A New Trajectory and Emotional Outpour in ‘Off My Mind’: In Conversation with SOFIIA
- Kavya Mahadev
- 9 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Popular for her catchy melodies and unique vocal tone, Sofiia Tarasova is a contemporary R&B singer, popular for her soulful music. Throughout her life, she was surrounded by music and began her journey as a child. Dedicated to her craft, she represented her home country Ukraine at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest and participated in New Wave Junior in 2013.
In 2022, Tarasova left Ukraine and went on a journey of self-discovery. She moved to Europe and started from scratch to rebuild herself and her identity. Tarasova persisted with her passion and found herself through music and creativity. Her perseverance and dedication lead her to work with multiple musicians and producers, eventually leading her to create her new single, ‘Off My Mind’.
In light of her upcoming EP, this song reflects the process of Tarasova repositioning herself as a singer and flourishing artistically by creating music that is true to her. ‘Off My Mind’ draws from her personal experience of a bittersweet romance, a feeling that many can relate to. The song features a smooth melody embodying the comforting yet melancholic emotions of a modern-day romance.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Tarasova about her new music, ambitions, and creative journey.
You've mentioned that ‘Off My Mind’ is based on one of your experiences of love, how do you express your feelings in your creative process?
I usually write down some ideas on my songs into notes. Some of my songs are actually not really my stories, but they could also be the stories of my friends. People are always telling stories and it's actually quite cool how you can grab it and then transform it into your story and then mix it – it could be something unique.
What can listeners expect from your new single?
I think ‘Off My Mind’ is such a great mix. The vibe is quite positive but at the same time, it's a sad song. It's a happy sadness. 'You didn't destroy me but you put me in the position that I can't forget you.' I'm thankful and grateful for that at the same time. I also hate you for that. So it’s a mix of feelings and you just have to gather them and get on with it.
‘Off My Mind’ has a smooth and catchy melody, how does it reflect your upcoming EP?
It definitely really reflected a lot. I went to LA in November for a month to run different writing sessions. I was reaching out to different producers and songwriters and the managers that I worked with at that time also connected me with some people. Once I was there, I met so many new musicians and people. My friend brought me to a jazz bar and said, ‘you have to go on stage right now’. She introduced me to the owner of the bar and he pushed me on stage. I chose a song by Alicia Keys, then someone else invited me to another show and so it continued.
I think that whole month's really turned me back into the position – that this is actually what I'm about. This is actually the music I love. This is what I'm capable of doing. That was the moment when I got into the studio and I told this story to a producer I had never worked with before and he said ‘let me just play some chords’ and I just improvised like Alicia Keys. I felt that this is the direction I want to move into right now, so I'm really excited. I switched from more dance pop into R&B soul.
Your musical style is described as contemporary R&B,. What would you say is your biggest influence on your music?
I was really inspired when I was 10 years old – my mum would drive me to school and we would always listen to Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, and Arthur Franklin. I was constantly singing covers of those performers and always dreamt of the same success.
Is there anything you wish to experiment on in future projects?
I would love to be able to just feel completely free in my art. I think‘Off My Mind’ makes me feel like I can actually enjoy what I'm creating and people can love it even more. The less I'm stressed, the more I'm enjoying the process, the more I love my art, the more people actually love it, too. I feel a completely different attention, love and appreciation for this song. I hope it's going to be continuing the same way in the future, and that I will be able to do whatever I would feel like and I will always find my people.
You were previously in a band called VIA Gra – how has that experience shaped your solo career?
It took me about a month to really think about it and process the idea of it. Would I be able to do it? Do I really want it? Would it be a good experience? It definitely was a great experience for me being a nineteen year old. Being surrounded by two other girls who obviously wanted to be in the centre of attention but we still were a team and I am really, really thankful for this experience.
You've participated in competitions like Junior Eurovision and Euro Pop Contest, how has your perspective/relationship with music changed from when you were a child to now?
It was mostly I that changed. When you're a kid, you don't really see the amount of people actually living on Earth and you're not able to compare yourself to so many people. I remember being so strong and confident in myself at that time. I definitely lost that kind of confidence because the older I got, the more I was able to see others and be like ‘okay, this girl is also strong’. The older I get, the more I understand what I want and that's probably the best feeling. I remember how lost I was when I was eighteen, so definitely happy to be twenty-five right now.
How has leaving Ukraine impacted your music?
2022 was definitely a tough year, especially knowing the fact that my parents are from Russia, but I was born in Ukraine. My whole heart was always in-between our two countries. It's been a tough decision to move away from both of those places and just start from scratch. Compared to other people that I worked with, I'm pretty much the only one who continues writing, releasing, working, pushing and creating. I'm very thankful to myself and proud that I'm still on this path.
Listen to SOFIIA on Spotify, Apple Music and Soundcloud.
