PREMIERE: Sophomooreik - Over My Shoulders (Mixtape) + 10 Questions
Sophomooreik, a 23 year old artist from NW London combines elements of trap and electronic music with alternative hip-hop and released his first EP, EASYAS...[growing up] in October 2019, showcasing “staggering, rapid fire delivery... [his] sheer talent, perceptiveness and point of view firmly mark him as one to watch” (Black Pepper Magazine).
As with his debut, Sophomooreik’s second offering EASYAS...[self indulgence] EP released in Oct 2021, firmly demonstrated his ability as a shrewd and perceptive storyteller, using his own experiences and those of people around him, to construct a semi- fictional, semi- autobiographical yet always authentic narrative, that develops over each track. This release was supported by Wordplay Magazine, Music Crowns & Discovernu amongst others.
Ready to release his debut mixtape ‘Over My Shoulders’, with three singles leading up to it, Sophomooreik says: Over My Shoulders is a comment on the duality of humankind. The angel and the devil. Right and wrong. How blurred are those lines?
This mixtape constantly contradicts itself to demonstrate the true nature of people and their thoughts - especially my own. Not everything is black and white.
Sophomooreik sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
My mum showed me Eminem when I was about 12, I instantly went onto my computer and downloaded all of his albums. Since then I was just obsessed with the art of rap and putting words together, so shout out to her, if it wasn’t for that moment I would probably still be listening to Mcfly and Busted (which I still do, don’t judge me they’re good).
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Obviously Eminem but some others are Tech N9ne, Token, Mac Miller and The Strokes. I would love to work with Julian Casablancas, I just think his lyrical ability is amazing and his ear for melodies is unmatched.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
Luckily I had a majority of the mixtape finished before the pandemic so I didn’t really face any problems with that side of things. Now that everything’s opened back up I can get back to doing more shows which is the main thing I missed during this crazy time.
4. How would you describe your sound?
I would say it’s Trap with a lot of darkness in the instrumental and mainly focused around lyricism and storytelling.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I don’t really have one specifically yet, I think overall I’m just really proud of releasing my music and being authentic to myself.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
I’d say stay true to yourself and your art, don’t try and abide by the blueprints presented to you if they don’t align with your truth. If you’re willing to play the long game, it will definitely pay off in the end.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Connie Constance is an amazing UK artist, definitely check her out.
Jordan Stephens has been releasing some really cool stuff for a while now as well.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Baby Keem - the melodic blue
Mac Miller - Faces
Connie Constance - Prim & Propa
Tech N9ne - ASIN9NE
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Honestly, just hang out with my mates - if I’m not making music I’m definitely thinking about it so it really takes up a lot of my free time.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Peppermint tea - gotta keep those vocals silky smooth.
My Phone - I keep all my lyrics in my notes, unfinished verses I can use and song titles - so would be helpful to have it on me obviously.
Earphones - sometimes I need to write to one instrumental while a producer starts on the next one, so I stick in my earphones to make the most out of all the studio time I get.