We were lucky to catch up with Sophie Werner recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sophie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From singing in the shower and writing songs in my bedroom to performing on a few beautiful stages in LA, I feel blessed. I always found comfort, identity, and a way to express myself in music. It’s been in my soul from the very beginning, even when no one else really understood.
I grew up in a circle where pursuing music or the arts wasn’t really encouraged. People would question you, tell you there’s too much competition, and basically warn you that you’d never make it. I’ve always believed that competition exists in every path you choose. To be the best at something, you have to give it your all and stay focused on your own growth, without comparing yourself to others; that’s always been my guiding mindset.
I always knew I was born for something different. I remember sitting in a classroom as a kid when the teacher would ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Deep down, I always knew I wanted to sing. But people would tell me it wasn’t a viable path, that it “wouldn’t lead anywhere.” It took me a while to realize that the voice inside me wasn’t something to fear, it was my purpose.
When I was 18, a friend of mine heard me sing and, without telling me, secretly submitted my name for a competition. Later, he casually mentioned, “I signed you up for this really cool contest, you should totally go.” I assumed we’d be going together, but when the day arrived, I realized I was walking in alone. It was nerve-racking, singing had always been something I mostly kept to myself at that time. The first “round” wasn’t a big stage or a packed crowd, just me in front of three judges. Still, it felt incredibly intimidating; up until then, my only audience had been the shower walls and a lineup of shampoo bottles. I went in without expectations, convinced I wouldn’t get through. But to my surprise, I was selected.
That was just the filter. The real competition was still ahead, and I actually didn’t know at the time, but in the most unexpected twist, it took place on a cruise, I know… random, right? My friend never explained any of this beforehand. In his own way, he simply gave me a push, like tossing me out of the nest basically. I’ll always be grateful to him because that small push changed everything for me.
I ended up making it into the competition. My mom, who’s always been my biggest supporter, even when she didn’t fully get it, came with me, which meant the world. It was intense but also exciting, and it felt right. It wasn’t just any contest; the room was packed with A&Rs, producers, managers, and industry people. They handed us booklets with the names of everyone there, people who had worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. It was a little intimidating. Every round, someone got eliminated, and the stakes just kept getting higher. I was thrilled but also terrified. This was my first time standing in front of real professionals, and I had no idea if I belonged.
The first round required us to perform with a track, but somehow, mine never made it through. When my name was called, the judges looked at me and asked, “Are you singing a cappella?” My heart nearly dropped, but I nodded and said, “I guess.” My voice was shaking, but I sang If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys completely a cappella. Somehow, against all odds, out of nearly a hundred people, I advanced to the next round and kept going.
The final round was the real test. We had days to prepare, and I chose the song Creep by Radiohead for the final round. But I over-rehearsed it to the point that the soul was gone; I just wasn’t feeling it anymore. One of the coaches, the amazing Stevi Meredith, told me directly that I had more to give, but I wasn’t letting it out. Her words cut deep, and I left feeling a bit unmotivated. I went back to my cabin crying, convinced I wasn’t going to make it to the top three.
That’s when my mom gave me one of those tough-love moments that changed everything. She asked, “Well, what are you going to do about it? If you don’t like it, you have to make a change.” At first, I was frustrated. Switching songs last minute wasn’t allowed. But her words stayed with me.
There was one song in Spanish that had always lived in my heart: Pero Me Acuerdo de Ti by Christina Aguilera. I told my mom it would be crazy to change songs now. She just looked at me and said, “You’re here. Go big or go home.”
So, at the very last minute before the final performance in an auditorium packed with hundreds of people, I went to the sound guy and begged him to switch my song. The only karaoke track I had was a YouTube version… like four minutes long, when the rules only allowed two minutes. I asked him if he could stop it at the two-minute mark. The sweet guy smiled and said, “I’m in.”
I was the very last competitor to perform, one of eight finalists, closing out the entire show. My first time ever on a real stage. I remember shaking, sweating, barely able to breathe. But when they called my number, I walked into the lights, my hands were shaking, took a deep breath, thought of my mom watching me sing on a stage for the first time, and I started singing.
At first, fear had me by the throat. But then something shifted. The music took over, and I felt every word. I wasn’t just singing, I was sharing a part of my soul and memories. And the audience felt it too. People began swaying their hands side to side, pulling out their phone lights, and suddenly, I wasn’t alone anymore. It was as if the whole room and I were breathing together. It was the most magical feeling I’ve ever experienced, one I’ll carry in my heart forever.
When I stepped off stage, people came up to congratulate me, clapping, telling me they related to the song, and that they were proud I chose to sing in Spanish, honoring my roots. My heart was overflowing. In the end, I placed second in the international competition, Passport to Discovery. But honestly, I walked away feeling like I had won something greater than first place.
That night, I realized this wasn’t just a passion or a dream; it was my purpose. Music is the language of my soul, and from that moment on, there was no doubt in my heart that this is the path I was meant to follow.
After the competition, something I never expected happened, I received over 40 callbacks from agents and producers, including Billy Clark, Michael Jay, Stevi Meredith, and many others. It felt unreal. I’ll never forget one particular conversation with Stevi after the competition. She looked at me with a smile and said, “You felt that one, right?” I laughed, and then she said: #1 Don’t break the rules again, that’s why you didn’t win first place. #2 Never change a song last minute. And #3, let’s make some plans for your future.
