Sofia Gillani: The Up-And-Coming Powerhouse You Didn’t Know You Needed

Interview by Devinney Rexrode

​In 2025 there are so many new or up-and-coming artists on the horizon. You could stumble across your new favorite of next obsession at any time in the day and age of social media. Scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, the next up song on YouTube or Spotify could be that one artist you love even when your old and grey. So let me do you the favor of not making you doom scroll and put you onto Sofia Gillani!

Sofia was young when she first got into music and is making her place in the music industry. Her vocals are powerful, and her sound is ever evolving to allow her to experiment. From on stage electrifying shows to emotional acoustic performances, she takes the audience’s attention by storm, especially with her next single “Chains” dropping this Friday. YES, THIS FRIDAY! (30th May) She’s based in the UK but doesn’t plan to stop there. She’s looking to take over the airwaves and stream charts internationally and won’t stop till she gets there! Honestly, we hear why! Let’s dig into this up-and-coming artist’s journey this far!

How long have you been singing for? What got you into music?
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I took up musical theatre at school and performed at quite a few productions. I caught the bug of singing at age 9 and performing from there on. Once I got a chance to record my own original song I never looked back. More shows came up and I having been honing my craft on the stage for the last few years. I would love to do more musical theatre in the future.

Has music always been what you wanted to do, or did you have to find it?
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My father was a recording and touring musician, so music and instruments were always around. For me music was an early calling—it grabbed me and has never let go since. I was singing and performing before I even realised.

Have you ever stopped or almost discontinued making music? If so, what kept you going?

I released my single ‘Ain’t a Game’ onto the platforms when I was 12. Most people believed I was much older due to the deep tones in my voice. Everything from then on has been musically, a rollercoaster! I have never had a moment to discontinued making music. I have always loved expressing myself through music.

Do you have a process for writing a new song, a way you find your inspiration?

My songwriting is often deeply personal and tied to the whirlwind of emotions and experiences that come with my upbringing. Ultimately, my songs usually come from a place of emotional truth, even if the story isn’t 100% autobiographical - I'm writing from my own perspective.

You have covered so many genres already, what is your favourite to sing? What helped you find your sound?

My favourite genre can vary depending on my mood! Sometimes a warm, soulful tone might be the vibe, so I might gravitate toward R&B or soul. I often choose genres where they give me a feel of balance between technical comfort and emotional expression. I find a sound through a mix of trying different genres, tones, and styles until something clicks.

Do you have are favourite genres to listen to? Do you have any favorite artists or bands?

I have a wide range of genres I enjoy—because there’s so much to appreciate in every style! I think my taste would be pretty diverse—always looking for new sounds and creative risks. Radiohead, Kendrick Lamar, Sade, Tame Impala, Frank Ocean, Björk, Fleetwood Mac.​

​Do you take inspiration from any artists? If so, who inspires you and what about them or their sound inspired, you?
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I would say early on inspiration to sing came from listening to Queen, Adele, Jhené Aiko, Michael Jackson, SOS band, Owl City and Charlie Puth. Over time my taste in music has become more eclectic from The Smiths, Ariana Grande, SZA, and the band IDKHTFM.

I have seen a lot of your live footage; you get really into the music and command the crowd effortlessly! Does that come naturally or was that something you learned over time?

It’s mainly a mix of instinct and practice. I genuinely feel what I’m singing, that passion often radiates naturally for me on stage. Learning when to hype a crowd, when to pull back, how to interact between songs—it’s an art that I’m still developing. Staying vocally strong while performing physically is a skill built through repetition and conditioning. Which I have been working on since a young age.

You’ve been doing a lot of live shows lately! Are there any goals for venues or festival that you have for yourself? Like the ultimate, “The is my dream venue/festival”?

​Tour as much of the world as possible. Release as much music as possible. I would like to perform at the O2 Arena in London. I’ve seen quite a few shows there, so it feels like home.

Are you wanting to work on more artist collaborations? If so, who is someone you want to work with?

