Sofia Gillani “Wake Up”- A Revivalitizing Reminder To Snooze From Sofia’s Reconceptualise Project

How many times do we ask our alarm clock for “one more minute,” every morning, broken upon the glowing yoke of the blinding sun? Sofia Gillani, an avant-garde pop artist laments on the aspect of rushed mornings, the rapid pace of today’s societal expectations and culture that aren’t so sunny-side up, and how we “just need some time to wake up.” upon this overstimulating life in her new single “Wake Up.” It is a smooth, yet high tide of melodies presenting a moment for the listener to pause in their life, to pause and savor the song. The lyrics are a relatable sense of the sheer desire to remain present in life along the worries of life. The Frontline Magazine had the honor of speaking with Sofia and gained an astounding insight into her artistry, process, and intention with her new single and project of self-discovery.

Wake Up was my reminder to slow down — to reconnect with reality and appreciate the moments we often overlook."

We spoke with Sofia Gillani about her new single “Wake Up” and the Reconceptualise project — how she uses bright, melodic production to soften heavy truths, lets vocal emotion shape each delivery, and wrote the song as a reminder to slow down amid industry pressure. She discussed trusting instinct, embracing creative risk on Reconceptualise, crafting the tracklist as a journey of renewal, and how her musical‑theatre roots inform her cinematic visuals and immersive approach.

Sofia's Spotify: HERE

Interview by Jaylyn Khatthavong

Sofia Gillani speaks with Jaylyn K. of Frontlight Magazine

Jaylyn K. (Frontlight Magazine): A theme I noticed in your songs is that most carry a melodic, pop-driven beat in contrast to the lyrics that may carry a heavier essence. Being an avant garde pop artist, how do you implement those rhythmic instrumentals to mesh with any intended message?

Sofia Gillani (Artist): I’ve always been fascinated by contrast in music. Sometimes the most honest or vulnerable messages are easier to absorb when they’re wrapped in something melodic and uplifting. I love creating production that pulls people in emotionally first, and then letting the lyrics slowly reveal a deeper layer underneath. For me, the rhythm and instrumentation act almost like a bridge between emotion and experience. I experiment a lot with textures, harmonies, vocal layering, and dynamics to make sure the sonic atmosphere still reflects the emotional weight of the message. Even when a song feels bright or energetic, I want there to be an underlying tension or emotional honesty that listeners can connect to in their own way.

Jaylyn K.: You carry such an exceptionally unique characterization to your voice in every track, especially “Wake Up” that adjusts to evoke certain emotions and has such a strong range and dynamic, with some carrying a lighter tone and some more of a deeper, richer sound. Is there a process you follow in trying to fit your voice to every melody and track?

Sofia: Thank you — that really means a lot to hear. My voice naturally becomes very emotional depending on the story I’m trying to tell, so I approach every song almost like stepping into a different emotional state or character. I think my background in musical theatre really shaped that instinct. Before recording, I spend a lot of time sitting with the lyrics and understanding the emotional intention behind every line. Sometimes a softer, breathier vocal feels more intimate and vulnerable, while deeper or more textured tones can bring intensity or strength. I don’t like to force a sound — I prefer letting the emotion guide the delivery naturally. I also love experimenting vocally in the studio because sometimes the imperfections or unexpected takes end up carrying the most truth.

Jaylyn K.: “Wake Up,” a hypnotically catchy song, details a message of slowing down and enjoying the moment, despite individual and societal pressures that carries prevalence in today’s times. If you'd like to share, is there a specific moment in your individual or musical journey that inspired you to share this relatable message to others?

Sofia: Definitely. I think there was a period in my life where I became so focused on achievement, productivity, and constantly thinking about what was next that I forgot how important it is to actually live in the present moment. The music industry can sometimes intensify that mindset because there’s always pressure to keep moving, creating, and proving yourself. “Wake Up” came from realizing how easy it is to lose yourself in that cycle. I wanted the song to feel almost like a gentle reminder — not just for listeners, but for myself too — to slow down, reconnect with reality, and appreciate the moments we often overlook. I think that message has become even more important in today’s world where everyone is constantly overstimulated and rushing through life.

Jaylyn K.: The track certainly emulates a new level of your artistry and expresses the array of skills you have. Do you create clear cut goals for yourself as an artist or have a source of inspiration that urges you to keep aspiring to reach new levels?

Sofia: I think my biggest goal has always been growth — both creatively and personally. I don’t like staying in one place artistically, so I’m constantly challenging myself to evolve, experiment, and step outside of what feels comfortable. I’m inspired by artists who reinvent themselves fearlessly and create from a place of authenticity rather than expectation. At the same time, I try not to measure success purely through external milestones. Of course there are goals I’d love to achieve, but what drives me most is creating work that genuinely resonates with people and reflects where I am emotionally and artistically at that moment in time. If each project feels more honest, more refined, and more fearless than the last, then I feel like I’m moving in the right direction.

