Introducing Sophia Bel, the Montreal-based artist and producer creating a magical space of her own with the release of her debut album ‘Anxious Avoidant’
Words by Oli Spencer
Photography by Will Arcand
Taking inspiration from pop divas and the early pop-punk stars, Sophia Bel has found the best of both worlds. Her music oozes in the colourful sounds of the early 90’s and 2000s, blended with her honest and unfiltered songwriting as she explores universal themes of love and heartache. ‘Anxious Avoidant’ was born during the pandemic, finding Sophia at her most vulnerable, shaping her into an artist she would have found comfort in when she was younger.
The album is full of magical moments where she lets her one of a kind flavour of pop shine through. Like listening to the late night croaking of frogs on the dreamy ‘Just Like A Glove’ - recorded in the woods, it captures the pure euphoric feeling of being in love. She dives into garage stoner-rock on ‘2AM (And I Did It Again)’, and her angelic vocals soar on the country-esque ballad ‘Lonely After Curfew’. Our favourite from the record is the fun and angsty ‘You’re Not Real You’re Just a Ghost’.
GET TO KNOW: SOPHIA BEL
What is your first musical memory?
When I was 4 years old I saw the Titanic and I was obsessed with “my heart will go on” by Celine Dion. I was always asking my mom to sing it with me so she bought me the cassette.
What’s your favourite lyric you’ve ever written?
“Just like a cat stuck in the bath
Drowning with no time to relax
Learning to swim in someone’s storm
Could never find my final form”
It’s in my song 'Just like a Glove' which I wrote as I was becoming more aware of my people pleasing pattern and learning how to grow out of it.
What was the last song you listened to?
'Moonlight Sonata' by Beethoven
If ‘Anxious Avoidant’ was a drink, what would the ingredients be?
Sugar, lime, aromatic bitters and a lot of vulnerability.
Have you found a perfect writing spot?
Alone at home.
You’re about to tour! How are you feeling about that?
I’m very excited, it will be an opportunity to be mindfully in the present moment and share music in all its magic and synergetic energy with my band and the audience.
Name a song from ‘Anxious Avoidant’ that you can’t wait to play live?
« All Fucking Weekend »
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I drink water or herbal tea and I try to not think about the show too much in order to keep my nervous system stable and zen.
First time you ticked off a bucket list goal?
Taping my album in the woods.
Dream collaboration?
Lana Del Rey
What’s inspiring you outside of music right now?
My process of learning to feel whole without external validation.
What’s the best way to listen to ‘Anxious Avoidant’?
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