Your roots are both your lineage, your ancestry, and your values, your beliefs. Your roots can inform how you show up and move through the world, the type of person you are and the one you are becoming. When you're rooted, you stick true to your character, and at the same time honor where you've come from.
There are many different reasons why an individual may hold true to their roots. It can be their upbringing, their culture, or nationality. If they are musically inclined, it could the music that they listened to when they were younger. Religion has established a strong belief system in many. These things are at the core of a person’s values, beliefs and character. When a person is defined by their roots it can have a positive effect on the way they live their life. If you have making it big in the music industry is your aim, it will play a significant role, in the outcome of your career.
Artists have deviated from the character traits that once defined them. In do so, they forget about what made them successful. Rock is a genre, that rests solely upon the type of roots or values that exist in you. It is true, that some pretend that they are rockers, but something in their character will make them transparent. This is why artists get confused with which genre they identify with. Which is ok, but they waste precious time testing sorting out what works.
We are not biased regarding any genre of music. However, we do know what sort of person is best suited for a specific genre. Our guest today is Sophia Radisch. Who has established her genre of music early on. She identifies as a rock artist, and identifies with its genre, because it’s part of her roots, traditions, and family values.
Sophia Radisch (b. July 6,1998) is a Canadian rocker, singer-songwriter, recording artist and musician. She garnered recognition by the epic and legendary Guitar Player Magazine and is celebrated in their “50 Year Celebration December 2017 Holiday Issue”.
She has been granted an author credit in Canadian Musician Magazine, where her guitar column “Finding Your Passion” is featured in the March/April 2018 edition. She is a panelist for Canadian Musician Magazine’s guitar feature “The Young Guns” in the May/June 2018 issue. Sophia attended Canadian Music Week 2018, as a part of NWC’s Canadian Musician Magazine team.
Sophia has worked and recorded live off the floor with Grammy Award Winning Producer, Rob Fraboni (The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker). She has collaborated with Grammy Award Winning Producer, Narada Michael Walden (Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey).
She is a Gibson Guitar, Orange Amps, and GHS Strings endorsee. She is sponsored by American Hat Makers; styled by Ruby Roxanne Designs and Adam Rose Tattoo.
Sophia opened the iconic and legendary Canadian RBC Ottawa Bluesfest’s mainstage on July 10th, 2022. She performed on the RBC Mainstage, opening for Garbage and Alanis Morisette. Ottawa’s RBC Bluesfest is ranked in the world’s top ten most successful music festivals (Billboard Magazine).
She performed at Ottawa’s popular and celebrated CityFolk Fest on the TD Stage, opening for The Blue Stones and The Glorious Sons on September 9th, 2022.
In the weeks leading up to the festivals, Sophia gained a major press feature in Canada’s national newspaper, The Ottawa Citizen, by the distinguished and highly acclaimed entertainment writer Lynn Saxberg.
She was interviewed and performed live off the floor on CBC Radio’s show “All in A Day” with Alan Neal, the prominent and celebrated host of Ottawa’s favourite drive home show, on CBC Radio One, hours leading up to her CityFolk performance.
She’s performed on the Gibson Stage at the Gibson Showroom, CES show in Las Vegas, Nevada and on the Gibson Stage at the Gibson Showroom, NAMM show in Anaheim, California.
Sophia has made guest appearances at the Gibson Guitar/FOX5 Studios in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has performed at world renowned venues in Hollywood, California.
“Sophia Radisch is the kind of songwriter and performer blessed with a golden voice and universal appeal who understands her musical vision and brings an undeniable talent to the process. She’s a joy for any listener to discover – a soul trader in genuine energy, aiming straight for the heart. Sophia turns a watchful eye to the pageantry of emotion, the drama of love and the mysteries of everyday life with a disarming mixture of sincerity and cosmic insolence, unapologetically romantic, spinning golden threads of lyric and melody, each inflection and melisma planned and considered, each word tailored for meaning and effect. She delivers it all with carefree charm and nearly divine intuition. Her voice, at times so ethereal, is shot through by strength and sinew and just a hint of transient grit. The feeling is cut deep, leaving any listener thunderstruck and enchanted.” Review by Rick Jamm, The Independent Music Magazine.
