Voir recently had the pleasure to interview Sophie Castillo, an up-and-coming Latina indie musician before she jetted off to Miami, on her US tour. Sophie grew to fame after a viral TikTok of her song went viral and since has opening for the likes of J Balvin last summer. Sophie draws upon her Latina heritage and London upbringing to fuel her musical artistry as well as being influenced by singers like Lana Del Rey and indie 2000s rock bands. She has an EP coming out soon – the first single will be released on 28th February, followed by the full album in April.
One of the big things about your music is how you are inspired by your multicultural background. How has being a Londoner influenced your artistry?
Oh, I love that question as most people ask me about my Latin heritage! Growing up in London I listened to all the British music we like as teenagers especially rock and indie bands like The Arctic Monkeys, The Vaccines and The Kooks. It was the Tumblr days, that indie-sleaze era. But that at home we always had Latin music playing.
Lana Del Rey has been my favourite singer since I was 13 when she released the Video Games music video – everyone was talking about it at school and I become obsessed with her lyrics.
You started singing at just three years old and performed in musical theatre early on. Do you think your theatrical background has shaped your stage presence as a performer?
I did musical theatre from 5 to 13 and it really helped me train my ear through singing in a choir and practising harmonies. This has been essential when I am in the studio and am recording vocal production and harmonies in my songs. In terms of performance, it helps me views things from a more theatrical perspective in how to bring my performance to life. I can be a bit of a critic of myself but it’s important to analyse your performances and really put on a show.
What was it like gaining recognition through TikTok? How has this platform shaped your audience and the way they engage with your music?
TikTok for me has been a total game changer. It kickstarted my career. It was the most ridiculous TikTok that went viral. I was using a Cap Cut template and it was all blurry. I just posted it, like whatever, then it went super viral! It was the start of my career and helped me connect with lots of people all over the world. I was really D-I-Ying the whole music thing before that video.
You often blend languages in your songs, seamlessly switching between Spanish and English. Was this inspired by other Latina artists or was it a natural reflection of growing up in a bilingual household?
It is quite symbolic of my life to be honest. When I do English and Spanish it feels quite authentic to me, and it embodies this fluidity between culture and language. I quite like to make a point of using both languages – I feel more engaged with my audience. I prefer a Spanish chorus because the words have a nice and lively sound to them, and then a verse or pre-chorus in English.
How do you want people to experience your music? Where do you imagine them listening to it, and what kind of emotions do you hope to evoke?
I would definitely say in the car. My fans send me a lot of pictures of them listening in the car. I get so much inspiration when I’m travelling, on the tube or on the bus. I think because our lives are so busy, travelling is the only time we get to properly listen to music.
You’ve already worked with some amazing artists, but who is your dream collaborator?
100% Lana Del Rey. I love her so much. That would be a dream come true.
You are a key musician in the indie Latina music scene, but how do you see it evolving and changing over time and you yourself within it?
I find myself going through a bit of a sound evolution – I am getting older and more confident, and I’ve really enjoyed making some darker pop songs. I think major Spanish and Latina artists will start tapping more into salsa than reggaeton. I want to help bring more Latin genres to the front like salsa and bolero.
If you weren’t a singer, what path do you think you would have pursued?
I really like fashion. During lockdown I was making clothes and selling them at home. I would have loved to have been a fashion designer. If not, then a doctor. I find medicine really interesting, and I love tv shows set in hospitals. I was watching The Good Doctor recently and loved it.
