Sophie Egan is a singer & songwriter living in San Francisco's Lakeside District. We had the pleasure of hearing Sophie perform for us at a recent Optical Underground x Sofar Sounds concert and invited her to share her story on our blog.

Can you tell us about your background and how you ended up where you are?

I was born and raised in San Francisco. Music was always in my life and I think I started singing around 8 years old. I started writing songs around 10 or 11 and I haven’t stopped since then. A few years ago I started writing songs with my brother, Harry, and he started learning production. So we started recording the songs and Harry produces them. After graduating high school, I went to a college for about 2 months and I was miserable. Not only was it the wrong school in the wrong place, butI knew I needed to be focusing on music. So I left, now I am happily on a gap year writing, performing, and releasing my songs. That wasn’t exactly brief but that’s where I’m at right now. 

Why do you do what you do?

I remember once an author came to speak to our high school and said,“do what you can’t not do”. That struck me. No matter what is happening in my life or what else I am doing, I can never not write music. Now that I have started releasing music and performing my own songs, I think I also do it because it’s a great way for me to connect with people. Sometimes when I’m going through something or feeling some way, I just want a song that reflects that so I feel understood. If my music can do that for anybody, then this is all worth it. 

What defines good music for you?

Honestly, I think music that makes you feel anything is good music. Whether that is happy, sad, nostalgic or angry. If it reaches you in any way, then it is good music. 

What does a perfect day look like for you?

Wake up and drink coffee (a necessity), hang out with my friends and go out to our favorite spots, drive to the beach, play with pets, and have a movie/art night with my mom.

Glass half empty or half full?

Half full.

Talk about a defining moment for you:

I didn’t plan this but the day I dropped out of college was the same day I released my first single. I was so focused on getting out of school and getting home, that I almost forgot. But it was actually a really amazing moment when I realized it because it felt like I was starting a whole new chapter in life, one I knew I would love. 

Do you have any rituals to get the creative juices flowing?

When I write with my brother it really helps to bounce off ideas with someone who knows me. Also when I get tired or frustrated creatively, Harry encourages us to push through it and keep working. 

What are the biggest challenges you've faced so far in your creative journey?

When I first started writing it took me years to play my songs for anyone. The first time I played a song for anyone was when I was 12 or 13 and I played one for my mom. I was so nervous I made her cover her face with a blanket and turn the other way so I couldn't see her. However, with time I grew out of that. The biggest challenge I think I face is taking myself seriously and not being afraid to say that this is what I want to do. 

Do you have a personal style mantra?

Honestly, I feel like my style is all over the place. Sometimes I’m very casual but other times I like to dress up and wear something unusual. Everyday is different, but most importantly I like to feel good. However, right now it is a little hard to wear anything other than sweatpants when in the house all day, but I’m working on it. 

Are there any causes you support?

Wow, so many causes. Right now I think some of the most important are supporting and providing for those on the front lines of this virus. Also helping those who may not be medically affected by the virus, but economically. We all need to support one another right now. Other than that I’d say the causes that mean the most to me are animal rights and climate change.

What could we be doing more of right now?

Giving more to others and less to ourselves. Right now I feel like it’s about making sacrifices. We need to sacrifice our Friday night out with our friends and stay inside. We need to sacrifice having just the amount of food we need, not hoarding food because we are scared. I understand everyone is scared, I’m scared, but when protecting ourselves we also need to protect others.

How can we save the world?

Respect that no one person or being is above the other. We are equal. If we can’t see that then we will never reach peace.

Check out Sophie on Spotify Her new single comes out on April 18th!