Backstage at this year’s Leeds Festival, we caught up with 20-year-old artist Sofia Isella, one of the most unique voices on the scene. Fresh off a memorable performance on the Festival Republic stage, Sofia spoke with us about how her music journey began, her dream collaboration with Billie Eilish, and tour.

Photography By Nora Toth

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, who you are for the people who don’t know and how you got into music?

SOFIA: I’m Sofia Isella, I’m an artist. I got into music originally because of the violin. I was classically trained in it, and that was when I was two. And then everything started, just 1,000 different reasons for each instrument and each production.

When did you start song writing?

SOFIA: I was eight. I got too many notebooks for my eighth birthday. The parents bought it for me, not the kids—cause the kids would have gotten you something cool. And then I just got my label maker, cause I was very homeschooled, and I started labelling everything, and one was songwriting.

Who are your musical influences?

SOFIA: A lot of my influences are actually a lot of poetry. A lot of Margaret Atwood, a lot of Sylvia Plath, a lot of Mona Awad. Just people I talk about all the time, I love them. 

Who would your dream collaboration be?

SOFIA: Billie Eilish, Trent Reznor, Taylor Swift obviously. 

If you could describe your music as a scent, what would it smell like?

SOFIA: Probably mud, recently. I smell like mud, obviously. So, probably mud. 

You’re currently on tour, which city are you most excited to play at?

SOFIA: Most excited that I haven’t played at… I’m excited for London, cause all my friends are gonna be there. But honestly, I’ve heard that every single—I’m playing Glasgow and Manchester—and I’ve heard great things about the crowds there.

What’s your favourite song to play live?

SOFIA: Muse. 

How are you finding the festival so far?

SOFIA: Good vibes. I mean, the generator exploded in Reading, so you know, that’s always a fun vibe. But yeah, Leeds went really smoothly. I mean, I also like it when things explode too, cause then I get to talk with the fans in the front—we just chat, catch up, how you doing.

Lastly, would you come back next year? Maybe to headline?

SOFIA: Yeah, I would love to come back. I would love it.

Photography By C Williams