LA Singer-Songwriter, Sophia Alone, wants to "Un-define" Muslim American Women
Sophia Alone has vocals that could give Christina Aguilera a run for her money. She has shared the stage with some of LA's finest and is resilience personified. Born in America to Moroccan and French parents, the trilingual songstress uses her music as a form of self expression about her identity and who she is as a person. With a busy schedule gigging throughout California, we were lucky to get some time to catch up with the singing beauty. Let's dive in!
1. Describe yourself in 3 words.
Woman. Muslim. American.
"I AM NOT TRYING TO DEFINE MUSLIM AMERICAN WOMEN. RATHER, I AM TRYING TO UN-DEFINE THEM."
2. Tell us a bit about the work you do and why you chose that field.
I am Sophia Alone, I am an “out and proud” Muslim American musician with my own brand of swagger ... think a Muslim J-Lo.
I am a Franco-Moroccan-American singer-songwriter, living in LA, California, where I make my living and fulfill my dreams as a professional musician singing and writing in English French Arabic. I begin my live shows and YouTube videos with the question: “Do you want to know what a modern American Muslim woman looks like?” I then strut to the front of the stage, long hair flowing or tucked inside a colorful Hijab, and, soul beaming confidently, I answer -- “It's me! I am Woman. I am Muslim. I am American.”
I am not trying to define Muslim American women. Rather, I am trying to un-define them. I believe it is a radical act of positivity to simply tell the world who I am. And the way I do it is by sharing my music.
3. Any big plans or projects for the rest of 2019?
I have some exciting lofty goals for the end of the year that will be announced in early 2020. So stay tuned. Other than that, I am happily playing a lot of shows 'till the end of the year due to the busy holiday season.
"MEND THE LOBOTOMY BETWEEN SOMEONE WHO MOSTLY SEES WHAT SHE HASN'T DONE OR NEEDS TO DO WITH SOMEONE WHO CELEBRATES HER VICTORIES."
4. What advice would you give to your 15-year old self?
Mend the lobotomy between someone who mostly sees what she hasn’t done or needs to do with someone who celebrates her victories. Remember you are a success and perfect right now, and go from there.
5. Best advice you ever received?
Ever tried? Ever failed? Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
6. Happiness is …?Singing.
"THE WORD 'NO' ISN'T QUITE IN MY VOCABULARY, SO I HATE HEARING IT. LOL."
7. What is your biggest pet peeve?
People with no vision. For example, when I am trying to get things done or need help and they just say “no, that’s not possible.” The word “no” Isn’t quite in my vocabulary so I hate hearing it lol.
8. Describe your go-to style.
I feel like I have two personalities when it comes to fashion. I have the ripped jeans and a crop top woman, and/or the light sweater, loose pants, and a Hijab (a scarf loosely wrapped around my head) woman. I think most people know me as either person but not both. I’m working on that.
9. You feel most beautiful when …?
I am smiling.
10. What does fashion mean to you?
Matching my shoes to my belt and hoping the rest of the look follows.
~ The End ~
A little note to Sophia from the Style Sonata team:
Sophia -- thanks for reminding us to dream big and pursue the things that make our hearts smile. We'll be listening out for you on the big stage, and wish you the best of luck for 2020.
xoxo