A long-time admirer of Sofia Coppola’s films, particularly “Marie Antoinette,” Susannah Joffe has titled her new song in honor of one of her cinematic inspirations. This freestyle track whimsically hints at the more delightful aspects of life.
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Stream: “Sofia Coppola” – Susannah Joffe
Coppola is a highly esteemed figure in the entertainment realm, even if Sir Francis’ recent project, Megalopolis, didn’t perform well commercially last fall. It seems like a wise choice for an emerging artist like Joffe to name one of her tracks after the influential member of the family, as the name recognition certainly has its advantages.
However, as we learn from the greatest playwrights throughout history, names don’t carry as much weight; it’s ultimately an artist’s skill and musical adaptability that pave the way for success. Joffe has dedicated much of her life to honing her talents, a journey that is undoubtedly supported by her upbringing in Austin, Texas—a city renowned for its live music scene.
“I spent my childhood attending small open mic nights and watching bluegrass and country bands at venues like Shady Grove, Threadgills, and Antones, which perfectly reflect their names,” she recalls. “That authentic Texas sound has always influenced my music, both then and now.”
Initially, Joffe performed songs written by her father but eventually took the reins as a songwriter herself, releasing her first self-penned single, “Backseat,” in 2021. “I see my project as having truly begun” with that song, she reflects. Since then, she has released a steady stream of singles as well as two EPs, The Punch and Your Mother’s Name. Now, she’s embarking on a new creative chapter focused on producing music that embodies “whimsy and dreaminess, whether dark and ominous or light and fleeting. The songs are heavily produced, and the visuals play a big role because I want to create an alternate universe for the project and its fans.”
“Sofia Coppola” serves as an early glimpse into this alternative realm.
Over an ethereal beat crafted by Los Angeles producer Ben Coleman, Joffe expresses a wealth of affectionate sentiments directed at her love interest, including lines like “Cherry soda’s sweet but you’re sweeter, baby” and “You make me feel like spring, so come on, please, just be my baby.” The song is set for release on February 14th, and it’s instantly clear why.
Another tender line features Joffe declaring, “I’ll idolize you, my Sofia Coppola,” reflecting her admiration for this director’s films, especially the 2006 feature Marie Antoinette, which has been a favorite since her childhood. “That movie felt like a piece of cherry-flavored candy wrapped in shimmer, and I wanted this song to evoke that same feeling, as if you could taste it,” she explains. With all the references to sweetness, it’s fair to say that “Sofia Coppola” achieves its goal.
Additionally, creating a song that embraces the sweeter aspects of life serves as a comforting counterbalance to the challenging period Joffe experienced while writing it. “I had just finished enduring a painful year of feeling disconnected from my body and sexuality, and I was beginning to rediscover that part of myself in a profound way,” she shares. “Sofia Coppola” developed organically from this experience; she describes it as “one of those songs that just kind of spilled out of my brain onto my lap,” as it encapsulates her feelings during that time.
“I felt the way the song sounds—pastel pink, dreamy, whimsical, and sensual,” she notes. “It was exhilarating to reconnect with my sexuality and playfulness through this song, which was reflected in the production.”
Everything came together so naturally for Joffe that she didn’t have to write anything; the song emerged entirely from her spontaneous creativity. “I actually freestyled all the verses,” she reveals. “This was a huge shift from my earlier music, which I meticulously crafted line-by-line.”
The vibrant music video for “Sofia Coppola” is meant to match the song's high level of sweetness. Directed by fellow Austin native Ruby Bowman, “the video channels a nostalgic, sweet, and southern vibe, which aligns with the aesthetic direction my project is currently taking.”
Furthermore, there will be ample opportunities to catch Joffe performing “Sofia Coppola” live this summer. “I’m excited to tour as much as I can,” she expresses with enthusiasm.
Susannah’s schedule is sure to be bustling, but as long as she continues to radiate her sweet and lighthearted essence as she does in “Sofia Coppola,” she’s bound to create more enjoyable music in the future.
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A devoted admirer of Sofia Coppola's creations, particularly "Marie Antoinette," Susannah Joffe has titled her latest song after one of her enduring film icons. The completely improvised track references the more refined and delightful aspects of life with a joyful and carefree tone.