I first met Sobi performing as part of the Café La Palma Open Mic series in Madrid, Spain. Sobi had her EP up for download and quickly established herself as a dope songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist throughout the city. Originally from London and currently living in the musical center of Manchester, Sobi stays active playing shows throughout England. Music provides Sobi a way to reflect on and recast past experiences into positive expressions moving forward. The deeper the Reflection, the more honest her songs become. Sobi put out her first EP Betty La Guapa in 2012 and is ready to drop her second EP Creatures in my Mind with Hourglass Productions on April 5th on Itunes. Peep the dialogue below and be sure to cop the new record coming soon!
Reflection is taking time to remember and ponder the past. Response is using the past as inspiration to create something meaningful and positive. Depending on how we respond our past can always have a positive effect on our future.
– Sobi
Leading off with some basics, where are you from? And where are you at?
S: Hi I’m Sobi and I’m a Britain-based singer/songwriter. My family are originally from Sri Lanka but I was born in Madrid and have spent most of my life living in England. I grew up in London and at the ripe old age of 18 decided to move to Manchester to study where I very quickly fell in love with the city that I now call home. As a musician and a huge fan of music Manchester has provided me with some of my favorite musical experiences! From watching bands like the Flaming Lips to performing myself with some incredibly talented local artists.
What does Reflection and Response mean to you?
S: To me reflection is taking time to remember and ponder the past. Response is using the past as inspiration to create something meaningful and positive. Depending on how we respond our past can always have a positive effect on our future.
How does your music fit in with that definition?
S: Writing songs has always been an emotional outlet for me and a way of reflecting and responding to various situations that I have been in. When I’ve had a stressful day or am feeling anxious about something my natural response is to pick up a guitar and turn my bad feelings into something good. The more I reflect on how the past has affected me and made me feel, the more honest and real my songs become.
What else have you been working on recently? What are you looking to work on next?
S: Since January I’ve been working on my new EP, ‘Creatures in my Mind’ , which is due for release on 5th April and will be available on iTunes. In the meantime I’m continuing to write more music and play as many gigs as I can around Manchester and other cities in the UK!
Who or what inspires you?
S: My biggest musical influences include Damien Rice, Laura Marling and Norah Jones, but I draw inspiration from all kinds of musicians. The main inspiration for my songs are personal experiences and people that have had a significant impact on my life. Sometimes I meet someone only once on twice but their story strikes a chord that means I have to write a song about it!
Without a doubt the person that has inspired me the most in my life is my mother. She is the most balanced person that I know! She has always encouraged me to follow my dream but also stay grounded. Most importantly she is always there to pick me up and set me on the right path again when things don’t go my way.
Is there anything else you would like the Collective to know?
S: My first EP, ‘Betty la Guapa’ is available to download for free / an amount of your choice on my bandcamp page; www.sobi.bandcamp.com. I recorded this EP with one of my best friends in his tiny, make-shift bedroom studio and it was so much fun! I really hope you enjoy it!
Shout out to…?
S: The guys from Hourglass Productions for all their help in putting together my latest EP! I’ve had such a great time making it and it would not have been possible without them!
Check out more of Sobi’s work at the following links:
Reflection and Response.
the LIFESTYLE 
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