Where are you currently based?
Sydney, Australia.
How did you first start playing music?
Growing up with an array of different instruments and records from around the world was like a musical playground for me. I began to explore my own sound and style from a young age, picking up the piano at the age of 5 and then moving onto saxophone, singing and dance at the age of 8.
What’s been happening recently?
The past year I have put my head down and honed into my writing. I have been playing piano and producing again, always finding new tools to stay inspired. I have surrounded myself with like minded creatives who share the same hunger to create and collaborate on many different levels and artistic avenues. I have now completed an EP set to be released 2023.
Your latest single ‘Alien’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
I think my mood was the biggest influence, coming out of a dark mental state, but also feeling a sense of empowerment and growth as a woman. When we started writing ‘Alien’, everything just poured out of me, all the emotions I had gone through the previous year coming out of lockdown and everything that surfaced when you are forced to be with yourself and face the things you can usually run away from with distractions in the city, always being on the move. It was a rebirth of the new me, leaving behind old habits and moving toward a bright new path. I wanted the song to give a euphoric, psychedelic feel, giving the listener a sense of space, ambience and colour.
How did Alien come about?
I began writing this story a while back and once we started creating the music, everything just flowed. The lyrics came out so naturally, it was the perfect fit. We finished the song in one session, sometimes these things are just meant to be.
What does this single mean to you?
‘Alien’ weaves a story about the pressures of life in the city and how we survive it. It is about the darkness that pulls you in, the devil on your shoulder luring you into the abyss and how easy it is to forget who you are and why you’re here. It is a universal story, but also a personal story of altering my conciseness and numbing the pain and traumas that were longing to be healed.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?
‘Alien’ was recorded, produced and mastered at Bodega Studios, written by me and produced by Tom Elliott from the duo Korky Buchek.
How did you approach the recording process?
We recorded ‘Alien’ in the space of one day. The idea quickly translated with the music and I was able to fully formulate and structure my verses. I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time at Bodega studios during the midst of covid. It was a safe environment for me to try out new ideas and let my creative juices flow with no judgement or distraction.
What or who influenced the concept for the music video?
I had a vision of playing with imagery of an otherworldly creature, my alter ego, luring me deeper into the unknown. I wanted to weave a narrative using the metaphor of dreams, intertwining this with creating fantasy to escape reality. ‘Alien’ embodies rebirth; I shed my skin to seek my emancipation. I am on a journey of empowerment. Samuel Barrie Wrote the final script and Freddie XX directed the video, both having strong influences in the conceptualisation of this piece of work.
Where and when did you film and how did you find the experience?
‘Alien’ was filmed at various Sydney locations. I found the experience to be a transformative learning experience. I was lucky to manifest the team that so naturally came together to execute this idea for ‘Alien’. Each member played such a significant role and went above and beyond their roles to assure this project would grow to be a masterpiece. With time constraints, unexpected weather changes, and the usual few happenings that seem to surprise you on set, the team and I were able to overcome these obstacles, always keeping a positive mindset and having clear and open communication, most importantly remembering to enjoy the process. Everyone’s energies aligned to create a safe space where thoughts and ideals could be exchanged, communicated and agreed upon, something which doesn’t always flow in creative spaces. It is such an incredible experience working with creatives who are truly passionate about what they do and the art they want to share with the world.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
This is always a difficult question for me, as my inspiration stems from an array of musical genres, from old to new.
I think my biggest influences of recent who encompass my artistry and have impacted me and my music would be:
BEAM, Little Simz, Isaiah Rashad, Mick Jenkins, Saba, Andre 3000, Outkast, Kendrick Lamar, Asap Rocky, Smino, EarthGang, J.I.D, Blue Room Mafia, Pa Saleiu, Ramirez, Shakwell, Pouya, sza, I could go on but the list would be never ending. In recent years I have been getting into a lot of alternative hip hop and future soul. One artist that I can’t stop listening to and continues to amaze me: BEAM, Jamaican born, Miami raised and mutli talented. His production and songwriting skills are beyond our time, and ability to churn out so many varying genres, whilst interchanging his vocal style and tonality has me guessing if it’s the same artist through his albums.
~ Pink Floyd
~Missy
What do you like to do away from music?
I love to travel, spend time with my family and my loved ones, and focus on other creative projects besides music. I think its important to constantly be informing myself of what’s happening in the world around me and learn about the ever-changing environment I find myself in. I find it almost detrimental to escape the city as often as I can, I venture out into nature where I can breathe fresh air, see the stars, swim in the ocean, and immerse myself in mother nature.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
The remainder of this year will be spent finishing music, creating new works, meeting and collaborating with other creatives, and trying to help as much as I can with other people’s creative dreams and endeavours. I would like to perform my new material in new spaces and take my music all over the world.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Nothing beats mum’s cooking. Having lived out of home for so long, I have been craving family energy and a home environment, the love and warmth it brings doesn’t compare to anything. I always feel realigned and inspired after spending time with the fam.
https://www.instagram.com/somasutton/
