Welcome To Sofía Reyes’ Reign
Sofía Reyes is that bitch. The 24-year-old veteran recording artist has been reigning over the North and South American music industry for twelve years now. Reyes’ discography includes two studio albums with features from pop artists like Jason Derulo and Rita Ora, to Puerto Rican-American artists like De La Ghetto.
Originally from the northern regions of Mexico, Sofía was raised in Monterrey, Nuevo León, where she spent her free time recording covers on YouTube. Prince Royce stumbled upon her videos and the rest was history. Reyes became the first ever artist to be co-signed with D’León and Warner Music Latina.
We talked with Sofía about how her Latin roots shaped her musical style, her musical idols from then and now, and what’s in store for 2020.
The way you incorporate English and Spanish in your songs is so seamless, were you raised in a bilingual household?
My english actually sucked when I was growing up, so my parents sent me to Vancouver for six months when I was 10 years old. No one in my school spoke Spanish, so I was basically forced to learn and now I thank my parents for that. I always heard music in English growing up, always loved it too, so I felt that mixing both languages could be challenging, rule breaking, and super fun!
Even in your English songs, what aspects of your own personal Hispanic culture do you always maintain in your music?
I feel like my accent is always there somehow. And my melodies are very Latin inspired. It’s just natural to me.
Did you ever have a quinceañera growing up? If so, how was that experience?
I call it “quince años,” and no! I just had a cute small-ish party with a few people I loved. I really didn’t want to make a big party.
I always hear that Spanish as a language carries much more emotion than that of the English language, especially in music, do you believe in this statement?
I agree! Spanish is such a passionate, dramatic, and beautiful rich language. It’s harder for me to write in Spanish because everything has a stronger meaning.
What words of advice would you give your 12-year-old self who was releasing covers on Youtube?
To be patient. To be present. To enjoy. To learn and to not compare myself to others.
Which musical icons did you follow closely while growing up?
Miguel Bosé, La Oreja de Van Gogh, Whitney Houston, Shakira… I just felt identified. Love how authentic they all are.
What inspired you to go into music? Is it your first love? Or, was that acting? What other creative avenues are you trying to go into?
Music was my first love, but I wanna be an amazing actress too. I’m also very crafty, so I wanna own a jewelry line!
If you had the chance to spend an entire day with any artist (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
Diplo. I think he’s hilarious. Also Kevin Hart.
Your music videos are always such huge productions, which music video out of your entire filmography did you have the most fun shooting? Which one took the longest?
Definitely my favorite shoot was “Corbata.” Suuuuuuper fun, dreamy and unique. The team was magical to me. And the longest was probably “R.I.P.”
Who is your biggest mood board inspiration? Who do you like to channel during your upbeat sexy pop singles?
Don Patricio, C Tangana, Achal, Rosalia, Darel, J Balvin, Bad Bunny, Camilo, Lizzo, Dua Lipa…
Which male Latin artists have you always wanted to collaborate with? If so, what type of song would you want to sing with them?
Miguel Bosé, Juanes, Alejandro Sanz, Ricky Martin, J Balvin, Daddy Yankee….depends on the artist.
What role have you always wanted to play as an actress? Which director would you love to work with?
Guillermo Del Toro. And something very challenging and a bit dark. Raw.
Lastly, what are some exciting projects you have in early development for 2020? Any hints?
My album!
Photo and creative direction: Prince and Jacob
Hair: Nanci Lee Santos
Makeup: Amy Strozzi
Styling: Bianca Agrusa
Interview: Malik Peay
