Inspired #88 - Sophie Kilburn
London based singer-songwriter Sophie Kilburn has just released her latest single ‘Broke’ - an uplifting indie pop anthem. She took a moment to talk to us about all things that inspire her and the track.
Who are you top three musical inspirations?
Thank you for giving me a top three but still that is so hard. I would say Florence and The Machine for sure because her vocals give me butterflies. Love her angst and angelic quality with her music. The power and pure emotion that comes out when she sings is incredible. Anna Calvi is another major inspiration to me, she is an icon, especially when it comes to guitar playing. When I saw her live, she was completely consumed in her music and everyone in the audience goes with her. Seeing a female guitarist take the stage and explode creatively on stage was a revelation to me. Finally, I would say Sam Fender for his storytelling and honesty. I’m from a working-class background and I just feel his music is so relatable. He writes about life not just romantic love and it carries longevity, which is what I want my music to have.
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
A few weeks ago, I saw 1917 and I am still thinking about it now. It was such an immersive experience; you feel you are with these two young men on their mission. It wasn’t just another war film it made me very reflective on life and what is important. It felt so personal and completely consumed me start to finish. I cried at least three times (laughs).
What city do you find the most inspiring?
I would say so far it is definitely New York City. I have been lucky to go a few times in my life but the last time was the best because one I was old enough to actually remember it all and two because my sister and brother both live there, I got the New Yorker experience rather than the tourist one. There is so much to do and see and people seem so fearless (I feel like a travel agent). There is the Williamsburg Pier where you get the full view of the Manhattan skyline with all the iconic buildings at once. My sister and I walked down the pier as the sun went down and it was one of the most beautifully things I have ever seen. And yes, I did cry…twice!
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
I would say my sister Faye because she has this strength and resilience like no one I know. She is always there for me and if she falls, she gets back up again fighting. She made me see my worth as a woman and as an individual and I will always love her and look up to her.
What were your inspirations when writing the track?
Broke is a deeply emotional and personal song for me. I am almost a bit scared of it in some ways. I wrote it about losing my mum and the aftermath of grief. I wrote it last year, when I had a realisation that losing her was affecting all aspects of my life, especially my relationships with people. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and the loss also triggered a period of reflection. Then I just started to see everyone around me was going through their own grief of something or someone. Broke became this anthem of emotional out-pour to say if we share what is hurting us, we can help heal it together.
How would you like to inspire people?
I would like to inspire people to feel freely and not overwhelm or over think. As an artist I want to create music that can move through the generations and emotionally connect to people in their own way. I want to encourage people to be brave and express their feelings and help them feel better when they are down.