Meet Sophie Topaz
Sophie Topaz is a 19 year old up and coming french Musician.
How would you describe your music style?
I don’t really put a label on it. It can be really pop but also Soul, R&B or even Indie/Alternative. It really is just me writing what I’m feeling and adding music to emphasize it and make it exactly how it sounds in my head.
Who are your biggest music inspirations?
I feel like saying Beyoncé and Rihanna is obvious to me (but I still have to) because they are the pioneers of everything I know I like about music. But there are so many more artists who influence me each day and to only name a few, I would say… Whitney Houston, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande.
How did you get started in music?
Music has been a big part of my life since… Well, the day I was born, really. My dad was a DJ for a long period and seeing him spending so much time on music was a mystery to me but now I clearly understand. I did 5 years of piano lessons and I had singing lessons with it. I didn’t really know what I was doing but I think I realized I could actually sing. Then I started writing poems really early on and I remember so vividly that the day Rihanna released Diamonds was also the day I realized I wanted to learn English. I kept writing and writing until the day I understood I wanted to do that forever.
What are you most proud of so far in your career?
I participated in a local talent competition for fun and won. It was so much fun and it felt good to be in an environment where everyone loved music as much as I did.
One of the rewards was a performance in front of a local crowd during a celebration we have each year where I live called La fête de la Mirabelle. It was insane since I never really had a stage to myself where I got to perform my songs and some covers to a great crowd. I will never forget.
Where do you get the inspiration for your songs?
Most of the time, it comes from personal experiences because it feels so good to just write what I’m feeling deep down, without the need to sugar- coat it because I know the less I restrict myself, the better the song is going to be. And when a song is fully written, I often feel like the weight of all those things I was feeling is gone.
What makes you different from other musicians?
I really think everyone is unique. You can have something someone wishes to have and vice versa but I like to think that I am truly the only me and therefore, I am different from everyone else. There is such a big concept about always aiming to be different and that’s fair. But I don’t want to see it as an obstacle. Although, as I am a big part of the production of my songs and also the only writer (for now), so it’s really me.
What is it like being an up and coming musician in the age of social media?
It truly is a blessing. It became so easy to put your music out there, where people would share the same passion as you or would just like to discover new things. A lot of opportunities can be found and, unlike before (I wouldn’t know, but I can guess), everyone has a chance to be seen. It feels so great to see how many artists are out there.
Do you have any projects coming up?
I am currently writing a lot and trying to understand what my true sound is. I still have a lot to learn and I can’t wait to share all the work I’ve done during all those years. You can expect some new projects, so… Stay tuned!
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from being in this industry?
I don’t think I can really tell since how early it is for me. But from what I learned thanks to a lot of artists I look up to, I would say that surrounding yourself with the best people is really key. Also, some personal advice I want to remember in the future is to never forget why I started this journey: passion and love for music.
What message do you hope your songs send?
To be honest, I just want people to know that we are all going through the qsame struggles, joys, highs and lows. I’m so proud to be able to write about it and it makes me feel truly blessed to know that it could help people who don’t know how to put words on their thoughts. I want people to realize that feeling things deeply is not a weakness but more of a strength because it’s hard to admit those things and there’s nothing more beautiful to see someone being unapologetically themselves.
What do you want to tell the people who listen to your music?
Well, I hope they can feel and hear the truth in it. That I am a new artist who’s eager to learn more and to show more of myself. I can’t wait to see where this journey will take us because after spending so many years waking up to those same thoughts in my head, I am longing to
finally make it come true.
What advice do you have for somebody who wants to get into the music industry?
Go for it. Why not? The only thing stopping you is yourself. If something makes you feel invincible, like you’re in another world for a moment or that you can feel in your core that you were born to do nothing else, take the plunge. You’ll never regret trying.
What are some of your guilty pleasure songs?
I don’t really feel guilty about it but I will say… One direction. I know, I know. Or the saddest songs at any time of the day even when I’m feeling the greatest.
Where can our readers listen to your music?
For now, you can stream my music on SoundCloud and YouTube if you type Sophie Topaz. New songs may or may not be coming soon on other platforms…
What kind of vibe do you want to give off to your audience?
I want people to be able to dance to my songs and then cry because of another. I want them to feel like the best version of themselves while remembering some bittersweet memories… But most importantly, I want them to feel something.
How has 2020 impacted you personally and with your work?
It really was quite a hard year especially when you want to try and make things happen. I had plans of course, like everyone else, and it was hard to see them go away one by one but, I must say, I had the luxury to be home with my family, all safe and healthy so I will never complain. Also, I had more time than ever to compose, write and create things that I never would have. I put all my hopes in 2021 really.
I am more than thrilled to have the opportunity to answer those questions, thank you so much Velvet Fields. Music is such an important part of my life so getting recognition is always a pleasure. I also thank you, the reader! Don’t hesitate to contact me on my socials, I love creating new conversations. I can’t wait to show you more of my world.