After taking her music on the road for her first major North American tour, Sophia Galaté is finding her rhythm both on and off stage. Galaté spoke with NYOTA about writing from personal experience, stepping into the spotlight, and navigating the demands of touring.

You’ve lived between Los Angeles and Chicago, two very different cities. How has each city shaped your sound and who you are as an artist today?

Chicago is the city where I really fell in love with jazz music and its derivatives, so it’s a heavy influence. And so many of the most inspiring artists are from Chicago, Donny Hathaway, Quincy Jones, etc.

Before stepping into the spotlight, you were working behind the scenes in touring and artist development. How did that insider perspective change the way you move as an artist now?

I’m just really organized, and I understand the operational side a lot, which is helpful.

You’ve seen firsthand how intense life on the road can be. How do you balance protecting your creativity while also handling the business side of music?

I don’t balance it to be honest, road life is very tough, but the fans make it rewarding!

How would you describe your sound as an artist, and what does your creative process look like when writing a song? 

I really can only write songs when I’m going through something, which means I don’t write very often, but when I do, it’s very meaningful, and I believe that’s why my songs are so relatable. I’d say I’m a soulful singer-songwriter and R&B fusion.

Your songs feel like heart-to-heart conversations with a best friend. If you could turn that into a collab, who would you want to “have a conversation” with on a track?

Well, most of my song ideas were all derived from conversations with my friends, haha. I look forward to collaborating with PJ Morton in the future. 

You went from emerging artist to headlining your own North American tour. What did that experience feel like, and what does performing for packed rooms mean to you both as an artist and as a person?

I’ve always known my destiny was performing; I’m so good at it, and I’m very comfortable on stage, so it all felt right.

Five years from now, what does your dream life as an artist look like for you?

Multiple streams of income from performing, but also from building my brand beyond music, in related areas.

What advice do you have for aspiring singers?

Plan less! We think we need to have everything mapped out, and I feel that actually sabotages spontaneous opportunities to happen to you.