Sophie Grey… On the Planet of Retro Electro.

SOPHIE GREY writes, arranges, performs and produces her own music – a futuristic amalgam of electro-driven rhythms and addictive synth-pop melodies. A classically-trained pianist and accomplished keyboardist, SOPHIE began piano studies at the age of 4 and was mentored by singer/songwriter/pianist Patrice Rushen (“Forget Me Nots”).

SOPHIEʼs original productions – which blend live instrumentation and sparkling electronic sounds – are informed by a deep-rooted love for songwriting craft. SOPHIE describes her sound as “Retro Electro.”

SOPHIE’s visuals are a big part of her performances and she often takes the stage in original and innovative costumes.
On stage, Sophie is also creates and exchanges dialogue with captivating characters such as “File Collins,” her “robot companion.”

Live, SOPHIE has toured as opening act for Sting, Alison Moyet, Shaggy, Marianas Trench.
During her recent London show, lead singer of The Buggles and legendary producer Trevor Horn, joined SOPHIE onstage to duet on her version of the song “Video Killed the Radio Star” prompting the UK’s Daily Mirror to write…
“SOPHIE’s version blended the upcoming star’s ‘Retro Electro’ sound with the song’s timeless new-wave spirit.”
Sophie will be back in the UK this summer opening for Grace Jones, Sophie Ellis Bexter and Soul II Soul.

INTERVIEW… SOPHIE GREY

Athenscalling.gr: Sophie, welcome to Athenscalling.gr, the culture webzine.

SOPHIE GREY: Thank you Athenscalling.gr… Thank you!

Athenscalling.gr: Your music blends retro influences with futuristic electronic sounds. How was the idea of “Retro Electro” born?
SOPHIE GREY: As I write and produce all of my own music, the style came naturally with time.
Now, it has become my entire state of mind, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Retro Electro has become an idea of inclusivity and creativity.

Athenscalling.gr: You are not only a singer and songwriter, but also a producer and performer with a strong visual identity. How important is the visual aspect in expressing your music?
SOPHIE GREY: I know that the visual aspect can be crucial, especially in the age of social media.
But for me, the way I look and interact with my supporters, the Greybots, is how I live my life everyday. I believe that I am very true to myself, and I am so lucky to be able to do that for a living.

Athenscalling.gr: You have shared the stage with legendary artists and performed in front of very different audiences.
Which live experience has stayed in your memory the most so far?

SOPHIE GREY: I have been so honoured to have performed with incredible artists and musicians that I couldn’t just pick one experience. In each of them, I not only feel that I have learned so much, but also that I’ve made a friend along the way. When I went on tour with Sting last Summer, one of my favorite moments on tour was watching his performance every night after mine. His musicianship and dedication to his craft inspires me everyday. I also am very much looking forward to sharing the stage with Duran Duran, Grace Jones, AJR, and Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso this Summer on tour.

Athenscalling.gr: Your performances often include original costumes and characters such as “File Collins.” How are these characters created within your artistic universe?
SOPHIE GREY: I love this question.
I MD my shows, and spend a great deal of time creating an engaging, yet mysterious performance that I believe connects in ways that the audience may have not expected.
The feelings I hope to highlight during my shows are confidence, as I perform alone on stage (with File Collins’ voice occasionally narrating), excitement, a feeling of nostalgia, and mystery.
I think my show blends in the familiar and unfamiliar through my costumes and set list. This intrigues the crowd in a way that they might not expect.

Athenscalling.gr: If you could collaborate with any artist, from the past or the present, who would it be and why?
SOPHIE GREY: What a great question.
It would have been one of the highest honours to have had even a moment with George Michael.
I respect him so much, and his music and him as a person inspire me.

Athenscalling.gr: May I tell you at this point that, without any doubt, you are also a very beautiful woman? Honestly, do you think this has helped your career?
SOPHIE GREY: …

Athenscalling.gr: Alright… and now traveling back in time…
Do you remember what the first album you bought was?

SOPHIE GREY: My first album I ever bought was “Toto” by Toto.

Athenscalling.gr: Before we say goodbye… What do you know about my country, I mean Greece?
SOPHIE GREY: Greece intrigues me.
I have not been yet, but in school, I was very much fascinated with your culture, and art.
It is on my bucket list to play there someday.
I remember one piece of history I learned in Greece, about the mountain village in Olympos on Karpathos, where one of the most important matriarchies existed.
It inspires me to this day, and reminds me that I can do anything.

Athenscalling.gr: All the best to you my dear Sophie!

SOPHIE GREY: Thank you for your wonderful questions. I very much appreciate your patience.