A Quick Chat With Sofia Gale

Sofia Gale rises with quiet defiance on Playing The Game, her powerful new folk-pop single out now. At just 17, the Perth singer-songwriter is already a two-time WAM Song of the Year winner and a standout voice in the next wave of Australian folk. Playing The Game builds from reflective piano into a full-bodied anthem, layered with drums and electric guitar, all anchored by Sofia’s unmistakable vocal strength. The track is a bold call to authenticity in a world of pressure and noise—an emotional pushback against conformity. We caught up with Sofia to talk about the new single, her creative process, and what’s next.

Can you tell us what this track means to you and what you want people to take away from it?
Playing The Game means a lot to me as it captures what it is like to constantly keep up with the industry in navigating around the constantly changing musical landscape. It enforces the struggle in staying in your own lane while finding your true authentic self amongst the noise. Especially being a teenager I really wanted to capture the importance of accepting yourself for who you are. The biggest message in this song is once you learn how to play the game in your own way, that is when you win!

Who are some of your influences, and why?
My most significant influences for my songwriting are Chappel Roan, Noah Kahan, Birdy and Sara Bareilles as they are able to capture such beautiful stories and messages melodically and lyrically, whilst also having phenomenal vocals. Chappel Roan's story, starting off in the industry so young and working through everything to get to where she is today, is so captivating for any young artist to look up to. My Aussie music influences are artists G Flip, Meg Mac and Missy Higgins, who are all unique in their own way, which is what I aspire to become as an artist.

What's the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?
My creative process consists of first finding the message or story I want to convey in the song, which then builds up on the lyrics and melody choices I make to bring together my vision. I generally like to relate my music to moments in my life that people can interpret in their own way. When recording my music, I always have piano as my foundation, which allows any sparks of new ideas to flourish in the studio. One of my favourite parts of recording my music is getting to add the layers of vocals, whether it’s harmonies or ad–libs, which is a part of my creative flair.

What do you think makes a great song?
I feel like this song can be an anthem for any teenager or music artist to allow themselves to trust their craft and stay in their own lane. The use of organic and raw instruments allows the song to be respected with its catchy melody and piano riff.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
There are so many phenomenal artists in this industry I would love to collaborate with, but if I really had to choose, it would be Tones And I. Her story resonates with me in so many ways, through my connection to the Mornington Peninsula, watching her busk along the streets of Victoria, and then for her to still write and create music on such a large scale, but give back to her community at the same time is truly amazing.

When not working on music, what other creative outlet/s do you have?
Although songwriting is one of my biggest passions, I have always had a deep love for musical theatre as well. I truly enjoy expressing that love through singing, dancing, and acting—especially when I get the chance to perform in musicals. I am so grateful to have an amazing network of friends and family who support me throughout my music journey, but also love and embrace me for who I am.

Who are some local bands we should check out?
Some local bands you should check out in Perth are HeySoHungry, Joan and the Giants, Sour Band, Shore Haven, and Sophian!

Winter or summer and why?
100% summer, we are so lucky in WA to have such amazing weather, which makes summer the best time of the year. It's Christmas, my birthday, but most of all, spending time at our beautiful beaches is a highlight.

What do you have planned for 2025?
My up-and-coming gigs for the year include performing at the HQ Leederville for their Youth Wave Project as a featured artist on the 12th of April, and I will also be a support act for a local artist in WA at the Rosemount on May 22nd! I am currently in Year 12, so focusing on my studies has been forced to be a major priority of mine, which has allowed me to continue to write music and perfect my craft!

Interviewsaustralianmusicscene11 April 2025