We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sophie Eastone. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sophie below.
Sophie, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
When I was a little girl I thought my older sister was perfect and I knew my brother was a star athlete. I was not quite sure where I belonged – until I joined theater. I dove head first into theater, doing as many productions as I possibly could. I fell in love with being on stage just as much as being off stage in the production side of things. Soon, I was gaining opportunities to direct and perform in larger roles – and then covid hit. The arts were stripped away from me, and once again I was lost, maybe more than ever. That is when I discovered songwriting. I began writing nearly every day. I was trapped in my house and found a connection to the arts even from a distance. That was a pivotal moment in my life as I transitioned from being a singer on stage to a true artist. In the years that followed, I shared my originals on stage and I felt excited by my new passion. However, my confidence was once again challenged when I went to college. I was overwhelmed by the talent in such a small school. Some of my closest peers were doing things that I did not even know were possible at our age. Yet again I wondered where I belonged. I then took a step back and realized what I should be doing. I practiced my instruments more, started writing more, and reached out to several people to expand my role as an artist. There is not step by step path in this process – and I have also realized that there is no gain in comparing myself to others. The only person I can be is me, where I am today, and only I can challenge myself to continue moving forward.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At 15, I wrote and self produced my first demo, “Between the Lines” and released it on all music platforms. This was my first experience creating original content and putting MY voice out into the world. I am currently working on releasing my first EP “Growing Pains” in Nashville. This album represents that last five years of my life and shares stories of the trials and tribulations I’ve had to go through during that time. I am so excited to put my music out there again because there is something so special with being able to share such a raw part of myself with the world. However, this is also what honestly makes it terrifying. As a songwriter, you are pealing back layers most people don’t know about you, but that is why I love it. My favorite part about writing and sharing music is showing other people they aren’t alone. It amazes me the power music has and the effect it can have to those who don’t even know you. That is what I hope my platform as an artist can represent, that no one is truly alone. There is beauty in sharing true stories with the world and in touching just one person who needed to know someone else experienced that too. My lyrics are raw and real. This is my life that I’m choosing to share with the world: the good, the bad, and the ugly. I threw my life into poetry and added some music underneath and I am so excited to share with the world the what I have put into this EP. I am eternally grateful to have the opportunity to share my music with the world and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Aside from the obvious recommendations of learning how to play an instrument, putting yourself in front of an audience, and networking I have realized not everyone is going to be rooting for you no matter how hard you try, comparing yourself to others isn’t going to make you any better, and not succeeding does not mean that you failed.
It’s easier said than done, I have to remind myself of these things often. Being an aspiring artist is a very vulnerable thing and there will always be people out there critiquing what you do. Sometimes it helps you write an even better song, sometimes we just have to let it go. Letting go is the hard part because we are all human and words hurt, but it is what you do with those words that make you who you are.
This goes along with comparing ourselves to others. It’s inevitable in anything you do that you look at someone and wish to have what they have, to be where they are. BUT you have to remind yourself that you are the only you. While someone else may be a phenomenal writer and singer, I never use it as negativity towards myself. I can admire and appreciate others, even cheer for them, and still stay true to who I am. Whoever you’re comparing to yourself already exists – the world doesn’t need another carbon copy! So, be the best version of you and grow from there.
Finally, in the music world you’re going to hear many more no’s then yes’s. Believe me, it is incredibly hard. These no’s should never be a signal to give up. Failure is a learning opportunity. Failure should be seen as positive as you navigate what you need to continue to work on and what might not be the best fit for you.
Finally, at the end of the day recognize all the good you’ve been doing. You can’t become a superstar over night. Be proud of how far you’ve come and just keep moving forward.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents are the reason I still sing. I grew up in a place where the arts were not appreciated enough. I have heard more times than I can count that choosing this career path is unrealistic. I have been lectured by strangers about how difficult and challenging the music business is and how it isn’t a viable career. These comments almost crushed my dreams more than once, but my parents pushed me to keep dreaming. My mom is my biggest cheerleader. She pushed me to continue to train my voice and encouraged me to learn more instruments and continue to strive for success. My dad always showed up, and sometimes that is the best thing a parent can do. They ALWAYS showed up. I am so eternally grateful for that. Even in times of self doubt, they always showed up for me. No matter how big, or far the venue I was performing in, they sat in the front row and celebrated me. This was everything I needed. To have a family that supports your dream negates every thing people say in a town that just doesn’t “get it”. Their passion for me and my dream, pushed me. It pushed me to get into one of the best music schools in the country, continue to write, and keeps me the dreamer I am today. I do not think I would be the person or artist I am with out them. I hope that my platform as in artist can serve as a reminder to anyone girl or boy to keep dreaming even if it feels like the world is trying to knock you down.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sophieeastone.blog/
- Instagram: https:// https://www.instagram.com/sophieeastonemusic/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sophieeastone?si=jq8YflVuSQewZfUE
- Other: https:// https://www.instagram.com/sophieeastone/
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