Sophie,
Happy Birthday.  You may not remember but my friend Karen 
and I came from Michigan to see you at the Canal Room 
earlier in October.  It was fantastic to be able to watch
you so  close.  We hope your travel goes well and you will be 
touring again in the U.S. soon.  We would like to see where 
some of your foreign dates will be though.  
I hope you are off somewhere watching the Dolphins and the 
Jets tonight (any mixed feelings about "your" Dolphins and a 
New York team?
Have a great Birthday!!
Doug

--Hi Doug, thankyou for my Happy Birthday, I had a great
time painting on my porch in the pacific. I remember you if
you came with a woman, who saw the documentary, but I'm
horrible with names, as anyone who's met me more than once
will attest to. I'm glad you were at that show, it was a
gas, really wild, in my opinion.
I don't have mixed feelings about loving the dolphins and
being a new Yorker, it all stems from a boy I had a crush on
in 5th grade, marco, he loved the dolphins and we played
football in his room. He also took me to my first Agatha
Christy movie, black and white, The Ten little Indians, we
rode the cross town bus to see it. So I love the Dolphins.
Please come to a show, we're starting up again in the
Spring. Bye. Sophie.

Hi Sophie,
The first music of yours I heard was Whaler in 94, and I just 
loved it. Maybe also thanks to the life I lived. Now I have 
three of your CDœ and like all of them.

The question is: If you are ever in Europe, would you also 
come the the Czech Republic? Have you ever been thinking of it?

Thanks for your reply and for the music you make.
 
Jirka
Czech Republic 

--Dear Jirka, I would so love to come to the Czech republic,
I'm in Europe starting february, and I hope i can get an
agent for your area of the world. I think if I do well in
Europe with this album it's more likely to come there. I 've
certainly been fascinated by the litterature and
architecture and folklore  of your world. Let's hope. Thank
you, Sophie.

Hi Sophie,
I like your song "As I lay me down."  I work in a bank and we 
listen to the radio all day long and hear your song alot.  Me 
and the girls at work were listening one day, and this new girl 
started singing your song.  And in the background music on 
one part the new girl thinks it says "I like tacos", but I
think it is just music or humming.  This has been a big 
controversies  between us and I was wanted you to answer 
my question.  So does it really say "I like tacos" in the 
background??  Sorry for the silly question.
 
Thank you,
Alicia
Tulsa, OK

--Dear Alicia, this is a sweet question. I love tacos, but
that's not what I'm singing in the backround, it's "ooh la
kah koh", which is an indigenous language of the Ballantine
tribe. It means, "wash your feet before you sleep", which is
good advice on any account. I hope you all keep enjoying the
song, and check out my new album, "Wilderness", there are
some cool backrounds on that album, too. Take Care, come 
see a show and you and your friends can sing the backrounds on
stage! Bye, sophie.

Hello Sophie !
I am a relly big fan of yours since the release of your first 
album. I admire your work so much, I think you put your true 
feelings in everything you do and your voice moves me a lot. 
I am from Greece, and I write to you just to let you know that 
there are people who love you here, too. Tongues And Tales 
and Whaler where both released here, but I had to order 
from the Internet your next two albums. Thank God we have 
the internet ! As I said the reason I write is to let you know 
that you have fans in Greece. But I will ask you a question 
although I know the answer...Will you come to my small 
country some time ?? Even if you won' t, your music will 
always be in my heart. But I think that you will absolutely 
love our islands in the summertime ! 
Keep filling our hearts with your sweet music...
Take care xxx
Tatiana
Athens, Greece.

dearest Tatiana, thank you so much! You have no idea how i
love Greece, my name is greek, in case you didn't notice,
and I have studied greek Mythology and culture and thought
at lenth. Socrates is my man! Listen, I will come to  Greece
in a very special way, in fact, I've been in talks about it
recently. The question is, will I ever return to the U.S.
once I'm there...see you soon I hope, Sophie.

Happy birthday to you, Sophie!!!
I wanna wish you a lot of love and happyness!
Inspiration and success in your creative work!
God bless you!
 
Your music brings gladness in my heart and soul!
Thank you...
 
 P.S. sorry for my imperfect english.
 
Yulia from Ukraine.

