Sophia Treadway
GMARO Magazine Celebrity Edition Vol.52 May 2024！Get ready for a musical treat as Sophia brings her vibrant dual heritage to life in her latest bilingual single, "Cuidado"!
Sophia, a proud Mexican-American artist, masterfully blends her cultures in "Cuidado," a pop-reggaeton fusion that captivates from the first beat. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she beautifully intertwines these languages to reflect her unique background, creating a track that resonates deeply with her diverse audience.
Sophia's journey in music is marked by her dedication and passion, balanced alongside her college responsibilities. Her early start in music, guided by vocal coach Bob Westbrook, laid a strong foundation that continues to influence her today. As she navigates her career, Sophia stays true to her roots while pushing boundaries, always striving to innovate and connect with her fans.
Don't miss out on "Cuidado" – a song that not only showcases Sophia's bilingual prowess but also promises to be a hit that you'll have on repeat!
——————————————
Singer - Sophia Treadway @sophiatreadway
Photographer - Kelsey Hale @kelsey_hale
PR - ICON PR @icon_pr
Sophia, what inspired you to release a bilingual single like "Cuidado"?
I'm both Mexican and American and am fluent in both languages, and I wanted to create a song that showed both sides of me. I wanted to create a pop song with reaction elements.
Can you share the meaning behind the title "Cuidado" and why you chose it for your new single?
The song is about wanting a relationship to be official, and I'm telling the guy to be careful when playing games with me. Cuidadioo stands for being careful, and I had so much fun writing and creating those lines.
What themes do you explore in "Cuidado"?
Relationship
How does "Cuidado" reflect your dual heritage of Mexican and American cultures?
It is both in Spanish and English, so it was important to me to have both English and Spanish elements to it, as well as with the sounds.
What can fans expect from the sound and style of "Cuidado"?
Cuidados' song has pop and reggaeton elements.
How was the writing and recording process for "Cuidado" different from your previous singles?
It was a similar process, except we came into the session with the idea to create a song that combined both vibes, so it was a super fun session. We really had fun with it and got to make the sound super creative and different.
Why did you decide to release "Cuidado" right before Cinco de Mayo?
It felt like the perfect time to release Cuidado. Cinco de Mayo is a big deal in Latin culture, and I felt releasing a song close to that date would make it even more special.
Who were the producers and collaborators creating "Cuidado"?
Autumn Rowe and I both wrote Cuidado. Kizzo was the producer, and Cray was on vocals. I truly loved working with them all, and it was so special. Kizzo and Autumn Rowe recently won a Grammy for writing and producing album of the year.
How do you think "Cuidado" will resonate with your bilingual audience?
I hope they enjoy it, and I hope it's a song that they can dance to and have fun with, too.
Moving beyond "Cuidado," how has growing up in a bilingual household influenced your musical style?
It has influenced me so much. I grew up listening to Mexican and American singers, so it was super special for me and meant a lot to my whole family when I released a song that shared both sides of me.
How do you balance your college responsibilities with your music career?
It's been super fun but crazy at the same time. I got the opportunity to sing at the baseball game for Clemson and just keep up on socials, and I also got to release my new song during school. Everyone has been super supportive, and it's been truly special for me to achieve both.
What has been the biggest challenge in creating music while attending Clemson University?
I'm not as close to the recording studio or able to travel as much, but it hasn't been too difficult, and it's been fun doing both.
You've worked with Grammy-Award winner Autumn Rowe; how has she influenced your music career?
I've loved working with Autumn and have learned so much about songwriting. Mentorship is extremely important and valuable.
Can you discuss your experience performing at various events and competitions from a young age?
At the age of 7, I started working with vocal coach Bob Westbrook, who trained and discovered artists like Justin Timberlake, Olivia Holt, and Britney Spears. He took me to a competition at around the age of 9 IPOP where artists like Ariana Grande competed and were discovered, and I won first place in singing. It was eye-opening at a young age, and I've followed my dreams ever since. I have released several singles, and it's been a fun ride.
How did your early performance of Adele's "Rolling In The Deep" shape your musical journey?
That song means a lot to me, and I won the competition singing it, so it is a special song for me. Adele is incredible.
What role has your vocal coach, Bob Westbrook, played in your development as an artist?
He played a huge role in my life, and he taught me so much. He truly is family, and he believed in me so much. I'm forever grateful I went to work with him and learned so much. He truly opened all the doors for me at a young age.
How does your songwriting process typically start and evolve?
I love just going into the session and starting off with a conversation and seeing where it goes and ideas start coming. I love to write about what's going on in my personal life. I also love the creative process and love to be involved with making the track and writing.
What are some of your favorite musical memories from your childhood?
Hannah Montana was my biggest inspiration at a very young age and inspired me to go for my dreams at a young age.
You've mentioned being inspired by late 90s and early 2000s music. Could you share some artists from that era who inspire you?
Artists like Britney Spears and Jlo!
How do you hope to innovate or push boundaries in the music industry?
I always create songs that are super different, but I have still made it my own lane, and I plan to continue to do that with all my music.
How do you stay connected with your fans, and how important is that relationship to you?
It's super important to me, and I really stay connected with them through my socials.
What is your favorite song to perform live, and why?
My new song Cuidado. I recently performed it on GMT Live, and it was so much fun.
Can you tell us more about your involvement with the Thirst for Life project?
I loved working with the Thirst For Life project and want to continue to raise awareness about their organization.
How do you choose the causes you support, like the Thirst for Life project?
I felt called to be involved in college when hearing about it. I am now very involved with the JED foundation, which is all about mental health, which also really appealed to me.
You've sung the national anthem at major sports events. How do those experiences compare to your usual performances?
It felt so magical. I love performing in general, but it was an amazing feeling to sing in a stadium as big as that. I'm so grateful I got to do that, and I hope to one day sing in more venues like that.
What has been the most surreal moment of your career so far?
I just hit the top 10 on the iTunes Latin charts for my new song, Cuidado, which was super surreal and beyond exciting.
How do you handle the pressures of being a young artist in the spotlight?
I have a great support system, and it's been an amazing time getting to do what I love.
What advice would you give to young aspiring artists who look up to you?
Continue to follow your dreams no matter what people say, and never give up on your passion.
Are there any new artists or bands you are currently listening to and would recommend?
I've been loving Sabrina Carpenter lately, and her new single, Espresso.
How do you foresee your music evolving in the next few years?
I want to continue releasing new music and writing songs that feel right and meaningful.
What goals do you have for your music career in the near future?
My biggest goal is to open up for a major artist on tour one day.
Can we expect more bilingual tracks from you in the future?
Yes, of course, I'm super excited and want to create more.
How do you recharge creatively when you feel burnt out?
I always remember my passion and love for music, and that truly helps me not burn out.
Do you have any rituals or routines that you follow before a performance?
I always practice and warm up before going on, and I also just love to chill out, maybe listen to some music, and then go on.
How involved are you in the production aspects of your music?
Super involved with all sides of production, and I love being a part of it.
In what ways do you think your music helps to bridge cultural gaps?
It is an important and positive way to incorporate and show people that you can do both.
How do you maintain your vocal health, especially with such a busy schedule?
I make sure to do my warmups every day, even when I don't feel like it. It is extremely important.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with, and why?
Justin Bieber: I have always looked up to him, and if I had the opportunity to collaborate with him, I would take it.
