Photo courtesy of Kalie Tomlinson
Rising hyperpop-punk star Sophie Powers from Toronto, Canada is gearing up to release her upcoming EP “Revenge in Red.” Her latest release, the unapologetic single “U Love It,” — featuring alternative rapper $atori Zoom — is a hybrid between nostalgic pop-punk and modern hyperpop.
When asked what playlists “U Love It” would be on, Powers responded with
“Getting Ready With the Girls” and “Bad Bitch Energy”
“Overall, the song is about just embodying dope ass feminine energy,” she said with a smile. With lyrics like, “Yeah my mini-skirt’s cropped up and I know that it’s hot,” the song immediately fills the listener with confidence. Whether you need a boost before class or just want to feel like a movie character in a TikTok edit, the song serves as a reminder of the power we all hold.
The single exudes power and control, something Powers values about making music as a teenage girl. “Being a teenager is empowering,” she states. “There’s not a lot of control over your own life, yet you gain so much independence.” Songwriting allows Powers to take what control she does have in whatever direction she wants. She uses it to write powerful badass songs like “U Love It,” but also takes a more vulnerable and raw route with her song “Lonely Army.”
Confidence and authenticity have played a huge role in Powers’ path to success. Powers explained how in normal circumstances, musicians depend a lot on live audiences and shows to build a fan base. But with starting to release her music amidst the ongoing pandemic, Powers has had to build herself up through the power of social media. “Being a regular person, no filters, showcasing your outfits,” is how Powers describes her process of creating a connection with her fans. “I still feel like I don’t do a good enough job at showing my authentic self,” she candidly admits. Like all of us, Powers doesn’t feel confident 24/7. That’s why she writes songs like “U Love It”: to help herself and her listeners to feel like their most beautiful, true selves even during their worst days.
With Avril Lavigne, Lady Gaga, Nirvana and The Prodigy as her biggest musical inspirations, it’s no surprise that Powers puts so much thought into the creative side of her content. Credited as director, co-editor, stylist and set designer on the “U Love It” music video, Powers always takes the bull by the horns when it comes to her artistic vision. It was Powers’ idea to collaborate with $atori Zoom after listening to him on SoundCloud and thinking he would be a perfect fit for the track. Powers takes pride in watching her ideas become reality, and won’t settle for anything less. She also won’t allow herself to fall into the timid, submissive role that’s constantly forced onto young girls: “I realized it’s not about being bossy, but I just really really know what I want for myself.” She’s taking the music industry by storm, and she’s doing it her way. And I can’t wait to see what she does next!
It was a pleasure speaking with Powers, hearing her insight on her latest track and understanding her young yet impactful career. Until the quickly approaching release of “Revenge in Red,” you can listen to “U Love It” and Powers’ other music on streaming platforms such as SoundCloud, Apple Music and Spotify.