"Sometimes the most honest messages are easier to absorb when they’re wrapped in something melodic and uplifting."

Jaylyn K.: Upon your Reconceptualise project, could you go into details about the concept planning, choosing the tracklist that led to the overall theme of renewal and self-discovery?

Sofia: Reconceptualise was a very intentional project for me conceptually and emotionally. The title itself represents transformation — rethinking identity, perspective, and creative expression. When I was selecting the tracklist, I wanted every song to feel like a different stage within that journey of self-discovery and renewal. Some tracks explore vulnerability and introspection, while others embody confidence, liberation, and evolution. I spent a lot of time thinking about how the songs would flow together emotionally, almost like chapters within a story. Sonically, I also wanted the project to feel expansive and cinematic while still remaining deeply personal. It became less about creating individual songs and more about building an experience that reflected growth, change, and rediscovery.

Jaylyn K.: Compared to your previous works, and along the theme of redefinition, did you modify any parts of your usual approach and execution to your projects with Reconceptualise?

Sofia: Yes, absolutely. With Reconceptualise, I allowed myself to let go of a lot of creative fear and overthinking. In the past, I sometimes felt pressure to fit within certain expectations sonically or stylistically, but this project was really about trusting my instincts more fully. I became much more involved in shaping the overall creative direction, from the storytelling and visuals to the vocal arrangements and production choices. I also gave myself more freedom to experiment emotionally and sonically without worrying about whether something felt “safe” or familiar. That openness completely changed the creative process for me and made the project feel far more authentic and liberating.

Jaylyn K.: Beginning in music at a young age of 9, and in the musical aspect, you are no stranger to growing in the industry and evolving and exploring different avenues. Is Reconceptualise not only a beginning of a chapter of liberation, reenvision, do you entertain the thought of exploring more genres or different styles to your music?

Sofia: Definitely. I think Reconceptualise opened a door creatively for me where I no longer feel confined by genre or expectation. Growing up with influences from musical theatre, pop, cinematic music, and alternative sounds naturally made me curious about blending styles together. I never want to limit myself creatively because music is such an evolving form of expression. I’m really excited by the idea of continuing to experiment with different genres, production styles, and storytelling approaches while still maintaining my identity as an artist. I think evolution is essential, and I want every era of my music to feel like a new emotional and artistic experience.

Jaylyn K.: With your background in musical theatre, would you say it is the foundation of what inspired you to take such a devotion to the visual arts portion of your music as well?

Sofia: Absolutely. Musical theatre taught me that performance is about creating an entire world, not just singing a song. It introduced me to storytelling on a visual and emotional level very early on, and I think that naturally carried into my approach as an artist now. I’m very drawn to cinematic visuals, symbolism, fashion, movement, and creating strong atmospheres because I see music as a fully immersive experience. The visual side of a project can deepen the emotional impact of the music and help bring the story to life in a more powerful way. I love being involved in that process because it allows me to express parts of the music that words alone sometimes can’t fully capture.

S O F I A G I L L A N I

"Musical theatre taught me performance is about creating an entire world; the visuals deepen the emotional impact of the music." Sofia Gillani

We thank Sofia for the splendid conversation with us, expressing her vision in her words and in her music as well. An artist of such versatility, color, and a signature sound, “Wake Up” is a new note on the chords that ring true to her amazing character. We at Frontline look forward to what Sofia has in store and wish her success in all her endeavors.

- Interview by Jaylyn Khatthavong - Frontlight Magazine - May 24, 2026

"Wake Up"

About the artist

Sofia Gillani is a Surrey‑born, London‑based pop‑soul singer‑songwriter, producer and visual director whose sound blends cinematic pop and soulful vocals. A child performer who starred in Evita at nine (singing “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina”), she debuted with "Ain't A Game" (2020) and earned BBC Introducing support for "Water Run Dry." Raised in a music‑filled household with a mixed East‑West heritage, Sofia has built an independent, DIY career—writing, producing, self‑promoting and directing her own videos. Her Reconceptualise project embraces renewal and self‑discovery, pairing bright, melodic production with emotionally honest lyrics; a compelling live performer, she’s played Westfield London and Luton Pride and continues evolving as an artist and visual storyteller.

Influences

Queen, Adele, Michael Jackson, Jhené Aiko, SZA, Ariana Grande, The Smiths, Charlie Puth, Owl City, SOS Band — a diverse palette that informs her cinematic pop and soulful vocal approach.

Frontlight Magazine Interviewer Jaylyn K's Portfolio: HERE 🍉 Instagram