Interview - Sophie Garner
Sophie is a professional singer, song-writer and educator. She has toured extensively with four studio albums, supporting artists including McFly, Sugarbabes and Will Young. She believes in sharing the gift of music as a therapy and life skill to build confidence and social development. We met on day one of our MA studies and supported each other through that process. All of her research projects extended far beyond exploring vocal function, they had a deeper purpose of improving lives through music and this is reflected in her current work in the community. Sophie has also worked to form a support group called VoxOp: The UK’s first and only support group for singers with vocal issues and she is ambassador for the new young persons national mental health research charity MQ. While gigs have been on hold during lockdown Sophie has written a book called ‘the Creative Songwriting Journal’. I will let Sophie Introduce herself and tell you more…
Sophie, you have had a long and diverse career in music. Please tell us a bit about your singing, how did it start for you? What sort of training did you have?
I left school knowing I would be a professional singer. I was absolutely terrible at every subject at school except music and drama, which I excelled in. I began my career as an actress with The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain then decided that singing was what I really wanted to focus on. I started out as a jazz and soul singer, performing at venues such as London’s 100 club and Pizza Express in Dean St. My very first gig was in Camden’s Dublin Castle where many artists and groups began their careers. I have toured internationally and at one point had management in Dubai. I’ve fronted and managed my own bands throughout the past 27 years playing everywhere from Marrakech on Christmas day through to a private function for the French president and everything inbetween; pubs, clubs, festivals and corporate events. I have released 4 albums one of which was my solo album that I co-wrote with my partner Paul, as well as writing music for a film drama called ‘Lipstick’. I’ve constantly trained and developed my expertise throughout my career, undertaking courses and workshops in singing and vocal pedagogy. In 2019 I finished a Masters Degree where I specialised in researching singing and wellbeing with a focus on brain injury and also songwriting for children. Since then I have developed a training course for facilitators wishing to develop an understanding in working with brain injury sufferers.
Can you tell us about the work you do now in addition to singing?
I run 5 choirs and also teach privately. One of my singing groups involves providing weekly sessions for the charity Headway. The group attendees have all suffered a brain injury and many have had a stroke. It’s an incredibly positive group and we have a great deal of fun as well as working on specific exercises to improve speech problems and mobility through movement exercises. The benefits go beyond just the joy of singing and everyone is invested in each other which is very powerful to be a part of and witness.
How do you feel that music benefits the communities in which you work?
It gives people an outlet to be themselves, a place to express who they are without judgement, meet new friends, laugh and be part of a group. Everyone leaves feeling positive and uplifted so it is a real tonic each week, not only for them but for me also!
How important do you feel that expression through music can help young people today?
I think it’s vital. Children love to sing and dance and it’s completely natural to them, we see it really develop naturally in the school playground, making up songs together. It provides children complete freedom to express themselves. Play is an important part of growing up and developing social skills and confidence.
You have recently created a book to help young people to write songs and express themselves creatively. What was your motivation behind this and what do you hope your readers will achieve from it?
I’ve written the book I wish I’d had when I was a child. I am a songwriter myself and I know the freedom, power and joy creating your own songs brings. I’ve taught hundreds of people how to do this successfully with absolutely no experience and right now more than ever, there is a crucial need for ways that children can express themselves so I decided to put all of my exercises, lesson plans and ideas into book form.
What do you cover in the book?
I begin with various focused visualisations and breathing exercises then we move on to discovering the readers unique taste in music to inspire the creative process. I then teach my unique approach which is a step-by-step walk through guide. The last section is packed with ideas and exercises to inspire specific songwriting subjects along with lots of pages for jotting down your own ideas.
How can people find it?
www.thecreativesongwritingjournal.com
You started a charity called VoxOp, how did this come about and who does it help?
I had a career threatening vocal op in 2011 which was in the middle of recording my solo album. It was the darkest period of my life, challenging both mentally and financially. I realised there was a real need for a support group for other singers experiencing vocal issues so I set up the support group, the first of its kind in the UK. It’s helped a lot of singers from all genres of music from West End through to contemporary and classical. The meetings are a safe and open space to discuss and share issues within a team comprising vocal coach and speech and language therapist.
Tell us more about you. What achievement in your life are you most proud of?
The first singer at The O2 Arena, recording and co-producing my solo album of my own material, completing my MA in 2019, Setting up the UK’s first support group for singers and becoming an author.
What would you like to achieve in your career that you haven’t yet achieved?
So many things, I’d love to sing with Stevie Wonder, I’d like to create a new band doing my own material, I would love to be backed/supported by a full orchestra performing my solo album, play the main stage at Glastonbury (isn’t that everyone’s dream!?). Open up my own charity to create schools for kids to come and sing and write songs. Create choirs across the UK for people that have had brain injury.
What advice would you give anyone trying to reach their goals in the music industry?
1. Keep a tissue on you at all times for cleaning your glasses to avoid them getting rose tinted.
2. Keep physically, mentally and vocally healthy and fit.
3. Understand that wanting fame is not enough to get you success.
4. Your musicianship is a small part of the large empire that makes up being an artist.
5. Sleep and rest will be your best friend.
Who is your favourite singer?
Stevie Wonder. My favourite band is Queens of the Stone Age.
How important do you think mindset is for career success?
Its crucial, regardless of who is around you in terms of your team, unless you are personally dedicated and driven and really want something and are wholly committed it’s not going to happen. No one can want it for you. Desire, passion, need, all these very strong words confirm what I feel is paramount to success. You have to literally be hungry for it. A person needs unwavering self-belief.
Have you ever had imposter syndrome and if so, how do you deal with it?
Yes and it is sometimes a major issue. At times it has almost got in the way of goals and put walls in my way. The term ‘getting out of your own way’ resonates so much with me. I normally speak to close friends (including you Jai!) and ask for an external view of the situation and a reminder of what my abilities are. It’s so easy to take what you have achieved for granted because you’re constantly trying to better yourself. It’s something I don’t think will ever truly disappear.
What piece of advice would you give to your 14 year old self?
You will be loved and you will be understood, so stay strong, you are doing an incredible job of surviving within the chaos that surrounds you right now. You must stay focused though Sophie on your goals and not give so much of you away to other people!
Thank you for giving us an insight into the work you do and sharing your advice with us Sophie.
