BORN TO FOLK
Classics, New Folk, Australian Indie Folk & Folk Pop
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Indulge in the timeless charm and authentic storytelling of Born To Folk, where the essence of folk music comes to life. Delve into the soul-stirring melodies of classic folk, the innovative sounds of contemporary folk, the heartwarming rhythms of indie folk, and the poetic lyricism of folk-pop. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of tales woven by acoustic guitars, soulful vocals, and heartwarming harmonies. Born To Folk curates a mesmerizing collection that captures the essence and diversity of folk music, from its roots to the present. Join us on a musical journey that celebrates the human experience, one soulful note at a time.
We are beyond thrilled to present the premiere of Sophie Edwards' latest single and music video, 'Chest.' Sophie sat down with us to share the fascinating journey behind the song's creation. Sophie has graciously nominated 'Gia Ransome' and 'Haley Holgate' for inclusion in the 'Born To Folk' playlist. Join us in this exclusive look into Sophie Edwards' captivating musical journey
Firstly we are super excited to be premiering your new video! Can you share a bit about your collaboration with Monique Lewis as well as the creative process behind this music video for 'Chest'?
Thankyou! Monique was so much fun to work with; I hit her up at the end of 2023 with a crazy long rambling paragraph of this story about a monster made out of tulle that follows me and ruins my day, and she was so caring and on-board with all my weird ideas. The song itself is quite solemn and serious, so we wanted the video to be a little bit less serious but still take the audience on an emotional rollercoaster. Monique along with my wonderful friends Meg, Olivia, and Georgia all came over and spent a day making this ridiculous story come to life, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Collaborating on this with my close friends made me super comfortable to try new things and be more excited about the process.
Secondly are you able to nominate 5 local artists for our Australian Indie Folk Playlist ‘Born To Folk’
Nicole Issa x Jeva - are you really worth it
Haley Holgate- Philosophers
Koebi Faumui- Something New
Gia Ransome- Morning Light
Southey- I Know the Way
Having spent time in the studio with notable artists like Kimbra, what specific inspirations and influences lead to writing this piece?
Writing for Kimbra was an experience that really shaped this upcoming EP; the way that she wandered into the room with a warming presence and was so deliberate in the way that she sang each word, just made me want to be like her one day. I think that is reflected in this song too; I wrote some really difficult vocal lines and placed them carefully. I have also learned that I think I operate best in an environment that is diverse and not male-dominated, so I have built up a creative team that supports my releases that are all non-male. This includes my go-to photographer, videographers, live sound engineer, mastering engineer, my drummer and bassist, and we have such a nice time together.
Photo: Sophie Edwards by NIc Mckenzie, 2024
Given your diverse creative background and collaborations, could you briefly delve into the production, writing, and the meaning behind the lyrics of 'Chest'?
So I produce my own music at the moment; I find it to be really rewarding as it's 100% my own voice. I bring in other musicians and artists that I think compliment the song, and I prioritise authenticity. I think that "Chest" is my most vulnerable song yet; I was at my lowest, and it felt like this song just fell out all in one heap on the bedroom floor. I had a booking in the studio for the next day to mix some music, and I decided that I was going to track the song while the emotions were feeling raw. I felt like there was a whole year of studying the "right way" to write and produce a song, and I kinda threw all of that out the window to prioritise my emotions. It was a bit experimental, but now it is one of my favourite pieces I have ever produced.
Your extensive collaborations include co-writing with various artists both locally and abroad. Who are two emerging talents in your network that you see on the brink of success, and what makes their work stand out?
I think here in Canberra we are really spoilt for live musicians and also a bit secluded from the rest of the country which is a shame; we make some incredible acts. Jett Blyton is making some really cool pop music and has really amazing visuals to pair with the Jett story made by Meg Houghton. Overseas, i wanna give some love to a vocalist I admire; Katryna Florence. She just released a new track called "Baby Blue" that never stops impressing me with her abilities as a singer and a producer.
Photo: Sophie Edwards by NIc Mckenzie, 2024
With your advocacy work and diverse musical roles, what unique elements can fans expect from your live performance and are there specific tour dates in the pipeline for this track?
So something I really love is that my entire crew that I put shows on with are currently all non-male. It was never really an act of advocacy or anything, I honestly just saw that there were so many of my talented friends not being able to break in to the live show scene, but I tell you what; ever since this shift, my shows are so well organised, documented, and deadlines are never late. My drummer Katherine even practices and sends me little google drive videos to make sure I like what she's up to. I'm hoping to release an EP later this year and I will be trying to do a headline show then, but in the meantime i am supporting some artists that i really admire.
As we revel in the premiere of 'Chest,' it's impossible not to marvel at the sisterhood of collaborators that Sophie Edwards has fostered. Beyond her own impressive artistry, Sophie's influence extends to her roles as a songwriter and producer for artists locally and abroad. This collaborative spirit, coupled with her commitment to showcasing diverse talents, underscores the vibrant tapestry of her musical endeavors. Sophie's ability to blend vulnerability, experimentation, and authenticity shines not only in her solo work but also in her nurturing of emerging talents.
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