South London singer Sophie May is taking folk-pop viral
Thanks to the introduction of TikTok, plenty of artists have found a new way to get their music heard by the masses. New sounds, aesthetics and personalities have all been brought through under the wing of the social media platform. She was even selected as part of their latest ‘unsigned’ campaign, featuring on billboards across major UK cities. However, to call Sophie May a ‘TikTok artist’ would be a huge disservice to her astounding talent and potential. The 22 year-old released her first two singles on Spotify just a few short weeks ago and has already racked up an impressive 400,000 streams and that number is set to grow with her latest offering. Her captivating melodies are taking the world by storm.
May’s smooth vocals perch effortlessly over her laid back instrumentals as she provides melancholic introspection, covering a wide array of intriguing subject matters. May’s unique sound has caught the ears of some of music’s most respected and popular artists. May has had none other than pop superstar Billie Eilish and the legendary Celeste show their support for her unique brand of folk-pop. May has even been in the studio with Celeste after she reached out to the London native. Here, HUNGER catches up with the captivating up and coming star to discuss her new singles, influences and more.
Could you define your sound in five words?
romantic, melancholy, poetic, honest and I guess at times comedic.
What’s your earliest musical memory?
hearing Jeff Buckleys ‘Hallelujah’ and finding it really unsettling.
How did you get into music?
Writing poetry led to my interest in lyrics. In my last years of school I found comfort in the music rooms, where I played piano and started writing my first songs.
Where do you get your inspiration from when it comes to songwriting?
I mainly take inspiration from my own experiences, as well as my friends. But often I’ll feel inspired my a book or a great film and I end up writing a whole song based on one of those.
Do you find it easier to write about your personal experiences, for example?
I mainly take inspiration from my own experiences, as well as my friends. But often I’ll feel inspired my a book or a great film and I end up writing a whole song based on one of those.
If you could only list three artists for the rest of your life who would they be?
I feel like if I could only listen to three artists for the rest of my life I’d end up hating them. But if I had to choose, probably Frank Ocean, Carol King and Leonard cohen.
What do you do when you’re stuck in a songwriting rut? Favourite way to decompress?
I listen to my favourite songs by the artists I look up to, or re-watch my favourite films. A lot of songwriting is looking in on yourself so having a break form that is really important.
Favourite song to get the party started?
Young Hearts Run Free – Candi Staton. Might not work on a party but it would on me and my roommate.
How will you know if you’ve made it in music?
I think when I start performing live and the people that like my music coming to watch will feel really fulfilling. The idea of someone actively leaving the house and coming somewhere to see me and know my songs feels really gratifying.
How do you want to be seen as an artist?
Maybe honest, or someone that really loves what they’re doing.
What’s next for you?
Next is finishing the release of this EP! as well as beginning my first live performances which I’m really looking forward to.
Finally, what does music mean to you, and how does it enrich your life on a day to day basis?
Music to me is my favourite form of expression. I see writing songs as an outlet to the physical emotions I feel, and I’d be doing it even if no one was listening. So for me its a therapy, but a massive bonus that the people can find joy in it too.
