“So why do good women like dangerous guys?” asks alt-pop artist Sophie Powers. “I’ve had this query for an actual very long time…” Certainly, she’s not the one one. Nevertheless, Powers is out of the pondering stage, and into motion, along with her newest tune “Obsessed” that includes Ashley Sienna. Written with pop legends Bonnie McKee, Camm Hunter, Liam Benayon, and Mike Gonek, the monitor hits the nail on the top in the case of the addictive, highly effective nature of an important pop tune whereas holding onto a cheeky, endearing angle that could be very a lot Powers’ personal. For many who can relate to difficult romance, these searching for a vicarious thrill, or these in want of a tune to play on a loop this spring.
Learn extra: Shy Snider’s Havoc makes provocative, “anti-fashion” band merch
“Obsessed” — which went viral even earlier than its official launch — has all bases coated. Powers and Sienna come collectively seamlessly on the monitor, for an effeminate vitality that’s received critical edge — and a sound recalling a smudgy Avril eye roll, or the chaotic-good earnestness of Kesha. “We will’t assist who we love, and even obsess over,” Powers shrugs. “So why is there a lot judgment surrounding somebody’s accomplice? ‘Obsessed’ performs into the concept just a little obsession doesn’t damage anybody… More often than not…”
Firstly, let’s discuss concerning the attract of toxicity, and the themes on this tune. What do they imply to you, personally — or are you writing from extra of a personality standpoint?
Most therapists would say it’s “poisonous and unhealthy” to love somebody who lacks an ethical compass. I fired my therapist shortly earlier than scripting this tune… That’s clearly evident within the refrain — the place I describe the romantic curiosity in a glamorized method. Sadly, the pre-chorus describes that particular person with the brutal fact of actuality. It is a private tune, nonetheless. Selflessly, I wished to create a transparent and relatable visible for the listener.
To that time, the place on a spectrum — from alter ego to essentially the most bare-bones, genuine model of you — does Sophie Powers land? And is that altering the additional you go in your profession?
Sophie Powers is me. After I’m writing songs and designing clothes, it’s essentially the most me I’ve ever been. My previous self was the alter ego. I let go of that previous self increasingly on daily basis the additional I am going into my profession. I’ve by no means felt so really seen and valued till I began releasing music.
Why do you assume your songs, otherwise you relatively, go viral? And particularly with this one, given the infinite difficult love anthems on the market, why do you assume it connects so broadly — to not point out earlier than it’s even come out.
If I knew the reply to this query, I might have the identical quantity of Instagram followers as Taylor Swift. I truthfully consider half of the time it’s simply advertising. Thousands and thousands of fantastic songs go on heard due to advertising. However by way of the music: I severely do not know what makes folks linked to my songs. All I can do is be sincere, genuine, and hope that somebody on the market feels extra impressed to be genuine themselves.
Bear with me — lengthy query. Your model, in addition to your presence onstage and thru sound, has this superhero-like aura that’s actually enthralling. What would you say to that time, and the way are you exercising that vitality on this monitor?
I like this query as a result of I grew up watching and studying DC comics and anime. I actually have a superhero shrine in my room with 80 Spider-Man comics and Harley Quinn memorabilia. I named my pet fish Surprise Lady once I was 10 additionally (enjoyable reality). I feel that has undoubtedly influenced the best way I costume and carry out. I need to make folks really feel like a superhero once they take heed to my songs. We see superheroes at their worst, finest, and main the folks round them. This tune showcases my weak spot, aka my horrible romantic style. Even heroes have their weaknesses. My superhero comedian e book collection is written by means of music, not e book format.
To that time, it’s one thing that I see with Ok-pop figures, so no surprise Ningning caught on. Who’re your idols today, as an artist?
I take heed to numerous Ok-pop truly and actually love Lisa from BLACKPINK‘s charisma in addition to Felix from Stray Children’ adaptability. I additionally look as much as artists like Girl Gaga for her versatility and Grimes for her ardour and artistry total. I additionally actually respect 21 Savage and take heed to him typically.
How did Ashley Sienna come into play on this monitor, and what was that like? Why did she really feel like a match?
Ashley was, and nonetheless is, finest mates with my highschool/songwriter pal Liam Benayon. All of us being from Ontario, Canada, we had so much in widespread, and I grew shut with Ashley shortly. After I first performed her the monitor, it was simply as a pal exhibiting one other pal their tune. However Ashley beloved it and thought it could work effectively along with her manifestation music. She wrote her verse to align with that, and the remaining is historical past.
I’m determined to speak about working with Bonnie McKee, Camm, Liam, and Mike. What was the very first step you took, or thought to take, in making this tune, and the way did the method of working with them assist it come to fruition?
Mike is my govt producer, and Camm is concerned in each tune I write, so it’s usually the three of us solemnly. Nevertheless, Bonnie is such a proficient author. The chance to collaborate along with her was onerous to cross up. Liam Benayon, as I discussed earlier, is a multifaceted songwriter and producer who I’m unlucky to have grown up with as a finest pal. Bonnie and Liam had been shut, so it was a no brainer for all of us to do a session collectively. This tune was written round New Yr’s of 2023, so it’s nearly been a full 12 months within the works. I used to be obsessive about a boy from Toronto and hadn’t felt that method for somebody in so lengthy! Bonnie and I are so related, and he or she understood instantly the place I used to be coming from. Liam, Mike, and Camm being so near me additionally understood immediately. For that purpose, this tune virtually poured out of us. And it was our first session working collectively! Completely a dream workforce.
