Canadian singer-songwriter Sophia Fracassi recently released her debut EP Marathon. Sophia Fracassi has always turned to music to ride out life’s storms. The Canadian singer-songwriter is just 18 years old, but her voice is calm and confident, indicative of someone who has dedicated her whole life to her art. Taking inspiration from icons she’s long admired, Sophia wrote about what she knew. The intensity of first love – and the heartbreak that came with it – helped gift her the perspective she is now repurposing in her music as she broaches adulthood and chases her dreams.
The artist just recently talked to ai love music over email about her background, inspirations, and what was it like writing each track with Steve Molella. Was this EP such an important project for her? Find out below while listening to the EP. Let me know what you think in the comments!
Sophia, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions! Please tell me a little about yourself. What got you into music?
I’ve been in love with music for as long as I can remember. I started writing songs when I was nine years old and never stopped! My parents both loved music and they encouraged me to pursue my passions and also played me with a lot of really great artists while I was growing up.
What genres and/or artists influence your songwriting?
I’m inspired in different ways by different artists! I love the effortless blend of pop and folk/rock that Maggie Rogers pulls off. I love the lyrical mastery of the classics like Carole King, and that’s just to name a few.
What is on your playlist right now?
Currently, I’ve been listening to a lot of Kacey Musgraves. Her album, “Golden Hour” is an all-time favourite of mine. I’ve also been listening to Sigrid, and MUNA, and I always love some Lorde.
How has it been working with Coalition Music? What have you learned the most from this team?
My time with Coalition Music so far has been incredible. It’s such an amazing opportunity to work with this talented team and has also been a great learning experience. They all inspire me every day to work harder, appreciate the process, and stay creative.
Let’s talk about your debut EP Marathon! You mention that this EP is “a story from start to finish”. How did your story influence the writing of the tracks for this EP?
Marathon is such a special project. It really is like a diary about the last five years of my life… and counting. The EP is deeply personal, essentially everything is derived from my own life experiences and my own process of getting better.
What sounds, melodies, and/or motifs that you thought were really important to add to this EP?
I truly just wanted all of the melodies and the production of these songs to feel authentic to the story behind them. I like to emphasize the emotions of a song by matching it with how it sounds sonically.
One song off this EP is the emotional ballad “But I Do”, which transforms emotional discomfort into a liberating moment. Could you explain the concept behind this song more in detail?
Writing & recording “But I Do” was actually a big part of my own personal life story. It was the moment I realized just how important it is, to be honest about your feelings. I think admitting your pain is there and allowing yourself to fully feel & process, is the first step to healing from it.
How was working with Steve Molella on this release?
Steve is such a talented human! This project would not be what it is without him. He really took the time to make sure the production on each track brought the lyrics alive even more. He’s incredible at what he does, and I’ve learned a lot working with him.
What would you want listeners to take away after listening to Marathon?
The overarching theme of Marathon is to keep running the race. Healing is not linear, and I don’t think you ever really find yourself in this life. It’s just a series of baby steps with your sneakers laced up, getting a bit closer to your truest self with each lesson learned. I hope the listener knows it’s okay to feel it all – the good, the bad, the ugly – and continue to move forward in love, in spite of it all.
Any future plans?
I can’t say too much at this point, but the future looks bright from here! I’m really excited to keep learning, loving, and creating. More to come, stay tuned!
