We had the good fortune of connecting with Sophia Eliana and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sophia, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I treat each waking moment as ‘studio time,’ drawing inspiration for my artwork from the intricacies held within subjectively mundane moments. Mending clothes, leaving my window cracked open to hear crickets chirp in the springtime, and people-watching at the local park are just as crucial to my practice as sitting down with a pen and paper. This expansive form of expression continuously shapes how I intend to approach any artistic medium; with patience, child-like wonder, and a sprinkle of humility.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I began my undergraduate studies as a voice principal at Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Spain. However, during the tail end of my first year, the pandemic hit, and I ended up moving back to my folks’ place in California. After a couple of months attending classes online, I decided to take a break from Berklee. I was still attending classes on CET time, which meant logging on to Zoom between 3:00 – 6:00 AM PDT. I think my next-door neighbors were grateful when those early morning opera lessons came to an end.

I spent the following year enjoying the peninsula’s best croissants while working as a barista at Parker-Lusseau Pastries. In the evenings, I’d head over to The Shop Monterey, where I spent hours painting as one of their Artists in Residence. That 8 x 8 space became my art oasis and one of my favorite hideaways during the height of COVID.

During that same chapter, I became an avid pen pal with my cousin, Linnae, who was completing her undergraduate studies at the College of the Atlantic. It didn’t take long before I decided to join her on the East Coast. I moved to Maine and finished my Bachelor of Arts while farming around Mount Desert Island.

It’s now been officially a year since moving to Denver, CO. I’ve found the most incredible and inclusive art community here, and I’m so grateful to continue pursuing music among such loving creatives.

One of my consistent intentions when playing a show is to offer listeners a space to slow down. I’ve always wanted my music to be a soft landing place. Whether I’m singing to a full crowd or an empty room, I find the most joy in knowing that I put my best foot forward to remain as present as I can while sharing my art.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a bestie visiting from out of town, we’d start the day catching up at Weathervane Cafe or Corner Beet. As someone who doesn’t drink coffee, these are my favorite spots to find a cozy, decaffeinated drink. Then, we’d head over to Yetman Farms to pick our own bouquets. I played a show there this past summer, and the owners are so lovely!

I’d definitely take them to Nederland for a hike and then to Boulder for a refreshing dip in the creek—the mountains are a must-see. During the colder months, I’d recommend exploring the Denver Art Museum. Their exhibits are incredible, and we could easily spend a whole day or two wandering around.

Before my friend leaves town, I’d make sure to bring them to Petals & Pages to pick out a fantastic book for their travels home. While we’re in the Art District on Santa Fe, we’d go thrifting at Strawberry Mountain and Recreative Denver. For dinner, I’d recommend Joy Hill, Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant, or Cart Driver. I also love picnicking, so I’d try to squeeze in an outing to Washington Park for snacks and a sunset.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family has always been my biggest cheerleaders! It makes me laugh when I think back to when I first picked up the guitar. I vividly remember trying to learn ‘Without You’ by Avril Lavigne. My practice sessions involved belting at the top of my lungs, hoping that I was somewhere close to hitting the right notes. Around that same time, I also decided to take on the trombone. I owe my parents and sister a huge shoutout for putting up with me during my loud years—and maybe an apology to their eardrums too. I love you all!

Website: https://www.sophiaeliana.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesophiaeliana/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/_rh4m4s_w7U?si=7I9KoLhAGaDI_e68

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/04SVS79AeZgWLZMHVjcwn3?si=3JMcuqbJTWOuACiA6a-maQ

Image Credits
First photograph: Jo Babb, styled by E Soto
Second photograph: Rod Baldwin, styled by Kayli Jarosz
Third and fourth photograph: Billie Warnock

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.