Diandra Interviews Sophia Messa: Good Energy, Different Sound
Born and raised a New Yorker, Sophia Messa has, literally, grown with music within the city that NEVER sleeps. Having studied everything music, from opera to business, the 19 year old is quickly entering every “One To Watch” list. Her ability to transform all her sonic influences into a new, original style makes songs feel uniquely rich in quality. In our interview, Sophia Messa discusses how New York and good conversations create her sound.
Diandra: How do you feel learning music and music business, since high school, has prepared you for your career?
Sophia: Learning music and business since high school has definitely given me an advantage entering the music industry because I’d already been previously educated on the fundamentals.
Diandra: Living in NYC you are constantly inspired by random things. What are the most random things that have either inspired a song or lyric?
Sophia: A lot of times seeing interactions on the subway or walking through union square have been inspiring since it’s filled with many diverse people. I wrote a song about this couple I saw that was on drugs. It was really interesting that they were on another planet and it inspired a song about wanting to know their point of view on life in that moment.
Diandra: As you rise in the industry, it can feel like you are inviting a microscope into your life: outsiders filled with opinions. How do you keep clear and calm to observe your art and build your vision?
Sophia: It’s hard to always stay clear minded because I do want to know people’s opinion on my art. I try to remember that everyone’s going to have something to say regardless, so listen to those who care for you and can relate to your art because that’s the only connection that’s going to matter at the end of the day.
Diandra: “offyourface” is about hurting someone in a relationship with you. Name a moment when you feel your love helped or healed someone.
Sophia: I can’t think of a specific moment, but, anytime I feel my friends haven’t been their best selves or are hurting, I try to be there for them emotionally and make sure they know I love them and that they’re presence means a lot to me.
Diandra:Your songs observe romance, friendship, and even how social pressures can influence both. How would you describe the best relationship and friendship?
Sophia: The best relationship/ friendship to me is based off of energy and conversation. My closest relationship is with the person I can sit in a room with and feel genuine happiness because they’re next to me, and at any point start a conversation whether it’s pointless or deep. I can enjoy that conversation because I love the person I’m having it with.
Diandra: You have spoken about the darkness of materialism and the power of emotional connections, yet artists’ images can be very materialistic.
Sophia: Don’t get me wrong – materialistic items are exciting and can definitely bring temporary happiness. But if you’re enjoying those materialistic items with people you don’t truly love, it will get boring and sad. Money can’t buy conversations and meaningful relationships.
Sophia Messa – moneydontfixlonely
Diandra: You are a very curious person always looking for new things to learn. What is one thing/ person/ or place you have never googled about want to learn? Google it, tell me, and explain why you were so curious about it.
Sophia: Good question! I couldn’t think of something off the top my head that I wanted to learn about so I randomly googled toothpaste and learned that there is a conspiracy theory that we are told to brush our teeth twice a day by the government so that the toothpaste in fluoride can slowly kill our “third eye” (whatever that means lol) and now toothpastes are being made without fluoride.
(Thinks to myself: … Me…. I believe it.)
Diandra: You have cited Sia, Lady Gaga, Frank Ocean,Tame Impala, Rosalia, and Rihanna as influences. What do you think they have in common that makes you like them, and how do you feel it reflects in your music?
Sophia: They are all creatives who write their own music and whenever any of their music is played, you know exactly who it is.
Diandra: Brazilian Music has also influenced your sound. Who are a few Brazilian artists you adore and are inspired by?
Sophia: To be honest, I didn’t grow up with many different Brazilian artists, but the one I do remember watching as a kid was Xuxa.
Diandra: Having done music since you were so young, what is the first memory that comes to mind when you think of how much you love to sing?
Sophia: Singing a song called “Dayenu” in a program my mom used to take me to called Broadway Babies.
For More Information on Sophia Messa Click Here.
