Born in Switzerland and raised in Nashville, Sophie Allison is living the musical life she was meant to as singer-songwriter and producer Soccer Mommy.
Starting her career as a DIY, bedroom producer Sophie already has several releases under her belt. Yet it's her latest release, an album titled 'Clean' that she considers her debut proper. “It's the first studio album and it's also the first full-length thing I've done,” Allison says.
“'Clean' is the first one I really sat down and took time writing; I wanted to see a really complete thing and went into the studio to make something that felt like a real record.”
Released in March, 'Clean' shows Sophie's progression as a songwriter and performer since her 2015 self-released 'Songs For The Recently Sad'.
“It feels more distant than it did a year ago when I was getting ready to release it, but I'm definitely happy with it, and I think I've learned from it too,” Sophie says of the album.
“There are things that I want to do that I didn't do on that record that I want to accomplish on the next record, and I think it will be like that always. There are lots of little sounds that I like that I want to experiment with, and there's lots of recording techniques I want to experiment with.
“I think I always want to get deeper into the songwriting and touch on things I haven't touched on before. At this point, I just want to make something that's different than other stuff; I just want to make something that's not like anything else.”
Sophie will be in Australia as Soccer Mommy to present the songs from 'Clean' at Falls Festival, and says she and her band are extremely excited about returning for a longer visit this time around. “Last time it was so beautiful and the weather was amazing; it was a great break from touring in America,” Sophie says.
“I haven't really experienced the Australian touring because last time we only played one show. America can be gruelling... and a lot of it is not as beautiful as Australia, but there are some amazing parts of America that are beautiful to see.”
Part of Sophie's extended stay in Australia includes a number of sideshows where fans will experience her songcraft and stage presence more closely. “It will be cool to see what it's like to just play a normal show in Australia; the [side]shows will definitely be more intimate,” she says.
“It will be good to get to play a full show for them and interact with them more than I would get to at a festival where you kind of just play the songs and get off the stage. You can talk to them a little bit more and play a longer set.”
Never one to sit in one place too long, Sophie already has her sights set on the next Soccer Mommy project. “It's not anything that's complete yet but I'm definitely working towards another album,” she confirms.
“Maybe I'll put it out next year or the beginning of the year after. I'm always writing, and I love recording and getting music out so hopefully it'll be as soon as possible.”
Soccer Mommy plays Falls Festival December-January, and sideshows at Oxford Art Factory (Sydney) 2 January and Howler (Melbourne) 7 January.
2018-2019 Falls Festival Dates
28-31 Dec - Lorne (Victoria)29-31 Dec - Marion Bay (Tasmania)
31 Dec-2 Jan - Byron Bay (NSW)
5-6 Jan - Fremantle (WA)
