Rising North-East Indie-Rocker Sarah Johnsone Releases New Single ‘Sofia’
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Rising north-east indie-rocker Sarah Johnsone releases her brand new single ‘Sofia’ via Quiet Crown on 2nd August 2023. While Johnsone’s alluring vocals may conjure the likes of Amy Winehouse with its loaded provocation and spacey vibe, the Newcastle-based artist’s punchy sound has more in common with music makers like Wet Leg, Siouxie and the Banshees, The Black Keys, Alice Phoebe Lou and The Police thanks to a defiantly angular alt. rock edge.
Sarah says, “‘Sofia’ is my indie rock, party track; she’s fun, she’s exciting, she’s unpredictable. Sofia represents many who are misunderstood by the male social structures around them, frequently feeling bored and dismayed in pursuit of romance. This track was one of the first I’ve written from a third person, storytelling perspective. It bore a story of the misunderstood and perennially addictive ‘cool’ girl, and the cookie cutter male chasers that can’t seem to get enough. The song flicks between a ‘beammeupsoftboi’ style account of the male fumbling attempt of seduction, and Sofia’s contempt for them.”
Debuting as a solo artist, and gaining serious plaudits for wistful single Tonight – including Spotify's New Music Friday UK and being featured on the soundtrack to Frank Berry’s seething drama movie, Aisha – Johnsone’s trajectory saw her partner with a band and perform at prestigious venues including Sage Gateshead and Ronnie Scott’s.
Support slots with Prima Queen, CIEL, Swim School and She Drew the Gun, as well as festival appearances at Victorious, Twisterella and Stockton Calling, helped solidify Sarah as one of the region's most exciting new acts - an opinion shared by BBC Introducing in the North East who made Sarah one of their tips for 2023.
From timeless influences to modern inspirations and lyrics which are indicative of life for a young woman in the north east, Johnsone channels themes of alienation – politically, socially, romantically and from oneself. The juxtaposition of soulful yet urgent sounds comes from an upbringing of eclectic listening habits which span jazz and soul to R&B and blues, merging with later influences which come from a distinctly punk aesthetic.
With her band by her side, an altogether more focused artist has emerged; one who’s unafraid to set out her political opinions, and reveal songwriting which touches on social dynamics with an all-too-knowing wisdom which belies her years.
