Sofia Evangelina On the Making Of “LONE WOLF”
What was the creative process like for this particular "LONE WOLF?"
First came the song concept, then the draft lyrics, then I fumbled around on the piano to create a draft melody and chose the right chords to set the mood. Next, I sent a rough voice memo to my producer and he definitely understood the assignment so he took the vision to the next level with the production. Within 2 days we finalized the lyrics and the beat together and recorded the final vocals.
The story behind the visuals is another story altogether!
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of "LONE WOLF?"
I wrote Lone Wolf while in COVID lockdowns. Physically, I was feeling quite isolated, as most of us were, but that was only the trigger that led me to dig deeper into analyzing my past and the journey that I’ve trekked so far. I outpoured all the feelings that I had within me and unlocked memories lived through up to that point to tell a story. The “Lone Wolf” mindset is something I wanted to share with my listeners, which I felt might relate to many. I also committed myself to staying true to this promise of greatness, no matter how lonely the path may become. In real life, I am actually very social.
What did you enjoy most about making "LONE WOLF?
Time in the studio is always one of my favourites. This time it was COVID-19 and Toronto looked like a ghost town, were all kinda lone wolves, each rebellious and independent, my mom, my vocal coach, and my dope producer, we were all locked inside the studio, vibing and recording great stories.
Making the music video later in the UAE is a completely different story, out of this world
Can you share a bit about your musical background and the journey that led you to where you are today?
Get some snacks and get cosy cause that’s quite a story! Haha, I’ll do my best to tell a long story short (ish)!
I have been singing since I can remember but my family and the first vocal coach noticed something different in my voice at age 7, this is when we began to pursue music a bit deeper. It was some operas and musicals that caught my initial interest and early vocal memorization and emulation but soon enough it evolved into my mom’s invitation aboard a musical soul-train! A discovery of music’s most refined and passionate artists and an exploration into the hits of soul, Motown, blues, and Jazz. This had me mesmerized with Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Nina Simone, to name a few, which then transpired into my fascination with Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston, and so on. It was the passion of the divas of yesteryears that drew me, but the meticulous and virtuoso vocals and storytelling of the modern-day stage queens had me evolving quickly. But we need to pause the story here quickly to mention that as this part of my story was progressing, so was another, which was my professional sporting career. I had also begun very young and become a professional athlete by age 11, I was juggling my love and passion for music with the nature of my wild spirit, winning contests in music and simultaneously in my sport and soon on an international level for my country. Understanding my sport will help to understand where the next phase of musical inspiration stemmed from, which was hip hop and rap. I grew up surrounded by boys and the sub-culture of our sport (which was boys attempting to be gangsters 😂) so naturally I fell in love with their playlists until mine became better. I was so inspired by the raw truth and authentic nature of hip hop, especially old-school hip hop which eventually evolved into finding inspiration in modern-day drill, urban music, and beyond plus all the genius artists in those genres.
At 15 I retired fully from my sport, and by then I had already released my debut cover album and singles recorded at 14, which had gone on to win awards.
By 15 (and a half) I put the gas to the floor with my music career, which has always been my soul’s calling, and haven’t looked back since. I’m so grateful for my mom, who has been guiding me and managing my career ever since. Without my parent’s support and my mom’s protection and guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today and even though he has a long way to go to achieve the visions we’ve set, I’m so proud of all we’ve achieved independently with no support or big team up to this point.
It’s only up from here!
What do you enjoy most about performing live and connecting with your audience?
Remember I mentioned that being in the studio was one of my favourite places? The other place would have to be the stage. I feel so in my element when on stage. I love putting on a good show and sharing my passion. I always experience the most intimate and vulnerable moments with my audience. It’s so beautiful and it’s surreal to have people sing along with your songs, and feel their connection. Nothing quite like it.