“…My songwriting tends to be soulful, sensual, and fantasy-like in nature; driven by my passion for the guitar. I am influenced mostly, but not exclusively, by classic rock, alternative rock, R&B, Jazz, and Soul. My music is an eclectic mix of genres, that is very alt rock/soul rock in nature. I follow my heart and intuition, and in this way, my musical gift speaks to me, and then I share it. And that is how the creative process works for me…”
“…powerful rock hooks, and the lyrical content from this young woman is reminiscent of powerful female rockers…” Review by Kimberly Weiss, Band Reviews @ Music Connection Dayton.
GT: Hello Sophia. Thank you for joining us today. We are very intrigued by the topic we selected for you. What impact does tradition have in your life?
Sophia: Thank you for having me, Edward! It’s a great honor, privilege and thrill to be given this epic opportunity and be in Guitar Thrills Magazine. Tradition has played a key role in creating who I am as a songwriter. From my early years singing in a gospel church choir and performing with a praise band to who I am today; writing and performing my original rock. There have been many profound life experiences that have enriched my world and made me the singer-songwriter that I am today. My parents’ support and my fans love and encouragement have allowed me to live my dream; Rock performance is one of my greatest passions! I’m a rocker and have been a rock’n roll music fan as long as I can remember. My parents always had music blasting in my childhood home and my dad always had a guitar in his hands! So, I guess tradition has played a key part in creating my sound! And, I attend as many epic concerts as I can. Long live rocknroll!
GT: Did your roots determine your favorite genre of music? If so, in what way?
Sophia: It definitely has! My parents love listening to classic rock, jazz, grunge rock, soul rock, hard rock, classical and heavy metal. That’s the house I grew up in! My dad plays guitar, and all the cover songs he played for me as a kid has shaped and inspired me to be the singer/songwriter I am today. My mom has always played a key part in her unconditional love and support for me and my music journey. She encourages me to continue to rock on and live my dream!
GT: Do you think it is easy to spot someone that really doesn’t have a background in rock music?
Sophia: Yes, because ROCK is very much a way of life; a lifestyle for most who are fans and rock musicians. It’s a kind of sensibility that most often is demonstrated by the way one moves through the world. It’s a heart thing. However, any artist can start cultivating an appreciation and knowledge of rock music, at any age. And, there’s no one way to get to where you want to be in the world of music. Rock on brothers and sisters!
GT: What type of character traits do you want others to know you possess?
Sophia: I want others to know that I am always thankful and grateful for the blessings that I have in my life. I want people to know that I have a great respect for others and I always try my very best to understand the world around me from other people’s perspectives too. I think I try to keep an open mind and heart to the world around me and love to live my best life with love, kindness, compassion and fearlessness in my heart. I’m a soulful and spiritual person and I always try to treat others the way I like to be treated. I’m an optimist and I love humanity. I think that everyone is born with a gift and I feel very blessed to be able to recognize and grow my musical gifts. My wish is that everyone be able to live according to their god given gifts and be able to stand in the joy of its beauty.
GT: We talk about character and reputations a lot. Because it defined who we are, and how we will treat others. Is it important to you to convey to your fans the type of person you are?
Sophia: It is super important to show fans the kind of person I am, on stage and off stage too. I don’t hide my personality. I make sure it’s shown in my stage performance, interactions with fans and in my music. Although I put on a performance for my fans, I show them who I am in the process. I interact with the crowd; always showing them respect and gratitude. Without my fans, I’m alone with my talent and unable to share the love I have for making music! I know what it’s like to be a fan and I know how I like to be treated as a rock fan. I understand and appreciate that fans have high expectations. It keeps rockers at the top of their game and that’s the way live shows should be.
GT: That is good to hear. Especially since your fans have high expectations for the artists that they listen too.
GT: When I think about my musical heritage, I think about the great artists that I listened to when I was younger. Those are the ones, that have stuck with me through decades. They are unforgettable and will always remind me of where I come from. Do you have that artist that has inspired you?
