18-year-old rising pop artist Sophie Pecora has a knack for crafting relatable songs. Self-described as “turning feelings into art” the young musician writes music with the goal to assure listeners that they’re not alone – that no matter what they’re going through, someone else out there feels the same way. With this sentiment in mind, her latest five-song EP, To Save the World finds Sophie laying it all on the line in vulnerable tracks like “I’m Fine”, “I’m in a Rut” and the stunning title track, “To Save the World”. Armed with an acoustic guitar and heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics, Sophie Pecora’s new EP is a heartfelt glimpse into her world.
With To Save the World out now, we caught up with Sophie to discuss the creation of the EP, her recent influences, and what she hopes that fans take away from her music. Listen to the EP in its entirety and read more now below.
Prelude Press: You’ve released a handful of new singles so far this year from your new EP, To Save The World! What has been the highlight of your year so far?
Sophia Pecora: The highlight of my year so far has been graduating high school and moving to Los Angeles to work full time on my music career. I’ve been working on my music since I was 9 and it feels so good to be able to dive in full time.
What are you most excited for fans to hear on the EP?
The title song “To Save the World” is what I’m most excited for fans to hear. It has a powerful message and is very relevant to the times we’re in with so many terrible things happening in the world. It’s easy to feel helpless, but something I discovered as I wrote this song is that maybe it’s true that I (and anyone else who cares deeply) can help the world in some way by doing something from the heart.
Your single, “I’m Fine” is a really vulnerable track about knowing when to ask for help. Was it cathartic to work on this song? What was your headspace like when working on it?
During quarantine, I was bored and lonely at home and I was playing my guitar. I started writing about how I was feeling, and the chorus started coming to me. I wrote about how I feel sometimes when I don’t want to talk about my feelings and saying “I’m fine” is easier than trying to explain and possibly having someone not understand. I felt much better working out my emotions through the songwriting process.
When you first started working on To Save The World, did you have any major goals in mind? Was there anything that you really wanted to accomplish?
Other than my usual goal of writing a relatable song so people feel understood and not so alone, as I was writing this particular song I was also imagining how cool it would be if it were played in a movie. It seems like it would fit so well playing during a powerful scene.
Lyrically, was there anything that you knew you wanted to touch on with the EP?
With all my songs, I want to relay hope in the midst of common human struggles. I want to leave the listener feeling better after listening to my songs.
Sonically, what were some of your biggest inspirations when writing To Save The World?
I love James Arthur’s song Avalanche. It felt like an anthem with drums and violin, which made the song feel powerful. To Save the World is a bit more chill in comparison, but the Avalanche song inspired me sonically when producing.
All of your songs come from a very personal, yet very relatable place. If someone could take just one thing away from your music, what would you hope that it is?
The main takeaway from my songs is that I hope people know that anything they’re feeling, many other people feel it too. There’s always someone that knows exactly how you feel, so you never have to feel alone. When creating my songs I think of the process as turning feelings into art, and I really think this kind of art is needed. Many people are struggling with mental health, as I do sometimes as well. We all do because we’re human. I really like the idea of normalizing all feelings, regardless of what they are.
With To Save The World out soon, do you have any other big plans for 2022? Any shows coming up?
Well, I’ve already completed studio sessions for 5 new songs! These next set of songs have a lot more rapping in them, which is fun. I’m sure I’ll have more studio sessions this year for yet another set of songs. I have so many that I’m excited to release! Also, I’ll be performing at The Hotel Café in Los Angeles on July 26. I’m really excited because I’ve been wanting to perform at that venue for a long time now.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer time! And thank you for interviewing me and supporting my music. Writing songs and then releasing them for people to hear is my favorite thing in the world to do.
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