderful. I changed something inside myself. I think it was the fear of being totally vulnerable. But in that vulnerability I found strength and now I feel I can really express who I really am.”

Over the last month Sophie's Album, Paying Back My Childhood Debt, slated for a 2017 release, has been taking shape between a well reputed north London studio and her fathers studio in Ireland alongside some amazing established talents including Stuart Ross, Spider J, Urban Monk, Potent Whisper and Africa Nile to name a few. Sophie has also been involved in various music projects such as On Track, BBC Documentary – Charli XCX The F word and me, Music Potential & The Amy Winehouse Foundation. 

With time & talent on her side we are expecting great things from this ambitious island girl.

Phil Hatcher is following