Atwood Magazine recently chatted with the versatile Sophia Galaté before her Chicago performance, covering topics such as local jazz clubs, viral moments, and her future aspirations. It's evident that Galaté is on the path to becoming a star.
Listen: “Please Don’t Talk To Me” – Sophia Galaté
Inside the venue, the crowd quietly converses while shaking off snow from their coats. Despite the frigid February weather, a sense of anticipation fills the air.
Warm lights illuminate the snug atmosphere. Soft melodies fill the space, blending vocals with brass sounds that resonate across the bar.
“We’re all going to dress up like it’s the ‘20s with little fur accessories,” shares Sophia Galaté. “And we’re going to film it as if it’s a movie.” She radiates excitement when discussing her dream show at The Green Mill, engaging the audience just as she does during her performances.
Galaté began singing at just five years old, crafting melodies as a child, with her first song titled “Ballerina Pink Bunny Rose.” This early creativity seems to foreshadow her vibrant stage presence when she opened for Naomi Sharon at Lincoln Hall in a striking hot pink dress adorned with glitter.
Her singing journey began in elementary school through musical theater, transitioned to choir in high school, and eventually led her to study music at a higher level.
Although originally from Malibu, Galaté considers Chicago her home after moving there to attend Loyola University Chicago for jazz studies. The city’s deep ties to jazz and music provided a rich backdrop for her developing artistry.
A long-time admirer of jazz and R&B, she immersed herself in the genres before pursuing formal education in music. “I always wanted to be an artist, but moving here made me really anxious about chasing that dream,” she admits.
“I didn’t sing much in college, but I went to jazz clubs, and at that time, Chance [The Rapper] was becoming really popular in Chicago.”
Sophia Galaté © Annaliese Baker
In the early to mid-2010s, Chicago's music scene captured the attention of national audiences in an exciting and fresh manner.
The city has often served as a catalyst for many artists' self-discovery, propelling them to greater heights. As Chance The Rapper gained momentum, other notable musicians like Louis The Child and Beach Bunny also emerged on the Chicago scene.
Galaté's eyes spark with nostalgia as she reflects on her musical awakening upon arriving in the city. “It was such an inspiring time; everyone was on the rise together,” she says.
While she wasn’t actively creating music during this period, she remained immersed in it. Beyond her studies, she visited iconic jazz locations like The Green Mill, Jazz Showcase, and Andy’s frequently.
“They [Andy’s] used to host a Sunday jam session where I’d sometimes sing the same jazz standard,” she laughs. “I’d always perform ‘Stormy Weather.’ It’s the only jazz song I felt confident enough to sing.”
It's easy to feel envious of those who saw her at open mics; Galaté is a force to be reckoned with. Her classical training is evident in her powerful vocals, grabbing the audience's attention with nothing but a microphone.
“When you’re younger and passionate about something like this, you fear judgment, and it makes pursuing your dreams tough. That fear overwhelmed me, so I tried to treat it like merely a hobby.”
In today's digital age, where audiences often immerse themselves in online discussions about art before experiencing it live, the fear of criticism often persists. Galaté emphasizes that when she embraced her artistry, she found support rather than judgment from others.
Since her music debut in 2020, she has been part of the industry long before that time. “I worked in touring,” she mentions. “I’m quite capable on the business side, too.”
Earlier this year, Galaté posted a snippet of “Room In My World” on TikTok, showcasing her vocals and production. She even encouraged other artists to take the song, but many quickly remarked that she should keep it for herself and release it independently.
“I always envisioned ‘Room In My World’ as my first placement as a songwriter,” she shares. “I’ve been pitching it for quite a while.” Her lyrical brilliance is evident in the verses, featuring rich harmonies created through layered vocals.
Sophia Galaté © Annaliese Baker
The track was officially released on July 22 as part of an EP with previously released songs. She chose a waterfall release strategy, gradually categorizing singles into an EP for better visibility. “All these new fans were like, ‘Wow, we thought we were just getting a single, and then you surprised us with all these other tracks.’”
Her performance at Lincoln Hall in early August marked her first in a significant time. “I just miss singing. I enjoy connecting with the audience.”
Galaté has spent the last few months working on her upcoming album
Atwood Magazine spoke with the versatile Sophia Galaté before her performance in Chicago, covering topics such as local jazz clubs, viral events, and her ambitions for the future. It's evident that Galaté is on the path to fame.