Sophia: I remember the very first band I ever fell in love with was The Beatles; when I was 3 years old. I always listened to “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”(on repeat). The Beatles are undeniable and hold a big place in the hearts of billions of people; I’m sure. They’re epic and legendary and deserve all the love and respect they have! However, the artist that I most truly relate with, musically and lyrically speaking, is the American singer, songwriter and musician Chris Cornell. He is widely known as one of the greatest rock singers of all-time and his extensive catalog as a songwriter is second to none. His overall legacy, and musical influence in the world of rock will always have a special place in my heart. He always will inspire me. His greatness lives on in his musical recordings.
GT: Are you satisfied with what you have accomplished thus far in the music industry? Please explain.
Sophia: I am thrilled with my rock ’n roll journey! I had a hell of a blast opening for the legendary Alanis Morissette at one of the world’s best outdoor music festivals. My dream is to tour with epic and legendary names in the world of music and continue to share the stage with the greatest bands and artists. I’m young in the world of rock and we all know “it’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock’n roll. crs. AC/DC. I still have lots of music to share with the world and I hope to continue to reach as many hearts as I can! It’s a very challenging industry to navigate, but I continue to be myself and create music that speaks to me; this is my greatest passion. Networking and genuine business friendships are profoundly essential and valued. With a team, fanbase and support system, anything and everything is possible, regardless of how long it may takes you. It’s a lifetime musical journey and I’m loving every minute of it!
GT: What is your time frame for achieving your goals? Is there a set limit?
Sophia: Everything that is good, real and sincere takes time, commitment and boundless energy and enthusiasm. You have to love moving and being in the world of music! In essence, It’s a lifestyle and not so much an end goal. I always remain connected and present. It’s vital to be at peace and stand in the joy. I always aim to live my life with balance, keeping faith in myself and a higher purpose at the centre and core of my existence.
GT: Regarding your performance on stage, what equipment do you use as a preference? Is there a specific sound that you must have performing before a live audience?
Sophia: I love my Gibson! I perform with my Gibson HP 635 acoustic and LP Studio guitars, paired with my GHS Strings. My Orange Rocker 30 combo amp is dynamite! This is the gear that creates my signature sound. The authenticity of the Rocker 32 and my kick-ass Gibson Guitars make it incredibly fulfilling and rewarding to play! A harmonious pairing and an absolute rock ‘n roll delight! It’s a great, great honour to be a Gibson Guitar, Orange Amp and GHS Strings Artist. I’m incredibly humbled and thankful.
GT: Tell us about your style. You have a different look than most rock artists. What was your inspiration, and is it part of your character?
Sophia: Thank you! I love the classic rock n roll leathers and badassery! I am endorsed by California’s American Hat Makers and my top hat designers Ruby Roxanne Designs and Adam Rose make sure that I look the part! I have a rock ’n roll soul so it’s the perfect accent piece! I now have 9 American Hat Maker top hats and I love each and every one of them. And, L.A.’s Whitney Howard Designs, create my fab jewelry. Blessed!
GT: What sets you apart of other artists that perform within the same genre?
Sophia: We are each unique in our own right. As a songwriter who performs my own original rock, I have the luxury of singing and playing my guitar any way that I feel best meets the needs of my songs. I feel very fortunate to be able to rock my own music and in this way I do not feel the same pressure to cover a famous artist or band. I am who I am and my sound is definitely unique. I believe that this is the case for all artists and bands that perform original music. I love what I do and I’m true to my creative soul. It’s a special gift that I cherish and feel enormous gratitude to have this ability and to have fans that support me as a songwriter and love my sound.
GT: What are your plans for 2023, what are you working on that you would like to share with your fans?
Sophia: My plans for 2023 are to continue writing, collaborating, rehearsing with my session players and recording my original music. And, when the time is right, I’ll continue to to rock out at epic and legendary festivals!
GT: That is awesome to hear. We are so glad that you had a window of time, that you could answer some questions. We would like to follow up with you later this year and find out what sort of projects you are working on. How does that sound?
Sophia: That sounds awesome! Again, thanks so very much for this interview opportunity. It’s a great honor to have had the time to chat with you about my rock ’n roll journey. I sure hope to be speaking with you soon! Thanks for your support. ROCK ON Guitar Thrills Mag!
GT: Excellent. Thanks again.
