Sophie Powers has never been one to play it safe. At just 21, she’s already carved out a space for herself as one of pop’s most powerful new voices, blending music, fashion, and self-expression into something that refuses to fit inside a box. With over 80 million streams, collaborations with names like Grimes, Dillon Francis, and ILLIT, plus supporting YUNGBLUD and Waterparks, Sophie has proven she’s not afraid to take risks and stand out.
“muddy,” her latest and her most daring release yet, is a dark, playful track full of grit and attitude, signaling the start of a new chapter in her career.
We sat down with Sophie to talk about the inspiration behind “muddy,” her fearless approach to artistry, and where she’s headed next as she continues pushing boundaries on and off the stage.
Your latest release, “muddy,” feels like a shift into a darker, more provocative sound for you. What inspired that transformation?
I always want to keep setting the bar for myself as an artist. I’m 21 now, and when I started releasing music, I was 17. My music should grow with me, and sometimes, even ahead of me. It was for that reason “Muddy” needed to feel provocative, empowering, and left-of-center.
Sonically, “muddy” blends glamour, grime, and electronic grit. What was the most exciting or unexpected part of shaping that sound?
It was so exciting to let the song evolve into what it wanted to be, rather than strictly my original vision. I was in a depressive, anxious state while writing, but nobody, even myself, would ever guess that just from listening to the song. I honestly didn’t think I’d be in the studio that day, writing those lyrics. But I’m glad I did.
You’ve described your attitude as “no rules.” How do you stay fearless in an industry that often tries to box artists in?
Even if I do fit the “box” society and the music industry try to put me in, there will always be outliers—those who break the mold and redefine what’s possible. I would like to be one of them. I remind myself often that the most interesting artists are the ones who refuse to be confined. Staying fearless means trusting my own instincts, embracing my uniqueness, and knowing that true artistry comes from breaking boundaries, not following them. The artist is the genre, not the other way around.
From collaborations with Grimes and ILLIT to opening for YUNGBLUD, you’ve touched wildly different corners of music. What’s one thing you’ve learned from stepping into those different spaces?
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with many talented artists across different fields. From makeup artists, costume designers, stylists, animators, visual artists, etc, there’s so much I’ve learned from each of them. One key lesson I’ve taken from all of these experiences, though, is that art has no boundaries; people do. I need to remember to be respectful and cautious of boundaries in every artistic space I step into. I am not here to overstep or to impose my own ideas. I want to collaborate authentically and honor the creative space I’m entering. Everyone deserves their say and their flowers.
Fashion is a big part of your artistry. If you had to design a muddy-inspired collection, what would it look like?
I’m so glad you asked. My synesthesia has gone wild with ideas for a “Muddy” inspired collection, and it’s not what you’d expect. Instead of taking the obvious route with a dark, muddy earth-tone palette, I’d actually go for a cleaner, more sterile white pathway. Using sleek white, grey, and transparent materials will allow for a more impactful statement with a collection titled “Muddy.” I’d do this by combining a sterile, futuristic aesthetic with splashes of mud, recycled transparent materials, and objects that humans typically see as “dirty, muddy garbage.” Sneaking in hints of waste, mud, and grime in an otherwise sleek environment makes the contrast stand out even more. The stark difference powerfully speaks to larger themes like climate change and man-made waste.
You’ve already headlined your own tour and now have the Warped Tour and the UK’s Slam Dunk Festival ahead. What’s one thing you want your live shows to always give fans, no matter the stage?
No matter the stage, I want people to leave that room feeling like they just saw a superhero movie. Inspired, powerful, and encouraged to be their most authentic self. That’s the only way I’ll feel good about my performance. My goal is always to encourage others to express themselves, emotionally, physically, mentally, and creatively. The fall of artistic expression is the fall of humanity. That’s the mental headspace I take on while on and off stage. That should translate to my audience throughout the show.
As you leave behind the bubblegum neon aesthetic of your early years, how do you see “muddy” setting the tone for this new era of Sophie Powers?
I actually believe my song “Move With Me” set the tone for a new era of Sophie Powers. However, “Muddy” is the biggest risk I’ve taken so far. I’ve realized I was playing it a little too safe before, and I want to completely break away from that. I’m aiming to destroy any previous impressions people had of me and really push into a new, rawer, more authentic space. “Muddy” is about embracing that shift and setting the tone for everything that’s to come.
You’re only 21 but already building a blueprint that feels bigger than just pop music. What’s the long-term vision you’re chasing with your career?
I’m chasing my name attached to a global art movement. I think artists such as Tyler, The Creator, Imogen Heap, Björk, and Cynthia Revo have done this quite successfully. They all have pursued other avenues of art outside of just music, and I want to eventually create an artistic book filled with my drawings, a clothing line, a directorial/acting debut, and a global creative network for upcoming artists and young musicians to perform, rehearse, and learn. Long story short, I want to do it all. This is just the beginning.
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