What is it about Sophie Powers that’s so electric? Is it her hyperpop tunes infused with raw lyrical vulnerability? Her edgy-pop-princess wardrobe – which she designs herself – that she dons during captivating live performances? Maybe it’s all these things combined, when met with her passion for storytelling and mission to empower others through music.

 Sophie is all about validating your emotions (by means of revealing her own and asking … ‘don’t you relate to this?’). Her debut single NOSEBLEED, followed by her 2022 EP ‘Red in Revenge,’ detail the well-founded angst of Gen Z, caused by the infinite flow of unfair expectations placed upon them. Characterized by a spirit of dissent, her music is an anthem to Gen Z-ers and women alike, encouraging individuality and radical celebration of one’s authentic self.

 Her latest single Obsessed details the experience of a blithe young girl who grows romantically infatuated with someone. It begs the question: is it really so bad to be obsessed? Following the release of her new single, Powers is hitting the road to open for Waterparks on their national tour. She’s also planning an all new EP drop. We chatted with the hyperpop princess about all things songwriting, dream collaborations, and the fashion influences that make her own designs so empowering and eye-catching.

Congratulations on the release of your new single Obsessed! Tell us about the process of recording the track! Do you have a favorite lyric?

Thank you so much!! The process was so fun that the song practically wrote itself. I made it with Bonnie McKee, Liam Benayon, Mike Gonek, and Camm Hunter initially. Ashley was close friends with Liam and me, and her beautiful voice made the song even better. My favorite lyric with that being said is “I’m a drama queen. If I don’t get what I want then I freak” because those lyrics off the bat truly set the tone for the song.

When did you know you wanted to be a singer-songwriter?

Since I was 5 honestly. Sounds ridiculous but I have a very good memory and fully remember telling my SK music class I’d be the next “Hannah Montana”. I wrote my first songs around age 7 and recorded them by age 8. I'm very lucky to have found my true passion at such a young age.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Lady Gaga, Nirvana, Deftones, Grimes, and Avril Lavinge are some massive influences for me. They’re all very different from me, but sonically and socially what they stand for represents what I want to be seen/heard as. 

Tell us about your songwriting process! Do you typically start with concepts, melodies, lyrics, or some combination of them all?

I typically freestyle melodies and flows over a beat/chords — then fill those in with lyrics. Often whatever flow I’m doing has random words and syllables thrown in that already sound good. Some/most of those random words we keep and often dictate the writing topic for the entire song. I also draw from notes and poems I write in my spare time.

What made you fall in love with fashion design?

I watched a lot of Monster High, Bratz, and Barbie movies growing up so that definitely sparked my interest. But it was the Marvel and DC comic books that really turned my head. Superhero costume designs — even on paper — have always amazed me. I want people to feel like a real-life superhero when they wear my designs someday.

 What’s your favorite concert look you’ve ever worn/designed, and why?

Honestly, this changes every day haha. But I really like this Burberry-inspired outfit that I designed for my first ever show in London at the 02 when I opened for NOAHFINNCE. It felt very appropriate for the city — and I designed it specifically for that show. It was an aesthetic I hadn’t attempted before and has inspired me to dress more according to what location I’m in for the show to excite local fans!

 If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

WOW, there are so many amazing artists I’d want to collaborate with. At this very moment, however, it would be Avril Lavinge, Charli XCX, Lady Gaga, Gwen Stefani or Billie Eilish. That list is a combination of female artists that I look up to currently — or have looked up to since I was young.

 What are you currently obsessed with?

Hot chocolate. Tim Horton’s hot chocolate always feels the best on my throat, especially during cold winter tour dates like the one I’m on currently.

 What’s next for Sophie Powers?

I’m releasing an EP in the summer this year, and possibly an obsessed remix…stay tuned for the clothing brand also!

With clothing brands, a new EP, and a potential Obsessed remix on the way, Sophie isn’t too dissimilar from the superhero she dresses as in her vibrant and striking designs. Whether through fashion designing, songwriting, performing, or merely existing, Sophie empowers those around her to embrace their authenticity. And, if vulnerability is a superpower, then Sophie’s music is supernatural.