Sophia Rankin & The Sound (SRS) is an acclaimed Alternative/Indie Folk Rock band originating from Tucson, Arizona. Front woman Sophia Rankin began performing in 2015, and has since won first-place awards at Tucson Desert Song Festival, Stefan George Songwriting competition, and 6th place at Planet Bluegrass Folks Fest for her original music.
Founded in 2020, SRS now consists of Connor Rankin on drums and synth, Diego Martinez on lead guitar, and Ben Arthur Mortensen on bass and vocals. SRS has played internationally and locally, opening for acts such as Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers, The Black Moods, High Fade, Plain White T's, Jake Owen, Diamond Rio, and Ryanhood.
They have performed at The Rialto Theatre, Dusk Music Festival, Tucson Folk Festival, and more while headlining shows at venues such as Hotel Congress and 191 Toole. Their unique blend of folk, pop, Americana, and rock music reveals introspective songwriting that resonates with listeners of all ages. Their original music is available on all listening platforms and services.
We asked Sophia 5 questions about her experiences a musician in Tucson. Here's what she said:
What's your favorite venue to play in Tucson?
It’s difficult to choose just one venue because so many have been amazing to us over the years. We frequent 191 Toole (which we will return to for our album release show on September 13th with Orchadia and Desert Child!) as well as Hotel Congress, which are some of our favorite places to share our music because of the incredible atmosphere and wonderful staff. I have to say, however, the most surreal place we have played would probably be the Rialto Theatre because of the history held in that space.
I saw Brandi Carlile do an unplugged set there when I was young which inspired me to become a singer/songwriter and work until I could one day play my music on that same stage. We opened for Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers a couple of years ago and that dream became a reality, which easily made Rialto one of my favorite venues that we had played.
What's the funniest thing that's happened during a performance?
We’ve had our fair share of random happenstances, including one gig where an audience member ran onstage and started dancing in front of our bassist mid-song! Not as funny, but pretty unexpected, was when we played Davis Monthan Air Force Base’s 4th of July event in 2022. The sky was clear as we set up, but in an instant everything changed and we were caught in a terrible microburst that left the stage in tatters. We threw equipment in the cars and ran for shelter as fast as possible, praying nothing was ruined.
Once the storm passed, my red top had bled into my white shorts and everything in the field was destroyed, including the port-a-potties! The worst part was that I really had to pee at that point, but everything was wrecked. So it just chalked up to be the most unexpected and eventful gig we had ever experienced. Now we always check the weather report and bring a tarp :)
What's your first memory as a musician?
I have known I’ve wanted to be a musician since I was about two years old. When the Twin Towers went down, I would walk around the house belting “God Bless America” at the top of my tone-deaf lungs because music was how I could somewhat understand the tragedy of that time.
I was extremely lucky to be placed in piano lessons at a young age, and that carried me through my songwriting stumbles and later successes as I joined band classes and school choir, which led to my work as a church musician, song competition winner, and a performer. I began performing at the age of 15 at the Tucson Folk Festival, and I have loved every second of the past ten years as a musician in Tucson.
What's your favorite song to perform?
We just wrote this new song called “All About” that I just LOVE to perform! I wrote it as a reminder to myself to let go of the expectations other people have of me as a singer, a significant other, a friend, or just a woman in today’s society. It can be extremely frustrating to try and succeed in this industry, and that frustration is doubled sometimes as a female pursuing success in this industry.
“All About” is a moment of power I can harness onstage with passionate lyrics, dramatic hair flips, and carefree dancing. Our other unreleased song called “Just Gonna Do Me” gives me that same feeling and is a bit more open to anyone listening to our music to let go of the worries that weigh them down and trust themselves to shine as they are.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
Cameron Hood of Ryanhood found me after my Folk Festival performance when I was just getting started on my career. At the time, I played five covers and one original song for my set. He congratulated me on my hard work and we talked about songwriting, and he told me to always put my music first. He said I needed to make my original music my top priority. He told me to never give up on my own music, because that was what people would remember.
We love to do a cover or two even when it is our headlining show, but the words Cameron spoke to me remind me to always believe in myself and the stories I have to tell. We craft our legacy through art and connection; we just have to believe in ourselves to take that great leap.
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