We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sophie Coyote . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sophie below.

Hi Sophie , thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Since I was young, I’ve had the desire to write and sing songs. I remember sitting at the edge of my brother’s bed humming melodies until he fell asleep at bedtime. We lived in an old farmhouse on seven acres of land. Voices carried in the big, open house. I was a considerably shy, quiet kid. And was embarrassed by this thing I enjoyed doing. If I heard my family coming up the stairs anytime I was singing, I would immediately stop. The want was there, but the confidence was nowhere to be found. I tried writing down the lyrics that were in my head on paper, only to cross all the words out and crumple up the page. I knew what I wanted to do— it was a matter of believing I was worthy of the things I knew would make me happy. I would also have to do a lot of scary things!

So I volunteered for a solo in my fifth grade Christmas concert. To this day, I’ve never been more nervous. I was ten years old on a stage with big lights, in front of a couple hundred people … and I cracked. I cried all the way home. I was horribly embarrassed, but my parents were proud. And all of a sudden, I wasn’t as invisible at school. I signed up for our school talent show and won the third year. I’m sure I practiced the song a thousand times!

I was blessed to meet musicians in the area who introduced me to local open mics. I was surrounded by support, encouragement, and old twangy country songs. I learned so much from these musicians, but I still wasn’t sold on myself. After I graduated, I still had little direction and grew depressed. I lost interest in music, the thing I fantasized pursuing all my life. I always had an affinity for helping others, so I decided to get my nursing assistant certification. I worked in an adult day care and had a few home health care clients. I grew a deep love for my clients, but I dreamed of doing more. In December 2021, after extensive encouragement, I wrote on a jagged piece of paper “By January 1, 2022, I will quit my job and become a full-time musician.”

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

In the summer of 2019, I started doing my own shows in my hometown of Lena, Illinois. I wasn’t alone in my ventures—my mother helped carry the equipment and was a big support. I played my first couple shows with a friend from school who played bass. We struggled to put together a three-hour song set. At the beginning, it took three hours just to remember how to set up my equipment! We were nervous, but we did great for a couple of untuned teenagers.After a few years of local shows and caretaking, I knew it was time to get serious about my career and record my original music.

At the end of 2021, the most encouraging and supportive person I could have come across put a microphone in front of me and pressed record. We recorded six of my original songs on Main Street in Lena. The microphone recorded the bare bones of my songs, along with the sound of a train blowing its whistle through the town. I put together an EP release show at The Wagner House in Freeport. I designed my CD cover, made merchandise, and invited five local musicians to open for my four-piece band. The night was a massive success,and I think back on it proudly.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Recently I’ve noticed young kids watching me at my shows—looking up to me. One of the coolest moments was seeing a girl wearing a T-shirt I designed singing lyrics to my song in the crowd. I remember that feeling of being a young girl with this desire to write and sing my own songs. I felt there couldn’t possibly be a way to make this dream become a reality. I needed someone to breathe inspiration into me. Not only do I have an opportunity to be that source of inspiration to youth but it’s also my motivation to keep creating.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

In my darkest moments, I imagine myself as a young girl. I was lost and felt defeated before I even began. I was afraid I would be stuck in the middle of two cornfields for the rest of my days. I ask, “Would little me look up to you? Would she be proud of you?” This question reminds me of how far I’ve come, and to run toward the scary things. I put my blinders on and zero in on all the positives: the gratitude and support in my life. I’ve discovered that you never know who’s watching or who you might influence. My mission is to repay some of the encouragement, support, and inspiration I received when I first started.

My next project is a full-length album inspired by Waddams Grove,’ the place I was born and raised, the place I dreamed of flying away from for most of my life. A point that has stuck with me is that if you are happy with who you are now, you shouldn’t be mad at where you came from. So despite some of the haunting attributes, I’ve decided to romanticize the beautiful place I came from. I’m excited to share this healing discovery through my new music. You never know who is watching—and with this thought, I hope I am able to inspire healing and direction with those who may need it.

Edited by Shelley Harris

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sophiecoyote.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiecoyotemusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070535883400
• Other: spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/4GzgQfmS72475g4lMAqKw3

Image Credits
Tilly Ray Ana Mazzarisi Zachary Lentine