Digital Cover: Sophie Powers
Talent: Sophie Powers
Creative Direction: Sophie Powers
Stylist: Sophie Powers
Stylist Assist: Sofia Kuthy
Wearing: @_imayve
Makeup + Hair: Chaewon Kim
Photography: Kim Moondog
Music Editor + Words: Do Young Kim
Managing Editor: Chrissy Wang
Fashion Editor: Juri Watanabe
EIC: Anthony Vu Cao
At just 16, a determined Toronto girl shot her first flare into the world as she boldly leaped into America’s entertainment capital, Los Angeles. 2020 marked the beginning of a new chapter for multifaceted rising pop artist and designer, Sophie Powers. From viral TikTok moments to breakthrough EP Glitch: Lvl 1 (2024), a globally recognized “STFU” audition on American Idol, and a recent collaboration with K-pop powerhouse ILLIT, Sophie’s name resonates across the globe. Now, with the release of her self challenging single “muddy,” she stands in the spotlight, capturing the gaze of fans and the industry alike.
Now in 2025, “muddy” and “spiderwebs” represents a new era for the 21-year-old, one that redesigns her evolution from restrained emotions to raw and unfiltered creative expression. With the single now racing towards 800K streams on Spotify, GR8T Magazine shares our conversation with Sophie on her evolving music, fashion design, late night reflections, and an updated “STFU” list.
We caught up with Sophie Powers as she prepares the release of “spiderwebs”..
Welcome to GR8T Magazine! Congratulations on your new single, and turning 21! To start things off, can you share one amazing thing and one challenging thing that happened recently?
Hi GR8T Magazine thanks for wishing me a happy 21st birthday 🎂 I just spent 21 minutes looking for that cake emoji. An amazing thing that happened recently was performing at a festival in South Korea (one universe festival). A challenging thing that happened recently was having to accept a diagnosis I was given surrounding my health, and really coming to terms with it.
We heard that "Muddy" took five years to write and seems like what is lyrically and visually your most daring work so far. What drove you to write it and was there anything unique about this particular project?
My song “spiderwebs” is the one that actually took five years to write! Muddy did take about five months though. I think the lyrics in both are raw, honest, and unafraid, just in different ways.
Both the music video and your recent performances feel like they reveal the most creatively raw version of Sophie Powers. What allows you to be your authentic self and are there still parts of yourself that you're struggling to share?
Honestly, I think being on stage is when i feel the most "me." There's no filter or control there. But I think I still struggle to show vulnerability outside of my music. Sometimes I hide behind humor or performance instead of letting people see the softer parts of me.
How does the 2025 "Muddy" era differ from earlier years in EP Red in Revenge (2022) and Glitch: Lvl 1 (2024)?
It’s leaning more toward where my sound is going rather than where it used to be. I still think it's closer to red in revenge though!
Is there a misconception about you or your music?
People think I’m a bitch but I’m really not. I’m just blunt with my delivery.
You've already amassed over 80 million global streams. Looking back from your debut (2021), what chapters of your path have unfolded just as you imagined, and what's surprised you?
I never imagined I’d be traveling this much or connecting with people in so many different countries. What's surprised me the most is how fast time moves when you're creating. I’ll blink and realize a whole year went by.
Many first discovered you as the "STFU" girl from American Idol or from viral TikTok videos, but don't know too much of your background. How has your move from Toronto to LA at 16 influenced you?
Well I’ve definitely been through a lot worse things than saying that on national television, so I was prepared for any hate I got. Moving to LA taught me independence, how to hustle, and how to keep my sense of humor no matter what.
From designing clothes in partnerships with ACDC RAG and Gloomy Bear, to performances inspired by Marina Abramović, you've always channeled your creativity through other mediums as well. How do these forms differ in your approach compared to music?
Fashion and performance art are like my visual diaries. Music is emotional, but visual art lets me build the world around the songs — the textures, outfits, sets, and even the dirt or mud. They all come from the same creative place but hit different senses.
You've collaborated with artists like Dillon Francis, RJ Pasin, Baby Tate, kets4eki, and many more. What valuable lessons or realizations have you gained from fellow creatives?
I’ve learned something different from every artist I’ve worked with, from ILLIT to Dillon Francis to Baby Tate to space rangers to Sam Kratzer. They've all shown me new ways to express myself and approach sound. The biggest lesson though is that art is art. It doesn't matter what you make, it's about what you feel.
Featuring on ILLIT's "Jellyous," writing "GOTCHA" by IVE, and performing at the One Universe Festival, we're starting to feel more of your presence in the K-pop world. How were these experiences, and what draws you to it?
All of these experiences were amazing opportunities that I’m so grateful for. I really enjoyed learning a lot about the culture in Korea outside of just music. I spent about eight weeks there this year and I hope I get to go back soon. I also recently wrote "reality hurts" for NMIXX, which was another dream moment. What draws me to K-pop is how much emphasis there is on artistic expression and the sense of community each group builds with their fans. It's something really special that inspires me every time I’m around it.
To become who you are today, you've likely faced seasons of doubt, self-belief, and everything in between. What moments, good or bad, have shaped your path the most?
All of the live shows I’ve played have really shaped how I see music. It's so physically healing and rewarding to perform. I’ve also been influenced by the people around me, like producers, songwriters, and dancers. their perseverance keeps me going.
When you're laying in bed before sleep, what do you think about? and when everything rushes in at once, what helps you stay grounded?
To be honest I usually fall asleep with my phone in my hand while working, so I’m never really grounded. I don't think about much before I sleep except deadlines. That being said, if anyone has grounding tips, my ears are open.
We couldn't resist but ask. Are there any new additions to the infamous "Shut the **** Up" list in this crazy year of 2025
Haha honestly, the list is closed for renovations this year. I’m focusing on peace, patience, and pretending I didn't hear it.
If you could visit 16-year-old Sophie on her very first day in LA, what would you tell her, and what would you give her?
I’d tell her "you're gonna need this," and hand her a jar full of notes with compliments written on them. Practicing self-love is something I wish I started way sooner.
Lastly, what's upcoming for you in 2025?
In 2025, I’ll have a massive release coming, a collab with an incredible international artist. It's gonna be big. GR8T
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