Interview: Five Minutes with Sôra

Image: Manon Berrebi (@berrebictures)

Sôra is a talented vocalist, writer and producer who manages to bend and shape the constraints of genre to her will with her eclectic mix of electro-pop, R&B and soul. Sôra has been going from strength to strength from the moment she started her music career; last year the multi-faceted musician collaborated with established Parisian electronic producer Uppermost, for the track ‘Step By Step’. The release was an instant success and in turn saw inspiring support from various tastemaker publications such as PAPER Magazine and Magnetic Mag as well as Youtube channels Tasty, Chill Masters and Wobblecraft after receiving just under 1 Million hits via various streaming platforms.

This year, Sôra has announced her much-anticipated EP, ‘Number One’, which is slated to be released on November 9. The latest single from this forthcoming EP will be out on all platforms on September 28 via Colligence Records, an infectious hip-hop and soul infused track titled ‘Sakura’.

Listen to ‘Sakura’, the latest single by Sôra, below.

We caught up with Sôra and chatted about jazz, collaborations and modern R&B.

Set the tone for us. Why the arts?

‘Cause nothing matters more except for my loved ones <3

Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?

It really depends, sometimes the sound brings the idea, sometimes it’s the opposite way!

Does your material feature any collaborations?

I really love collabs. My music is all about hybrid material. Collaborations are ideal to share, learn and create together.

What’s on your current playlist?

Last Louis Cole album! And cool modern more R&B tracks like ‘The Ways’ from Khalid, Swae Lee and Kendrick.

Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.

When I see a crowd of excited and smiling people I feel this good vibe coming through me! It’s like I feeI all this positive energy and want to give it back! I love it!

What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?

I study jazz, it teaches you everything! Haha!

Take us through a day in the recording studio.

“Hi Clem!”
“Hi Julia!”
“I’ve got a new song we can work on!”
“Cool, bring it on!”
“🎤”
Then we’re off!

Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?

Yes! I always knew deep inside music was my passion but a few years ago, when I was studying languages at uni, a very close friend of mine wanted me to sing for his band. He invited me to a rehearsal. We jammed and after this wonderful evening, I knew… Then all my life changed!

What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?

A bottle of water of course!

Any emerging artists on your radar?

Not yet, too busy with our stuff right now! Haha!

What gets your creative juices flowing?

People and nature.

Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.

I work with logic pro and use my lovely electric keys (Clarinova – Yamaha) to compose the heart of our songs. I also have a Micro Korg. But most of the proper production part takes place at my partner’s studio. He has a lot of crazy plugs and machines there. He also has a Subphatty Moog, a voyager Moog, Nord keys…

Any side projects you’re working on?

Small collabs for fun!

How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?

Working on jazz, also on my singing technique and never forget about inspiration.

Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?

There will be a lot going on! A couple of tracks out through September and October. A really cool video clip end of October. Then the EP in November and we’re already working on some other tracks for the album project.

Follow Sôra:
Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Instagram– Spotify