Sophia DeLeo now lives in New York City, USA but grew up in the town of Falls Church, Virginia. It’s here where her new EP Drama Queen is set. The concept EP tells the story of her coming of age and promises to be an intensely personal but rewarding tale.
By Graeme Smith
The EP opens with Maggie Rogers. It’s a gentle, rustic start, with strummed strings, picked banjo and atmospheric layers. Sophia’s vocals are instantly captivating, telling a descriptive story of a chance encounter. It beautifully sets the scene, leading us into Everything. Pensively uplifting its lyrics paint a vivid vignette that’s rich with nostalgia and a tinge of regret. Sophia wrote this album as a way of exorcising demons of her youth, and that comes through strongly here.
David (voice memo) in an intimate interlude that gives us a poetic taste of heartbreak. My Body Was My Own expands the story to one of self-love, and provides a powerful message against bowing to societal ideas of beauty. Its vulnerable lyrics make it a highlight.
Title track Drama Queen closes the EP. Presented as a direct message to her younger self, Sophia delivers a meditative, philosophical narrative backed by calming instrumentals. It’s a moment of forgiveness and I found myself feeling along with every note. It’s a stunning end to a breath-taking EP.
There are few storytellers out there like Sophia DeLeo and the relatable, emotional story of Drama Queen makes it a must listen, especially if you’re a fan of folk pop like Taylor Swift. This month, Sophia will be celebrating the EP with an appearance at the Big Lawn Music Festival and set out on a tour along with Alex Petti. I can see a bright future ahead of Sophia and this EP is a wonderful introduction to her world for us.
Drama Queen was recorded over two years with the help of co-producer Jean-Luc McMurtry. You can give it a listen below.