An emerging indie artist based in Perth, Sophie Lilah paints vivid pop-folk soundscapes using themes related to darkness, grit, and charm like watercolours to bring to life her emotive songs.
Still only 18, and having released three singles in 2023, Sophie's newest song is 'Dreamland'. A tune beyond her years, this track lays on a steady foundation of dark and decadent bass.As ethereal, floaty vocals start, the track spreads its wings and transforms, which feels like a truly genre-bending evolution. A grounded drum keeps this song deeply rooted to the earth, though her emotive, grieving vocals branch to the heavens.
Who is... My name is Sophie Lilah and I'm an 18-year-old, indie-pop artist from Perth, WA. I love writing songs and have done so for most of my life.
The songs I write started getting decent when I was about 15, which was when I started taking my music more seriously. I sang as a part of Fremantle College's Contemporary Music Program in high school and am now studying contemporary vocals at university.
I have recently started gigging in Perth and have gotten together a backing band. I hope to continue to grow as a musician and performer, sharing my music and connecting with audiences around the word.
I sound like... Clairo, Julia Jacklin, with hints of some of my alternate favourites like Radiohead and BANKS.
My first gig... As Sophie Lilah was in 2020 at Mojos Bar in East Fremantle. It was with a backing band I got together from my high school. I was very nervous, and our set was shaky. However, it's great to look back to see how far I've grown as a musician and performer.
When did you settle on your artistic name, and was it a unanimous decision... It was a pretty simple decision. Sophie Lilah is just my first name and my middle name. I was going to go with Sophie Anderson, but I thought it might be a bit generic and there are probably a lot of Sophie Andersons in the world.
In the studio I usually... Bring a song I have already written to the studio with a voice memo to send the producer. I always plan out how I want each song to sound before I get there, such as the instrumentation, dynamics, genre, style and mood as well as a reference playlist.
I usually work in 156 Studio with a producer called Calvin Bennett and we collaborate well to get the songs done quickly. I absolutely love going into the studio and putting a song together and seeing it come to life.
If I could tour with anyone... I am OBSESSED with Chappell Roan at the moment, so going on tour with her would be so amazing and inspiring. I love how she has different dress-up themes for her shows; that would be so much fun.
Social media is... So time consuming and so addictive! I hope I can get off my phone more and reduce the amount of time I spend on social media this year.
My favourite app at the moment is... Pinterest girl forever! I find it so much fun to save cute little photos in different boards. Spotify is definitely up there too.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... Probably at one of my first gigs ever, with a trio I was in called The Dahlias; I forgot the words to 'Jolene' by Dolly Parton, I completely froze and will never forget it.
Life on the road can be... A part of my future I hope.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... Dark chocolate and an iced latte please.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... I am very fortunate to not have been in very many scary situations. However, one of my scariest memories I have is when I nearly drowned when I was surfing. I was 12 and it was very humbling.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... Scott Tweedie from 'Prank Patrol'.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? I would love to live in Rome or anywhere in Italy really. It just looks so beautiful there. The buildings, beaches, wine and Italian food I imagine would be divine.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Chappell Roan, Charli XCX and Troye Sivan because they are iconic and I just know it would be a good time.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? I'm a pretty bad cook to be honest, so I would cook something simple like a pasta or ravioli. I would attempt a dessert too.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? I love pets! Animals are the cutest. I would love a pet Highland cow.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Posters, records, guitars, and artwork.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Yesterday. I am on my gym grind at the moment!
What's the one chore you dislike the most? My least favourite chore would have to be sweeping the floor. However, I love hanging out the washing because it smells so nice.
Do you have any phobias... I am very claustrophobic. I absolutely hate elevators or just any small spaces. Not a fan of hospitals either.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? I would go on 'Master Chef', but as a guest judge so I can eat the food.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? I would prank my friend Anna because she is very gullible. One time she tricked me into drinking dishwashing liquid (I am also very gullible). So I would love to take revenge and do the same prank on her.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? U&I is a 24-hour Vietnamese restaurant in Northbridge, Perth, with the best Vietnamese meals which you can get takeaway, so delicious! Especially after a night out.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? This is a tough question. Some fictional characters I think I could relate to and am similar to include Kat from 'Ten Things I Hate About You' and Orla from 'Derry Girls'.
Last show you binge-watched? I recently watched a show with my Mum called 'Two Weeks To Live'. It was a very sarcastic, funny, British crime-drama which we both enjoyed.
