Sophie Rey Interview | Respect the Dreamer
Sophie Rey is a dynamic vocalist who simply loves to sing. A versatile singer, Sophie recently released an EP of covers while consistently releasing singles and projects with almost anybody who wants to collaborate. At the end of the day, lowkey she just wants to sing.
What inspired you to pursue your dream, and how did it all begin?
I’ve been singing as long as I can remember, probably because my dad is a musician. There was always music playing in my house; namely Elvis, David Bowie and The Beatles. I sang in choir my entire childhood and just fell in love with singing as a craft and I spent a long time developing my ear for harmony, which is likely why I love background singing! When I was 10 I got to be a part of the touring company of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and I got to feel what it was like to be on stage in front of a large crowd of people and have been chasing that feeling ever since.
Can you share a defining moment in your journey that shaped your perspective and fueled your passion?
Recently, in October of 2023, I met one of my best friends and musical collaborators, DK Lyons, who really showed me that a song can be whatever you want it to be and if you are dedicated and surround yourself with people who have similar passions as yourself you can make magic happen. He has really inspired me to go after what I want and make original music.
How do you handle setbacks and keep pushing forward in the pursuit of your dreams?
Honestly I lean on the support system I have created for myself. I am lucky to have people that care about me who make music as well as who don’t make music, and they encourage me and make me feel like I can do anything.
Are there specific individuals who have inspired you along the journey?
I mentioned my friend and collaborator, DK Lyons, but I would be remiss to not mention my queen, Ariana Grande. She is THE vocalist of my life and has inspired me in so many ways. I’m inspired by how vulnerable she is in her music as well as how she uses her voice to the absolute max.
How do you maintain a balance between pursuing your dreams and handling everyday responsibilities?
I am so lucky that I have a husband with a job that allows me to work part time so I get to dedicate a large chunk of my day to music. It is such a privilege to get to spend half of my day writing and recording and the other half at a job I also love. I also have an amazing group of friends in my life that are only a call away and always willing to lend a hand or an ear or whatever I need.
How do you overcome self-doubt and stay confident in your abilities?
I think my parents raised with a foundation of confidence and discipline that I truly do believe I can do anything I set my mind to. I do feel a healthy amount of delusion is required to pursue any creative endeavor because you really do have to believe in yourself so wholeheartedly and I definitely ride that line of delusion. I feel very lucky.
Can you share a memorable success story or achievement that resulted from your determination?
My recent cover album was a huge moment for me, because it was something I always wanted to make and finally one day I texted some friends with the means to help me make it and made it happen! For so long I had been trying to make my voice sound a certain way and for that project I really wanted to strip back all of that and showcase MY voice and I feel I did that and for that I am so proud!
In what ways do you stay motivated during challenging times?
Honestly, I just love to sing, so even if maybe I’m not hitting certain benchmarks I’ve set for myself or not achieving what I think I should be, if I get to sing every day I am happy. So I make sure that no matter what, I am vocalizing and singing every day, whether that’s with my band or at karaoke or by myself and it reminds me of why I’m doing this in the first place; the love of singing.
What dream are you living right now?
I never thought I’d have merch??? That’s huge! I’ve been putting in the work with Skylight Records and on my own projects and truly a year ago I didn’t think I was capable of writing a song and now since then I’ve written so many; it’s honestly mind blowing.
What advice would you give to someone with a dream?
Water and nurture that dream !!! Even if you have only 30 minutes a day to work on your passion, that’s significant and enough to make your seed of a dream grow into a flower. Keep enjoying the journey because that’s all this is; a never ending journey, so you may as well love what you’re doing!
Photography credit
Talon Reed Cooper
Website
https://sophie-rey.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/sophie__rey
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