Meet The Outspoken Band Sophie and the Giants
Using their voice to discuss the struggles with anxiety, self-doubt, and more Sophie and the Giants is a band that’s delivering emotional pop for the masses. Coming together during their college years, band members Sophie, Toby Holmes, Antonia Pooles, and Chris Hill moved to Sheffield to create their distinctive sound and voice.
Fast forward to 2018 and the band’s debut EP Adolescence – a record about Sophie’s teenage years – has solidified their ability to make organic and relatable pop. On top of music releases, the band has been able to tour with Tom Grennan, Yonaka, and perform at the legendary Glastonbury Festival.
We got to chat with the members of the band about everything from their latest track Break The Silence, upcoming tour and more…
Break The Silence is such a powerful song, what do you want listeners to take away after listening to the track?
Sophie: If someone’s felt unable to speak about something, literally anything that is causing them discomfort, we want this song to empower them to have a voice, to reach out, to speak up.
The production for the track is quite intense. What was the creative process like for you all in the studio?
Sophie: We wanted to be heard!!! With a message like this you can’t be tame. The creative process was the best we’ve had, we experimented a lot and working with the incredible Rich Cooper, who is just a genius.
Your music tackles feelings of doubt, the fight to have a voice, and growth. Do you find it hard to open up about your intimate feelings?
Sophie: I used to. Through writing and being very open in my lyrics, I realised it helps to talk about personal things you go through because we all do and people relate. Being closed off will only cause you more mental strain. But not only does it help me when I let it out to the world, it helps other people to know they’re not alone.
Can you go into the formation of the band? When did you guys decide you wanted to pursue music?
Sophie: The band has been through many formations starting in 2016 at college. Antonia recently joined the band this year. There’s something seriously special about us 4, it’s been amazing so far and I expect it’ll continue like that for sure. I always knew, as I kid I was only ever interested in one thing, anything else I couldn’t concentrate on. I don’t think there’s anything else I could do, I definitely wouldn’t be fulfilled, so I had to make sure this is what I’d grow up to do.
Chris: Honestly, I don’t have a set time, but I remember one main influence was when I first went to reading festival in 2012, I was 13 years old and I saw my favourite bands “queens of the Stone Age” and “Blink 182” and since then I knew I just wanted to be up on a stage!
Antonia: I’ve been in bands since I was 12 so playing and creating music is all I really know. I’m very passionate when I play and I couldn’t imagine life any other way.
Toby: I picked up guitar from an early age and always aspired to be part of a full time band, playing to people who enjoy the music as much as love performing it. I’ve been blessed to get what I’ve been given so far.
Your debut EP Adolescence has garnered 10 million streams, what were your guy’s initial thoughts reaching such a high milestone?
Chris: I never thought it would ever happen, not this early, I was gobsmacked, I still haven’t come to realisation of it! It’s crazy.
Toby: I was shocked and I still am. Can’t believe so many ears have heard our music. Then again, let’s go for 20 million.
You also performed at Glastonbury and Reading, can you describe your experiences in 5 words or less?
Sophie: Surreal, unreal.
Chris: ABSOLUTELY BLOODY AMAZING.
Antonia: Euphoric shock.
Toby: How did I get here?
Are you working on another EP or album? Can you give us a sneak peek at what you’re working on?
Toby: We’ve released our most recent track ‘BREAK THE SILENCE’ and it’s gonna be accompanied by a couple others in the near future. It’s a series of singles. We wanted to put all our effort into a bunch of bangin singles for now. We’d love to release a badass album next year though. Brace yourself people.
Do you have any upcoming performances?
Sophie: We’re about to go on our headline Europe & UK tour. Here are the dates come and see us if you can!
October
3rd CAMBRIDGE – Portland Arms
5th SHEFFIELD – Leadmill
7th GLASGOW – Stereo
8th NORTHUMBRIA – Institute 2
9th BIRMINGHAM – Muthers Studio
12th MANCHESTER – Neighbourhood Festival
13th YORK – Basement
15th BRIGHTON – The Green Door Store
What type of impact do you want Sophie and the Giants to make in music?
Toby: We want our music to excite people. There is a need for something fresh and empowering and want we are exactly THAT. We love doing what we do and there is nothing better than seeing our fans enjoy our music live, listening to it online or wherever they may hear it. We would be nowhere without that and that lovely fans.
Make sure to check out their latest single Break The Silence below!
