ONE TO WATCH: SOPHIE CASTILLO IS MAKING HER WAY TO THE TOP OF THE CHARTS!
Pre-save ‘Diosa’ here.
Rising singer/songwriter Sophie Castillo @sophiecastillomusic is going to the top! Fresh from her opening spot on J.Balvin’s tour that stopped in the UK, Sophie shows no signs of slowing down. The London-born Columbian Indie-artist is readying the release of her new single, “Diosa,” later this month; we chat exclusively with Sophie and talk all about her sound, her go-to beauty products, and what’s next for one of Latin’s hottest new acts.
FEATURED INTERVIEW:
TALK TO US ABOUT BEING A COLOMBIAN IN LONDON
My mum is Colombian, my dad is Cuban, and I was born and raised in London. It’s an exciting experience because I was raised in a very Latino household and experienced British culture growing up in London. I like to embrace both sides of myself because they shaped me into who I am today. There are a lot of Latinos in London, and many restaurants, bars, and businesses are run by Latinos, especially in some areas. It’s been adorable connecting with Latinos worldwide through my music and sharing our experiences as British Latinos. I’ll always honor my heritage through my music and am so proud of the Latinos doing amazing things worldwide.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SOUND
It varies for me. I love to get creative, use my imagination, create characters in my mind, and portray what they might be feeling. But this often turns into something symbolic for me that I can also relate to. I also write about my own experience sometimes, and it can be really therapeutic. I often find that the words flow naturally onto the page, and sometimes, I don’t know what the song is about until after I’ve finished it.
WHO ARE YOUR SHEROES
Some of my biggest inspirations include artists like Lana Del Rey, Kali Uchis, Rosalía, Nathy Peluso, Karol G, and Marina Sena. I’ve been listening to Lana Del Rey since I was 13, and she’s always been a massive inspiration to me. I love how her lyrics are so poetic, raw, and genuine and how her music makes you feel like you’re in a film. Kali Uchis is always super inspiring for me. I love how she unapologetically created a beautiful fusion of genres and is true and authentic to her sound and experiences. Her music is so lovely.
YOU JUST OPENED UP FOR J.BALVIN IN THE UK. TELL US ABOUT HOW THAT CAME ABOUT AND ANY ADVICE BALVIN HAS GIVEN YOU
They emailed me, asking me to open for him, and I was over the moon! I couldn’t believe it when I saw the email in my inbox. I remember being on the tube when I saw it and gasping so loudly in shock. It’s such an honor to have been given this opportunity and is the first time a UK Latin artist has opened for such a major, iconic artist, so I’m super grateful to J Balvin and his team. I spoke to J Balvin after the show; he was so lovely! We talked about the tour, and I thanked him for the opportunity. He’s a nice guy.
WHAT LYRICS FROM YOUR LATEST SINGLE HITS HOME THE HARDEST
There’s a song on my latest EP called ‘Felices Corazones,’ which is a salsa, and my favorite lyrics are ‘Le pido a mi abuela que me ponga una vela. Y se que a mi me cuidan en el alma y en las estrellas’. These hit home for me because the song was inspired by my grandmother and Latin American matriarchs and how they are joyful and robust no matter what they go through. The lyrics are unique because whenever I am going through something or need strength, I ask my grandma to light a candle for me, and she always does I feel so strong, blessed, and protected by her and by my family and ancestors, who I know are always guided me and rooting for me.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 16-YEAR-OLD SELF
I would tell my 16-year-old self to stop being scared of starting! You must try to succeed and not let the fear of failing put you off doing what you love. Dive in head first and have faith that you can do it and that God is on your side.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN COLOMBIA, AND WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN LONDON
There’s a little cafe called Buga Pan in my hometown, Buga, which my family and I go to for lunch and to have fresh smoothies. They also have amazing pastries, and my auntie always takes me to have a smoothie and a pandebono because I’m obsessed with pandebonos. I also love this spot called ‘Eat Tokyo’. It’s a sushi place, and I love sushi. I always go with my friends and family.
WHAT IS YOUR BEAUTY PHILOSOPHY
Embrace your inner beauty, and you’ll always glow.
WHAT BEAUTY PRODUCT CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT ON TOUR
I use aloe vera gel because my skin is really dry, and the gel is really soothing. It’s also really refreshing when your skin feels tired.
HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR CREATIVITY IS DISRUPTING THE REGGAETON GENRE
I like to put my spin on reggaeton and experiment with different sounds, fuse different genres, and merge English and Spanish, too, which I think is exciting! We’re seeing a new wave of Spanglish music that can appeal to different audiences worldwide, and I’m excited to be part of that.
WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU
I’m releasing my next single, ‘Diosa’ on 28th June! It’s all about divine feminine energy and your inner goddess. After that, I’ll release more singles and do some shows in the US.
CREDITS:
Photography: Ruby Styles @rubyastyles
Galore Features Editor: Perry Johnson
Editor-in-chief: Prince Chenoa