-Dear Yulia thank you so much! All want to do is inspire
gladness to be yourself, feel your feelings and express
yourself creatively, so thank you for letting me! Also,
imperfect English is very attractive, have you ever noticed
that English sounds the best broken and spoken with the
tounge of another language? Take care, Sophie.

Hey there, I just recently graduated from college and started 
life in the real world.  Needless to say change is never easy 
and love shouldn't be this hard, but I just miss the hell
out of those kindred spirits that  had become my world. The 
wisdom, honesty, and genuine beauty of your  music, your 
words, and your life have helped kick the bitter right out of 
my sweet so that I can truly say I'm just glad it happened 
instead of sad it's over. You once said that you took some 
giant leaps of faith and just hoped you would land
on your feet, a phrase that now is painted over my mirror, 
right next to my kitten dangling from a tree poster that 
reads "Hang in there" (just kidding about the cheesy poster) 
but you did inspire me. With all the  rich musical
history in Memphis I just feel like the story is not yet 
complete without way more visits from you and your talented 
band. Are you ever coming?  Andhave you ever considered 
doing more blues? Thanks for being you and helping me be a 
better me, Much 
Luv
Amy 

--Dear Amy, 'kicked the bitter right out of my sweet/ I took
a giant leap of faith and hoped I'd land on my feet' sounds
like a lyric. Listen, I am coming to memphis soon again, our
friend Beth Boyett has promised thus. Thank you for opening
your soul to my music, and yes, indeed, I'm going to sing in
deeper shades of blue, aquamarine, for instance, is tugging
at me. See you in Memphis. bye, Sophie

Hi there.  This is Sue from Toronto, Canada, your very own 
self proclaimed Sophie hoare.  I was disappointed to see that 
you never brought your tour up this way this summer.  I was 
even more dismayed not to be able to make it to 
Provincetown this year for womens week, especially seeing 
that you were performing there.  
     Before I get to my question, just wanted to say that I've 
been suffering from depression abit, lately and the picture of 
you on the beach in Provincetown (arms uplifted) has made 
it's way onto my desktop and makes me smile everytime I 
look at it.  Thanks for that, and for the uplifting I get from 
listening to your music.
      On the last notes from the road message you left, you 
mentioned a woman and a tape you had of hers that helped 
you out during a bad time through the tour, I was just 
wondering if someone could send me her name, and the 
name of the tape, because I just couldn't make it out.  It 
would be much appreciated.  Have a wonderful winter, and 
thanks again for sharing your growth and openess with your 
fans, it is a true and much needed sometimes, inspiration.

dearest Sue, I would love to meet a Sophie hoare, what is it
like? The name of the woman is Pema Chodron and the company
that puts her stuff out is Sounds True productions. I highly
recommend her teaching during hard times, but i also have
another recomendation, it's a Kundalini yoga tape or DVD by
Gurmukh, which is put out by Gaiam. I will be in Province
town again in May, if you can hitch a ride. When I'm really
sad I make Hot Cocoa and sit at my piano and play and sing
and cry, would this help you? Humming is good, too. Audrey
hepburn said nature can heal any thing, that resonates with
me, maybe that's why you liked the joyfull picture in
provincetown. please take care. Love yourself, embrace
yourself, forgive yourself, if that applies. Sophie.

Hi Sophie,

Similar to Vincent who emailed you a little while back, I've 
been a fan of yours when I first heard "As I lay me down" 
about 10 years ago. I think that would probably be the first 
song that I truly loved, right beside you was a very good 
song too (I've only heard a handful of your songs so far!!), 
your musical style is very unique with a touch of 
dance/upbeat rhythm in most of the songs I have heard you 
perform. I have yet to explore the majority of your songs as 
I have only very recently sought after more work you have 
made (I don't know why I never did earlier..being in Australia 
I suppose does that to you!).

You truly are an extremely talented individual don't ever let 
anyone tell you otherwise! I have been learning to play 
Djembe (teaching myself) and am at a level where I am able 
to perform to a crowd and attract a round of applause. I also 
have a reasonably musical voice, and I think I will take up a 
range of other musical instruments such as piano (I used to 
play when I was younger), guitar, sax etc. At any rate 
I have a few questions:

(1) Have you heard much (if any) of Tori Amos' work? She is, 
I believe an equally fantastic musician that I think you should 
do some songs with. I encourage you to listen to her albums 
(if you have not already) and see what you think. I personally 
believe you would both be great on an album or even a single 
song.

