Start Listening To: Soft Lad
Crack open a bottle and prepare to dazzled by gay pop bangers.
The SELF ESTEEM and SOAK collaborator launched her solo career back in November with exceptional debut single ‘Singapore’. It came after no less than fourteen years in the industry, playing for the likes of Tom Grennan, The Breeders, James Vincent McMorrow and Jessie Ware. Now, after continued acclaim for her sophomore release ‘2 Know U Betta’, Galpin has finally revealed her debut solo EP as Soft Lad.
Can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?
Hi! I’m Sophie Galpin and I’m originally from Northampton but I’m currently living in West London. The music I make is probably best described as gay pop bangers (hopefully).
How did it all start?
I’ve been playing music as long as I can remember and I’ve always been in bands but this is my first foray into going solo. I started properly writing my own songs back in 2018 - I’d always dabbled but could never find my style. Ironically when I stopped trying to make it anything at all I managed to settle into something that felt authentic.
How do you produce your music?
I write and demo everything by myself at home, then I go into the studio with my producer Cecil who helps me to get the best out of it and really find the magic. I love working with Cecil so much, I trust him implicitly and we have such a good thing going on. Trust is so important with a producer - when you know that you can suggest anything and they can suggest anything and whether you use the idea or not is because it’s truly what’s best for the music and not fuelled by ego - that’s magic. Although sometimes I’m grumpy AF and choose a really weird hill to die on like a specific synth sound or a bass riff.
What inspires your music?
I’m definitely inspired by day-to-day life. Lyrically things always come to me when I’m doing something else entirely and just living my life. Conversations that I’m having, interactions that have made me feel something (even just for a short while), nights out… I sit down formally to write the music bit usually, but the nuggets of ideas for words are inspired by moments when I’m doing something totally different. I’ve got so many phone notes of things that I’ve thought of out and about and been like, ‘Write that down, quick!’
How are you feeling about the release of your upcoming debut EP Maximum Feels?
I’m SO excited that my EP is finally coming out! I recorded it back in 2020 so it feels like a long time coming as I’ve been sitting on these songs for ages. I hope the world likes it.
How has collaborating with Self Esteem and Soak influenced you as an artist?
I’m so lucky to work with such amazing artists - it’s truly my greatest pleasure to play with Rebecca and Bridie, I literally can’t believe it’s my job most of the time! I’ve definitely learnt so much from them both in terms of work ethic and having a true vision for your music, knowing when and when not to compromise, and artistic and personal integrity. Also, not taking yourself too seriously! I love them both so hard, and we have a right fucking laugh on tour.
Tell us something about yourself that has nothing to do with music?
I once won a laptop off Saturday morning telly - it was Wonky Donkey on SMTV live.
If your music were a film or TV show which would it be?
That’s a tough one. Hopefully a TV show that is yet to exist that wants to commission me to compose the soundtrack. Any and all emails welcome!
How are you feeling about supporting Grace Petrie on her May tour?
So excited! We haven’t met in person yet unfortunately but we’ve had a lot of WhatsApp back and forth and I feel like we’re going to have a right giggle.
Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s important to you?
I still listen to Give Up by the Postal Service loads. I just think the production and songwriting is sublime. I listened to the Song Exploder podcast the other day about how they made it, so satisfying.
What do you hate right now?
TERFS and anti-trans sentiment. It does my fucking head in. All the time, but especially if it comes from within the queer community. Who do you think you are?! Trans people fought for gay rights, what the fuck are you doing denying their basic human right to exist? It blows my mind.
What do you love right now?
That it’s Spring! I love this time of year because it feels so alive and full of possibility, like everything is ahead.
What comes next in the Soft Lad story?
More songs more shows more fun more everything! I want to throw myself into it.
Is there any new music from 2022 that you’re enjoying?
Rebecca (Self Esteem) sent this song Cardboard Box by Flo on the never-ending WhatsApp thread of dreams the band are all on and I’m OBSESSED. Such a bit of me.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Here is a link to an amazing charity called Mermaids who help transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children and their families - and rely on donations to keep running.