Singer-songwriter, Sophie Beem ’17, is a freshman at Hewitt whose career is just beginning to take off. She is already known for competing in the second season of Fox’s The X Factor in 2012, when she made it to the top 40 out of 250,000 contestants. I had the pleasure of sitting down with the future superstar to ask her a few questions:
Hewitt Times: What was it like auditioning in front of Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell, and L.A. Reid? Was it nerve-racking? What song did you sing?
Sophie Beem: Well, I was 13 at the time, and going on The X Factor was the first real experience I got singing on stage and performing. I realized after the show that music was something I wanted to pursue.
I was so tired of waiting when I was about to go on stage, so I told myself, “You’re going to do this, and you’re not going to be nervous. You’ve put in so much effort, time, and practice, and you’re not going to mess up. All of my nervousness was practically gone because I just wanted to get it over with. I was handed a microphone, and they told me to stand right in the middle of the stage, looking out for a “red x” to stop and talk to the judges. Simon said I reminded him of Britney. Britney didn’t understand, but she said, “Well, you’re beautiful.” I was speechless and couldn’t believe that this was real life. I sang three songs because they kept asking me if I had another, and of course, being prepared, I did. The first song I sang was “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster The People, the second, “Volcano” by Damien Rice, and lastly, “Landslide” by Stevie Nicks. Britney said I had a very unique and powerful voice; Demi said I sounded different and that she thought I was really cool and wanted to be my friend; Simon said, “Some people are born with it, and you are born with it;” and L.A. Reid said he wanted my album, so he could listen to me all night. It was pretty overwhelming getting so much great feedback. Overall, the experience was life-changing.
HT: When writing a song, what do you like to write about? Do you ever have writer’s block?
SB: When I write a song, I write about the things I know about. I write about the past experiences that I’ve gone through. Common things that girls have gone through, struggled, overcome, achieved, and also things that even adults can relate too. People have said that I’m an old soul.
HT: When did you first learn how to play guitar and piano?
SB: I started as a self-taught guitarist. But about a year and a half ago, I asked my mom for lessons. Since then, I’ve been taking lessons every week of the school year. I think I was drawn to guitar and piano since I was so interested in writing. Once I created melodies in my head and put words to them, I used the piano and guitar to bring them to life. I don’t take piano lessons, but I do teach myself.
HT: I hear you go to French Woods Performing Arts Summer Camp. What do you do there, and how has it helped you grow as a musician?
SB: French Woods gave me the chance to explore and try music in an environment filled with creative people where everyone is putting themselves out there. There is no “bad” performance or failure because everyone is learning. It’s expected that you won’t be perfect, and you can take risks that you wouldn’t normally take anywhere else. It’s the first time I’ve worked with a band and performed on a stage. We had to learn how to write, play, and work together. I’ve gone for five years in a row, and it is a great program.
HT: What sort of training do you do outside of school?
SB: I work with a vocal coach. I started last year in January. Her name is Katie Agresta. She trains Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, and Dave Mathews from the Dave Mathews Band. I have learned a lot on how to build my range and train my voice. I don’t sing songs when I am there, though. I do scales in a variety of ways.
HT: Who is your musical inspiration?
SB: I [have been] inspired by lots of different musicians at different periods in my life. Early on, I loved Miley Cyrus, and I still do love her voice and how it has grown. Also, I love Rianna, Imagine Dragons, and Demi Lovato. Each one is unique with an original voice. I also cross over genres. I like hip hop, pop, and alternative. Most my songs have a little of each.
HT: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
SB: Writing, recording, and performing. I want to do this for the rest of my life, so I plan on practicing a lot and improving in every area. It’s not like you really ever arrive. You keep trying harder and pushing yourself to do it better; but because I love it, it’s not work. It’s fun! My dream is to perform at Madison Square Garden.