I was so excited. I followed up with several of them, first visiting New York, then flying to Los Angeles. There, I had the honor of recording one of Michael Jay’s songs, a surreal moment, considering he’s worked with so many of my idols like Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Eminem, amongst others…
That experience lit a spark in me. I knew I had to move to Los Angeles and pursue music seriously. I enrolled at LACM, a music university, and began my journey to grow, challenge myself, and become not just a better artist, but the truest, fullest version of myself. At first, it took time for my parents to fully understand that this was real. Both of them are lawyers, and I was choosing a very different path. My dad especially struggled with the idea, and since my parents are divorced, I had to convince them separately. But in the end, both of them gave me their support, and that meant everything.
I stayed in touch with Stevi often, always talking about plans for the future. But unfortunately, shortly after I moved, she unexpectedly passed away. Losing her was heartbreaking. Still, I will always carry her words of wisdom and kindness, keeping her close to my heart, because she believed in me and was the one who pushed me to believe in myself when I didn’t.
Time passed, and I started shaping my sound. I’ve always loved mixing cultures, languages, and emotions, it’s who I am. If I can’t say something in English, I’ll say it in Spanish, and vice versa. Music has always been my way of expressing feelings that words alone can’t. I like turning moments into songs, melodies, and vulnerability into empowerment.
Now, years later, I can finally say I know who I am, as a person and as an artist. I’m about to graduate, and I feel ready, ready to share my music, my stories, and my truth. I’m Sophie Werner, a German-Mexican singer-songwriter making music in both English and Spanish, embracing my identity as a Spanglish artist.
At the core of my music is a mission: to empower women, help people find their strength after toxic relationships, and connect with anyone who resonates with my story. Music has saved me in so many ways, and now my songs can help others heal, see themselves in my experiences, embrace their own power, and feel truly seen.
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.
I’m Sophie Werner, a Mexican-German singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles. I was born in Germany to a Mexican father and a German mother (both lawyers), which is kind of funny because music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and honestly, I’m not exactly sure where it came from. I create music in both English and Spanish, blending indie, indie pop, dark pop, and electropop, often layering harmonies and mixing dark bass sounds with emotional, meaningful lyrics.
Music has always been my way of making sense of the world and connecting with people. I’ve been on a journey of self-discovery that’s allowed me to understand myself more than ever, and I truly see myself reflected in everything I create. I often find inspiration in the most random moments, while listening to conversations, falling asleep, or even at parties. I also find inspiration in the darker moments of life; those are the times I push myself to transform pain into something I can understand, learn from, and find beauty in.
I identify as a Spanglish artist, often mixing English and Spanish, though I also write songs entirely in one language. What sets me apart is my ability to blend languages and genres, connecting cultures and creating something authentic. I love my roots and embrace both my light and darkness. I share my stories in the hope that they resonate with anyone who has experienced longing, heartbreak, loss, is seeking empowerment, or simply wants a fresh perspective.
A few months ago, I released my first single, Noxin. It’s about being in a relationship with someone narcissistic, and that moment when you realize the person you love is actually hurting you. It’s about choosing yourself, letting go, and understanding that it’s better to leave behind the expectations and plans you once shared than to stay with someone who drains your energy and takes away your peace and authenticity.
I’m happy with the journey I’ve taken to get where I am, from singing in my room to competing in an international music competition, performing in LA, releasing music, and constantly improving my voice and sound. My mission is to empower women, help people reclaim their strength and authenticity, and connect with anyone who relates to my journey. Music saved me in countless ways, and through it, I hope to help others feel seen, heard, and understood.
Some fun facts about me: I put spicy sauce on everything, I don’t understand Labubus, and although people often think I’m tall, I’m actually pretty short.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Yes! There are definitely a few goals driving my career, but my biggest one is to connect with people through my music. I want to help them reconnect with themselves, embrace their authenticity, trust their path, and break free from toxic relationships. I also hope to inspire anyone chasing a dream, especially in music or creative paths that aren’t always seen as “conventional”, to believe in themselves and keep going. Sharing my journey and my songs is my way of reminding people that following your heart and your gut, even when it feels uncertain, is always worth it.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is meeting new people and hearing their stories and perspectives. I love learning from others; everyone has their own little universe, and at the same time, being able to help through my music. If something I create helps someone or makes a difference, that truly makes me happy. And honestly, it’s such a gift to do what I love, to express my thoughts and emotions, and feel good in my own skin while sharing the way I see the world with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kivamusic.lnk.to/Noxin?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwMNRoZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp34zIsXSrkgEgSAZRwdgd-TVPcb-ZiqRoGt1VIDLS624WJ3RKh54CMqjy3AO_aem_Uvu7kRQ99dddhSqjqhOfxQ
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notsophiewerner?igsh=aGNiZDJzZXpybDlr&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: LinkedIn: perfil de Sophia F Werner
- Other: https://s.disco.ac/phribrstbmxg
Image Credits
Daniela Werner
Isabela De Oyarzabal
Hector Mancilla