sora is a pop artist based in New Orleans. He recently released his latest single “Sugar Pop” as part of his monthly single project leading up to his EP “VOL.24”
What artist would be your dream collaboration?
Who wouldn’t be a dream collaboration! Music is such a meaningful part of my life, growing up listening to so many different artists. Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Rina Sawayama, or even Britney Spears would be super fun to work with. I also listen to a lot of Korean pop music, and some of my fave artists that I’d absolutely love to work with are LOONA, ASTRO, and Chungha. Jolin Tsai, the Taiwanese queen of pop, would also be another sick collaboration that would absolutely stop my heart. But honestly I just love music and singing and creating in general, and I would love to work with almost anyone and everyone. Let’s make some magic happen!
What song are you most proud of and why?
Don’t make me choose a favorite out of all my children! It’s hard for me to pick even a handful of songs that I’m proud of, because if it’s released then of course I’m proud of it. But I’ve been really listening to “Baby Blues” a lot lately since its release. Normally I don’t go back and play my music often after it drops, but I think it’s because “Baby Blues” is such a different vibe from my previous work, and whenever I get into the groove I just wanna listen to it, especially while driving late at night.
What is your star sign, and do you feel like it represents your artistic style? Why or why not?
I’m a Gemini sun, Aquarius moon, and Scorpio rising. Funny that you ask this question, because a friend of mine actually just recently mentioned that my music feels very Gemini, and I can kind of see it. I strive to do as much as I can with my music, a diverse selection of genres and sounds but still keeping true to my personal sensibilities and emotions.
What is your go-to gas station order?
What if I said I don’t have one? Ahaha. It’s been a hot second since I’ve been to a gas station outside of filling up my tank. Usually I get like an iced tea if anything though, from what I can remember.
What are some of your non-musical influences, like books or movies?
Ooh this is a toughie. I don’t think I have any books or movies that specifically influence me? Though there was one time I wrote a whole song based off of the original Little Mermaid fairytale (you know, the one where she dies at the end. Spoiler alert, sorry!) A movie that I watched earlier this year that has me completely wrecked is this Taiwanese coming-of-age film called Your Name Engraved Herein. Really hit home for me, and I was belting the theme song nonstop for at least two months.
What’s a lyric from one of your songs that is especially meaningful to you? Tell us a bit about it!
Not another hard question!! I write all of my own material, so every single word is very meaningful to me. But if I had to choose a single lyric from one of my songs…you know what, I do have one:
We aren’t seeking salvation
We’re destined for greatness
We’ll be PARAMOUNT
(“Triomphe”, from my debut album PARAMOUNT)
I wrote this song a couple of years back, and I think it really encapsulates what I strive to accomplish with my artistry. Growing up in an Asian immigrant household, where I had a lot of pushback for wanting to pursue a career in music, and jokingly saying that singing is the only thing I’m good at, it’s this gut feeling that despite what may happen or what anyone may say, this is what I’m supposed to be doing and that I’ll get to greatness in due time, so long as I put the work in and keep pushing on.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Time isn’t real; don’t compare your level of success to others’ journeys (this applies to all facets of life). Also, happiness is the most important part. Let loose, live life to the fullest, and things will happen when they do.
What are your goals for the year, and what can we expect to see from you in the future?
Is next year the year I take over the world? Hahaha! 2021 was a big year for me, so really my biggest goal for 2022 is just keeping that upswing momentum going. I’ve been working hard on VOL.24, my latest single-a-month project, and I still got a few more songs to release from it, including my next single, “Body Party feat. Laveau Contraire and Synamin Vixen,” dropping New Year’s Eve. Super excited for it, and I can’t wait to share them with y’all.
Scrunchie Zine 