Sophie Castillo

Sophie Castillo is a musician based in West London. Born to a Colombian mother and a Cuban father, her musical influences stretch across the Atlantic and all the way back to her place of birth, London, to produce the alternative pop sound with a latin twist she makes her own.

Embarking on a fusion of pop, alternative, indie, RnB and Latin music, she breaks the barriers of genre. Pairing her soft, flowing vocals with catchy melodies and sensual rhythm, she echoes the romanticism of the Latin music she grew up with to create a cinematic, dreamy and glamorous sound. We sat down with sophie to find out the most daring thing she has ever done and reason behind her last release

NEO: How would you describe your music journey?

SOPHIE CASTILLO: I’ve been singing since I was really little but I feel like I’ve recently found my voice and style, as of a year ago. I’ve also connected with my Latin heritage and have been so influenced by my culture lyrically and musically and I’m excited to fuse different genres together.

NEO: What was the reason behind the title of your last release?

SOPHIE CASTILLO: When The Sun Goes Down is quite a sensual, romantic song. When I was writing it I had a clear image of the colours and feelings the songs evoked in my mind. I kept imagining a sort of night time, just after the sun sets, bonfire scenario. I kept feeling a lot of deep reds, orange and dark night time colours and this inspired the theme and title of the song.

NEO: What is your creative process like?

SOPHIE CASTILLO: A little messy sometimes! Lyrics and melodies always come to me at the most random times and often when I’m cosy in bed and about to fall asleep, so then I have to get up and record something or write it down so I don’t forget! When I sit down to write I like to just blurt out everything on the page and then figure out what my brain wanted to tell me, it can be very therapeutic and a good way of tapping into feelings and processing them.

NEO: What is the biggest misconception people have about you?

SOPHIE CASTILLO: That I do too many different things! I love fashion and music and do modelling, singing and also have a small handmade clothing brand, so it can seem like I’m floating between different industries and some people get confused. But I really feel that creativity is fluid and that all of these industries tie into each other. Lots of creatives in our generation are adaptable and take on many different roles! It could seem messy to some but I think it’s really fun to be interested in lots of different things and have lots of different passions.

NEO: ​Out of all the songs you have released which is your favourite? And why?

SOPHIE CASTILLO: When The Sun Goes Down is my probably my favourite because I got the chance to actually release a song I produced which was really exciting! I’d just started learning about production so I was nervous but i was really proud to be able to do it and it was a big milestone for me.

NEO: ​What are your passions outside of music ?

SOPHIE CASTILLO: I have a small handmade fashion brand which I started in the first lockdown. I absolutely love sewing and designing and seeing my creations come to life? I also do modelling which I really love and it’s given me the chance to meet lots of amazing creative people!

NEO: ​When you were younger, what did you want to be growing up?

SOPHIE CASTILLO: I always wanted to be a singer! I wanted to be an actress too but mainly a singer.

NEO: ​What is the most daring thing you’ve done?

SOPHIE CASTILLO: The most daring thing I’ve done is probably starting my own fashion brand! I taught myself how to sew and started designing and thought I should just go for it. It was daunting but I’m so glad I did it.

NEO: ​When experiencing a creative block, what do you do to combat it?

SOPHIE CASTILLO: Listening to a lot of music can really help with a creative block. There’s so much inspiration around us and so much music to enjoy and learn from. I think it’s also good to take a break if you’re having a block and give your mind time to relax and recover.

NEO: ​What would you like to achieve before your next birthday?

SOPHIE CASTILLO: I’d love to release an EP! And also make another music video.

NEO: ​Let us know where to find you on social media

SOPHIE CASTILLO: @sophiecastillo3