Sarah Johnsone | Interview | New Single, ‘Sofia’
Rising north-east indie-rocker Sarah Johnsone releases her brand new single ‘Sofia’ via Quiet Crown on 2nd August 2023.
While Johnsone’s alluring vocals may conjure the likes of Amy Winehouse with its loaded provocation and spacey vibe, the Newcastle-based artist’s punchy sound has more in common with music makers like Wet Leg, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Black Keys, Alice Phoebe Lou and The Police thanks to a defiantly angular alt. rock edge.
Sarah says, “‘Sofia’ is my indie rock, party track; she’s fun, she’s exciting, she’s unpredictable. Sofia represents many who are misunderstood by the male social structures around them, frequently feeling bored and dismayed in pursuit of romance. This track was one of the first I’ve written from a third person, storytelling perspective. It bore a story of the misunderstood and perennially addictive ‘cool’ girl, and the cookie cutter male chasers that can’t seem to get enough. The song flicks between a ‘beammeupsoftboi’ style account of the male fumbling attempt of seduction, and Sofia’s contempt for them.”
Debuting as a solo artist, and gaining serious plaudits for wistful single Tonight – including Spotify’s New Music Friday UK and being featured on the soundtrack to Frank Berry’s seething drama movie, Aisha – Johnsone’s trajectory saw her partner with a band and perform at prestigious venues including Sage Gateshead and Ronnie Scott’s.
Support slots with Prima Queen, CIEL, Swim School and She Drew the Gun, as well as festival appearances at Victorious, Twisterella and Stockton Calling, helped solidify Sarah as one of the region’s most exciting new acts – an opinion shared by BBC Introducing in the North East who made Sarah one of their tips for 2023.
From timeless influences to modern inspirations and lyrics which are indicative of life for a young woman in the north east, Johnsone channels themes of alienation – politically, socially, romantically and from oneself. The juxtaposition of soulful yet urgent sounds comes from an upbringing of eclectic listening habits which span jazz and soul to R&B and blues, merging with later influences which come from a distinctly punk aesthetic.
With her band by her side, an altogether more focused artist has emerged; one who’s unafraid to set out her political opinions, and reveal songwriting which touches on social dynamics with an all-too-knowing wisdom which belies her years.
Here’s Sarah Johnsone’s exclusive interview with Psychedelic Baby Magazine!
“Writing together is always really fun as we bounce off each other really well”
Your sound influences span from jazz to punk. Is that a conscious effort or is that just what comes out naturally?
Sarah Johnsone: I’ve grown up listening to jazz so it’s been a more integral influence for me. It’s only been in the past year or so that I’ve started listening to heavier tunes with a punk edge. I like to make sure I’m always expanding and listening to new genres. I think that’s what owes to the variation in our music.
Do you discover anything about yourself when you’re writing a song in third person?
Writing about themes and stories that I can’t necessarily relate with personally still helps to develop my views politically and socially. I’m focusing on stretching my imagination more when it comes to writing, through taking inspiration from people watching, my friends’ tales and the news.
Please tell us a bit about the band/musicians you’re working with!
So I play rhythm guitar and sing, we have Fez Ahmad on lead guitar, Tom Haigh on bass, Aaron Dodds on drums and Alfred Annable on keys and backing vocals. My first performance was with Fez, and we have been playing together ever since. His positive response to my early material was what gave me the confidence to start performing and releasing. We have since met Tom, Aaron and Alfred along the way. It’s a great dynamic. Writing together is always really fun as we bounce off each other really well, and we leave a lot of room for experimentation.
How would you describe the current music scene in Newcastle?
It’s absolutely bustling with talent at the minute. The city boasts so many great artists, cool venues, inclusive promoters and avid gig-goers. I think the region could rival most in the UK. The thing I love about it most is the sense of community. There’s a real sense of support and friendship between musicians, sound engineers, venue owners and promoters.
What are your plans for the rest of 2023 and into 2024?
We are going to release the catalog of songs we have been playing live for the last two years. After the EP release, we plan to get straight back in the studio to write and record. The dream is to play these songs to live audiences as far and wide as possible.
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