Start Listening To: Sophie May

Sophie May talks music, social media stardom, and the perils of stalking your partner's exes.

Meet Sophie May, the 24-year-old singer-songwriter who has been making waves since the release of her breakthrough EP, "You Do Not Have To Be Good," last summer. Her sweet melodies and sharp lyrical edge have earned her a dedicated following, including fans such as Billie Eilish, Celeste, and Sabrina Carpenter. Today, Sophie May has shared her new single "Doppelgänger," which will be featured on a new body of work set to release this summer. The track, produced by Josh Scarbrow (known for his work with Arlo Parks and Matt Maltese), explores the universal emotions of jealousy and takes a melodramatic take on feeling like all your partner's exes look like you. In this Q&A, we will get to know Sophie May, her inspirations, her process, and her plans for the future.

Can you tell us who you are, where you’re from, and something about the music you make?

I’m a singer songwriter from south London that loves to tell stories through my lyrics. I try to be as honest as possible while still keeping a sense of humour throughout.

What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your music?

Any type of enjoyment is a success in my book. I love to tell stories through my lyrics and if someone finds some kind of comfort in that, then that’s amazing.

What pushed you to start pursuing music as a career?

I was lucky that lockdown gave me a lot of time to write songs, I fell into the career as I only ever saw it as a hobby. So in a way people online reacting to my snippets really pushed me to keep writing and growing as an artist.

What did you find hardest about teaching yourself guitar?

Probably the immobility of my little finger. That still is the hardest part.

What does the writing and recording process look like for you?

I write new lyrics almost every day, if it’s at the breakfast table when I wake up or in the evening at my desk. I find writing a soothing process and luckily I don’t need a solid routine to feel like I can get into it. I’ll then record songs on my laptop using logic, probably in my bedroom while using a podcast mic my brother bought me when I was 19.

What was it like working with Josh Scarbrow (Arlo Parks, Matt Maltese) On your track Doppelgänger?

Working with Josh is always a joy as he’s my friend so working together comes easily. I came to Josh with a half formed idea, he turned my more simple chords into these (really hard to play) inversions that now make the whole song.

Doppelgänger explores the moment of indulgence when deep diving way too far back on an exes profile. How do you stop yourself from doom scrolling?

I think the best way to stop yourself from doom scrolling is by doing it once, getting your hand burned and then never doing it again (and being kind to yourself if you do, do it again)

How does it feel to have artists such as Billie Eilish and Celeste reach out and comment on your work?

It feels surreal but also really rewarding. I love both their work and really respect them as artists too so having any kind of compliment from them is amazing.

Name an artist you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why?

Paul Simon will always have a special place in my heart ‘Run That Body Down’ keeps me sane and soothes any anxieties.

What’s the best gig you have ever been to?

Seeing Mac Demarco when I was 19, he took my ring off my finger and played a guitar solo. My 19 year old self thought that was the best thing that had ever happened to me.

What do you love right now?

I’m really loving Andy Shauf’s new music. His song ‘Wasted On You’ is wonderful.

What do you hate right now?

I don’t know If hate anything right now… maybe cold sores…they’re ruining my face.

Are there any particular artists or bands that have influenced your music?

Frank Ocean had a massive impact on me when I was first getting into songwriting, his melody choices inspired me to learn guitar - the Blonde album will always be my favourite.

Is there any new music you’re looking forward to hearing in 2023?

I loved Faye Webster’s recent album, so anything new from her I’ll happily receive.

Thanks for speaking with us! Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

I’d love to thank anyone that’s listened to my first EP, I appreciate all the support and look forward to releasing new music soon!