New Artist Spotlight: Sofia Violet

Painting the Town Violet

By: Rachel Kelly

Sofia Violet, a Los Angeles native and current sophomore in the Bandier Program, is relatively new to the Syracuse music scene. Violet is a singer-songwriter who got her start fusing alternative R&B, neo-soul, indie pop, and bossanova– all layered under her soft and sweet vocals. 

Sofia has a long-standing love for singing and songwriting. She wants her music to transport listeners to a dreamy, magical, violet dreamscape. She’s heavily inspired by Solange, Daniel Caesar, Shadae, and UMI. 

“R&B artists are underrepresented here, and I wanted to diversify the music scene here and step out of my comfort zone,” she explained. “I also wanted to be able to collaborate with my peers and create something special, like doing a bossanova track, and invite people into the colorful world I live in.” 

Violet was recently signed to SU records as a premiere female alternative R&B singer. SU Records, Syracuse University’s student-run record label, hosted Violet to perform at their Fall 2022 Showcase. With the help of SU Records, she hopes to diversify the music scene, challenge herself, and collaborate with her peers. 

Violet has quickly made a name for herself since entering the local music scene last spring. Sofia Violet made her debut opening for the Syracuse girl band “Froggies.” The following semester, she opened for fellow Syracuse artist Nykara at The Garden, performed at The Garden’s “Small Sessions,” and at The Recital’s “Acoustic Intimate Session.” 

On Thursday, March 9, Violet will be performing at “Prism.” This semester, Violet intends to take her artistry to the next level, with plans to start performing on a regular basis. Sofia also revealed that she’s been spending time in the studio and that we can look forward to her debut EP coming out this spring! The Syracuse community is proud to call Sofia Violet one of our own, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.