This above quote is an excerpt of my blog about Sofia that I wrote last year August, and how I discussed her music, acting and general artistry, and how I decided to place her within an arbitrary, inaugural list about influential and impactful artists that are transforming music today, and into the future. Artists like Maren Morris, Marc Martel, Echosmith, Lindsay Ell, Rachel Platten, Zach Williams, Lauren Alaina, Philippa Hanna, Hunter Hayes, Colony House, Maddie & Tae, Lewis Capaldi, Cassadee Pope, Lucy Thomas, Amy Shark, First To Eleven and The Shires; are just some of the many artists we decided to showcase in the ‘Influential Artists of the Next 5-10 Years’ list, as we were reminded that artists now (and artists yesteryear that are still not as ‘popular’ now) can have a tremendous impact into people’s lives, much more so than they themselves realise. Sofia Carson was also part of the list, and you can read more about her and her music in the blog that I wrote around 6 months ago.
Now, Sofia’s unveiling of something new, was met with intrigue and excitement. Never before has there been a mainstream artist like Sofia that I’ve been excited for (out of any single/album release in 2022 thus far), and ‘LOUD’, which just released this past Friday, has been the result of years of change and realignment, as we see a shift in the focus of what we want people to believe, about themselves, others, women and men…just a song that allows us to be unapologetically ‘us’ (whatever that means), as we learn about ourselves and see what we know are non-negotiable beliefs/values for ourselves, and what else we can ‘agree to disagree’ on, as we speak, discuss and commune with people who act and believe differently compared to ourselves. ‘LOUD’ is a result of us being ‘loud’, ‘bold’ and firm in what we believe, but all the while respectful of the other persona’s journey that they’re travelling on as well. A song that has become an anthem for a lot of young girls out there that need an anthem to allow them to speak their own minds too; Sofia’s new song challenges the status quo, and gives us confidence to speak up for ourselves, that what we have to say isn’t anything to be ‘ashamed’ or ‘worried’ about, that just because we’re not the typical people that speak generally, doesn’t mean that we don’t have anything good to say. While the song focuses on women speaking up for what they believe to be true, this song can still apply to a variety of situations and people- anyone that knows they are a ‘minority’ (for whatever reason) and knows that they’re seemingly being dismissed of their ideas, because of the very fact that they are _____ (fill in the blank). ‘LOUD’ encourages people to step out of the fear that has held them back, and to jump into a sea of peace and calm as they share their stories of hope, determination, and perseverance. ‘LOUD’ encourages people to be ‘uncomfortable’- knowing full well that we were not meant to be on this earth to ‘play it safe’. To be the one that makes another uncomfortable, is actually a good thing- it means that the person who is seemingly ‘uncomfortable’ with your presence, is really tapping into their biases, insecurities, and assumptions. And maybe fleshing out those dormant views is something that can be good in the future- that once we acknowledge things that are harmful to ourselves and others, the sooner that we can change and become better role models to society and other people that are looking up to us in a way that we look up to our own mentors and role models. Well done Sofia for such a powerful and challenging single. Can’t wait for the full-length debut album, whenever that comes.
