“So why do good girls like bad guys?” asks alt-pop artist Sophie Powers. “I’ve had this question for a real long time…” Surely, she’s not the one one. However, Powers is out of the pondering stage, and into motion, together with her newest music “Obsessed” that includes Ashley Sienna. Written with pop legends Bonnie McKee, Camm Hunter, Liam Benayon, and Mike Gonek, the track hits the nail on the top with regards to the addictive, highly effective nature of an ideal pop music whereas holding onto a cheeky, endearing perspective that could be very a lot Powers’ personal. For those that can relate to sophisticated romance, these in search of a vicarious thrill, or these in want of a music to play on a loop this spring.
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“Obsessed” — which went viral even earlier than its official launch — has all bases lined. Powers and Sienna come collectively seamlessly on the track, for an effeminate vitality that’s acquired critical edge — and a sound recalling a smudgy Avril eye roll, or the chaotic-good earnestness of Kesha. “We can’t help who we love, or even obsess over,” Powers shrugs. “So why is there so much judgment surrounding someone’s partner? ‘Obsessed’ plays into the idea that a little obsession doesn’t hurt anyone… Most of the time…”
Firstly, let’s speak concerning the attract of toxicity, and the themes on this music. What do they imply to you, personally — or are you writing from extra of a personality standpoint?
Most therapists would say it’s “toxic and unhealthy” to love somebody who lacks an ethical compass. I fired my therapist shortly earlier than penning this music… That’s clearly evident within the refrain — the place I describe the romantic curiosity in a glamorized approach. Unfortunately, the pre-chorus describes that individual with the brutal fact of actuality. This is a private music, nevertheless. Selflessly, I wished to create a transparent and relatable visible for the listener.
To that time, the place on a spectrum — from alter ego to essentially the most bare-bones, genuine model of you — does Sophie Powers land? And is that altering the additional you go in your profession?
Sophie Powers is me. When I’m writing songs and designing clothes, it’s essentially the most me I’ve ever been. My previous self was the alter ego. I let go of that previous self increasingly more on daily basis the additional I am going into my profession. I’ve by no means felt so really seen and valued till I began releasing music.
Why do you suppose your songs, otherwise you fairly, go viral? And particularly with this one, given the infinite sophisticated love anthems on the market, why do you suppose it connects so extensively — to not point out earlier than it’s even come out.
If I knew the reply to this query, I might have the identical quantity of Instagram followers as Taylor Swift. I truthfully imagine half of the time it’s simply advertising. Millions of wonderful songs go on heard due to advertising. But by way of the music: I severely do not know what makes individuals linked to my songs. All I can do is be trustworthy, genuine, and hope that somebody on the market feels extra impressed to be genuine themselves.
Bear with me — lengthy query. Your type, in addition to your presence onstage and thru sound, has this superhero-like aura that’s actually enthralling. What would you say to that time, and the way are you exercising that vitality on this track?
I like this query as a result of I grew up watching and studying DC comics and anime. I actually have a superhero shrine in my room with 80 Spider-Man comics and Harley Quinn memorabilia. I named my pet fish Wonder Woman after I was 10 additionally (enjoyable reality). I believe that has positively influenced the way in which I gown and carry out. I wish to make individuals really feel like a superhero after they hearken to my songs. We see superheroes at their worst, greatest, and main the individuals round them. This music showcases my weak point, aka my horrible romantic style. Even heroes have their weaknesses. My superhero comedian e-book collection is written by way of music, not e-book format.
To that time, it’s one thing that I see with Okay-pop figures, so no surprise Ningning caught on. Who are your idols lately, as an artist?
I hearken to numerous Okay-pop truly and actually love Lisa from BLACKPINK‘s charisma as well as Felix from Stray Kids’ adaptability. I additionally look as much as artists like Lady Gaga for her versatility and Grimes for her ardour and artistry general. I additionally actually respect 21 Savage and hearken to him typically.
How did Ashley Sienna come into play on this track, and what was that like? Why did she really feel like a match?
Ashley was, and nonetheless is, greatest mates with my highschool/songwriter good friend Liam Benayon. All of us being from Ontario, Canada, we had lots in frequent, and I grew shut with Ashley rapidly. When I first performed her the track, it was simply as a good friend exhibiting one other good friend their music. But Ashley cherished it and thought it could work nicely together with her manifestation music. She wrote her verse to align with that, and the remainder is historical past.
I’m determined to speak about working with Bonnie McKee, Camm, Liam, and Mike. What was the very first step you took, or thought to take, in making this music, and the way did the method of working with them assist it come to fruition?
Mike is my government producer, and Camm is concerned in each music I write, so it’s usually the three of us solemnly. However, Bonnie is such a proficient author. The alternative to collaborate together with her was laborious to cross up. Liam Benayon, as I discussed earlier, is a multifaceted songwriter and producer who I’m unlucky to have grown up with as a greatest good friend. Bonnie and Liam had been shut, so it was a no brainer for all of us to do a session collectively. This music was written round New Year’s of 2023, so it’s nearly been a full yr within the works. I used to be obsessive about a boy from Toronto and hadn’t felt that approach for somebody in so lengthy! Bonnie and I are so related, and she or he understood instantly the place I used to be coming from. Liam, Mike, and Camm being so near me additionally understood instantly. For that motive, this music virtually poured out of us. And it was our first session working collectively! Absolutely a dream crew.
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