Currently I have not collaborated with any artist. But I’m sure that will change in the future. I would like to collaborate with Ariana Grande or Charlie Puth - musically, they are so experimental and play around with their harmonies to make a piece of music properly reflective of their messages and soul - I would love to merge musical perspectives.

Do you have a favourite song out of all the ones you have made so far? If so, what makes it your favourite?

My recent single ‘Read Your Mind’ is my personal favourite. It’s a more social side of me, where I often just wanted to know what people were thinking, not because of fear of judgement, but because I was so curious about how people had such different personalities from each other but were able to connect. I believe platonic love is so incredibly strong, so this song was mainly about me building relationships that are so dear to me and navigating different people - even with the trials and tribulations that come with it.

​Is there a song that was the most emotional to make or play?

Definitely a more emotional song to make would have been 'Water Run Dry' - vocally it was very fun to challenge and even performing it is emotionally intriguing!

I hear you have a new song coming out soon! Can you tell me more about?

“Chains' refers to the chains I felt put on me from society when I was first pursuing music, and the process of taking them off. Being an independent and experimental artist, this song represents me gaining confidence as a singer to openly pursue a career as Sofia Gillani. I don't need people to see my life to know that I'm alive, or for people to say they love me when I have the support I need as I develop. It's completely and utterly unapologetic, as most of my music is - an anthem to blast to all the people who need confidence in their passion.

What inspired ‘Chains’?
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The song could stems from a personal experience where I felt trapped - a phase in my life where I felt stuck and unable to move forward. The lyrics capture the raw emotions of being weighed down by external pressures, but also reflect a deep desire to break free, to fight against those chains, and reclaim one's sense of self.

Wow, a single and two upcoming shows, I see! Are you excited with the growth you are making?

 Thank you! There’s that feeling of anticipation and pride, not only in sharing my work with the world, but in how it resonates with people. It’s like putting your heart into something and waiting to see how it lands, whether it’s through a crowd’s reaction, streams, or personal messages from fans.
 
What are some of the goals you have for 2025 and 2026?

After a couple of singles, it would feel like the right time to put together a full album, showcasing growth, storytelling, and a mix of genres to really show off versatility. Collaborating with other artists would be a top priority. Whether it’s on vocals, writing, or production, working with others helps push creativity in new directions. An international tour would be great - expanding beyond local venues and reaching new audiences in different cities or even countries would be a huge next step. I’d want to see how different crowds react and feel the energy of new places! - would like to build a stronger fan community – offering exclusive content, behind-the-scenes moments, and more personal connections—almost like curating a musical family - which I will be doing on the 14th June, raising money for WarChild.

What are some things you want to see and hear more of in the industry for 2026?

I’d love to see music continue to evolve in a way that’s authentic, diverse, and inclusive—where new technology and new voices allow music to be a platform for expression, connection, and change. The more we push the boundaries of creativity, the more we allow for the unexpected and beautiful innovations to take place. Music can be such a powerful platform to highlight social issues and give voice to those often overlooked.

Is there anything you want to see less of in 2026?
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I think by 2026, the music industry would benefit from a shift away from the exploitation of artists, artificial trends, and image over substance. Instead, I’d love to see more focus on artistic integrity, mental health, and inclusive, accessible opportunities for artists from all walks of life. There's so much room for growth, and the more we push for positive changes, the richer the music landscape will become.”
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Do you have any advice for new artists, people who want to become artists or people who are struggling to continue to make music?

Being an artist is about persistence, self-belief, and growth. You won’t always have easy days, and the road won’t always be smooth - but the key is to keep moving forward, even when things are tough. Remember, every step you take, no matter how small, gets you closer to where you want to be. And for the person who might be struggling with motivation or inspiration - you’re not alone. Many artists have been in the same position and have come out stronger on the other side. Keep going, keep creating, and know that your voice is important.

​Sofia isn’t stopping any time soon, so go ahead and enjoy the ride as we get more releases and shows from this absolutely amazing artist. Next time you in the car, at the store, or even just relaxing at home, remember to give her a listen. Supporting our next generation’s artist and the up-and-coming scene is so important, and Sofia won’t disappoint!