November 18 / 2024 –

Where many new artists tremble in the face of a debut EP, Austin, Texas based singer-songwriter Sophia Warren dives bravely in. Her debut EP Bloodstone is part of a triple EP series – the first part of which released last month. I was able to ask a few questions of the burgeoning artist, and she answered (if you can believe it).

Real Goblin: This EP was clearly inspired by some hardships. Did you find it difficult to revisit those during the writing process?

Sophia Warren: YES! When you go through hardships the last thing you want to do is relive them. As I’m writing it’s like pulling a Band-Aid off the hairy part of your arm. It hurts, it exposes what you haven’t healed & brings back the pain you thought you left behind. As awful as that sounds, it is crazy cathartic. 

Real Goblin: What were your biggest musical influences when you were writing these songs?

Sophia Warren: I’ve always been stuck in the past and will forever be nostalgic, I take such inspiration from what I listened to as a kid. My family used to take long road trips and we would listen to artists like Radiohead, Nirvana, Matthew Good Band & The Cure.  My grandfather introduced me to the classics like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson. I still think of these bands especially Radiohead and 40’s and 50’s melodies when creating music and working on this EP. Trying to find something unique and not yet done before, blending and bringing together decades and generations, creating something entirely new.

Real Goblin: This is your debut EP but you’ve presumably been writing for some time. How did you settle on this sound and story for your work?

Sophia Warren: I’ve worked with different producers and artists for about 8 years, I feel over the past 2 years I’ve finally connected to the sound I wanted to create. It’s also been made easier because I have incredible support from my team, & the label; they’ve always given me the freedom to express myself through my music.

Real Goblin: You worked with Chris Coady (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio, Beach House) on the production side of this EP. What was that like?

Sophia Warren: Working with Chris Coady was incredible! He’s an amazing producer, who loves music & experimenting with sound. He really helped me capture the genuine and authentic sound I envisioned for this EP. Chris’s perfectionism throughout the process made me know that it was in the right hands. He always made me feel comfortable, giving me the space to create the music I’d been trying so long to achieve. I’m so lucky that we were able to do it again with EP2.

On Bloodstone, Chris Coady brings his experience with synth driven, atmospheric bangers and molds it to Sophia’s style. Her eclectic influences shine through on the EP, making for a solid debut.

Sophia Warren’s Bloodstone is a unique approach to the debut EP. Rather than a shot in the dark attempt at finding her sound, Sophia approaches this in a more ambitious way. Bloodstone is to be the prologue in a multi-EP story.

Real Goblin: This is the first of a planned series of EPs. Can you tell me a bit about how the rest of this series will unfold?

Sophia Warren: I truly see these 3 EP’s as my diary. Sharing my experiences, my heartbreak, &  those cringe moments you wish you could forget.  I wanted to be vulnerable & honest about my progression or lack thereof  along with my growth as an artist, a girlfriend, a daughter, &  human being. 

Real Goblin: What do you hope listeners take away from this EP?

Sophia Warren: In 100 years nobody is gonna remember those embarrassing moments you had or the times you failed. Live your life with no regrets, and be the weird dude!