(2) You toured with several bands/musicians The Corrs being 
one of my favourites, which musican/band was your favourite 
to work with and why?

(3) Any plans to come to Australia for a Tour?

Thanks for being a beautiful inspiration to true genuine lovers 
of music,

Regards,

Tristan Perkins

--Dear Tristan, first of all, the first songs i ever wrote
were on Djembe with me singing, I'll never forget those
songs, so your off to a good start. Secondly, I'll be
touring in Australia in February, so come to a show! Now,
about Tori, I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE tori Amos, i've seen her
shows allot and I've spent time with her backstage. I would
kill to work with her, and yet, like me, she's very
individual and private and writes alone, but i'm certainly
open to a collaboration on any level with her. also The
Corrs are divine, my favorite is Sharon, i love her voice
and her violin playing. very inspiring. But that doesnt mean
i dont think Andrea is the bomb, she's fantastik too. The
brother is an excellent muso, and i didn't get to meet the
other sister, she wasn't on the tour. Thank you so much! 
Sophie.

Dear, Sophie I enjoy Your music and the heart you put in it.I 
heard a Rumor that you wear baggy clothes to canceal that 
you have  a tail. Isthis true?

 sincerely,

Mark -South jersey

--Dear Mark, who told you this? I'll kill him! He promised
he'd never tell if I didn't turn him in to the Feds. He's in
for it. But now that you've taken me public, it is the
secret that's kept me in the closet, so to speak. can you
believe people thought my sexuality was the complicated
issue? Are there any other humans with tails out there? I
should form an advocacy group. I swing with my tail and I'm
proud of it! Someday I'll let the world view my sexy, thick,
soft as mink tail. Take care, Sophie.

Dear Sophie,
I have been amazed by you since I first heard "Damn I Wish 
I Was Your Lover". I was going through a loss of a sort and 
hidden pain I never really have told anyone about before. 
Like you I can not say I am really a lesbian and yet again I 
can't say I am heterosexual either. 
I've had relationships with both sexes and although the ones 
with women have never been sexual they have been 
intensely emotionally charged. 

Since I was about 7 years old I have been  attracted to 
women and as I got older men got to be OK to be with at but 
I never felt really emotionally connected to them, that is until 
I met my husband. I consider myself a sexual wanderer I 
don't look to have feelings for just those politically accepted 
reasons. I love who I love and it is that simple, I am trying to 
raise my children with those same values as well. Our family 
has always been a open door to people who aren't always 
socially accepted for whatever reason. Your music to me is 
like a open door to worlds I have seen and wish to some day 
see.  You seem to have a very open heart and mind, your 
grounded and well in touch with who you are. Many times I 
have found comfort in listening to both Tongues and Tails as 
well as Whaler. I had the pleasure of adding Wilderness to my 
collection recently as well which is a beyond amazing work. I 
think you have grown tremendously as a artist, this new CD 
really shows you can go from end to end and still shine 
magnificently. 

Tongues and Tails was a excellent venture for you but I 
wonder if you would have released "Damn..." as your single if 
it wasn't for Sony. I know how controlling they were over 
your career and why you eventually walked away from them. 
Your not the only person I have heard about this 
happening to and I think if major labels continue to treat 
artists poorly we will see more indie labels appear and more 
people turn to the Internet for promoting on their own. I know 
several artists who have walked away from major labels 
and went on to do independent work. They still have strong 
fanbases and that is the important part.
You've never been anywhere that I could see you live and I 
regret that terribly. I wish I was back in the US where I could 
come see a show but unfortunately my husband is in the 
military and we are living in Guam for the next 2 - 5 years.

 I would love to ask one thing of you and 
that is if I could somehow get a black and white photo of you. 
If you autograph it I would love you deeply, I collect music 
photos and I will make one huge 
promise to you and that is I will never for any reason make 
profit from it. 
Your a wonderful person and a great inspiration to so many 
people. My son was thrilled when I bought Wilderness the 
other day. He is a "water baby" sometimes I wonder how I 
ended up with a fish for a son. He loves to swim 
and since we have moved here to Guam we spend almost 
every weekend at the beach. He is planning to be a rescue 
diver when he is older. Recently, he 
was in my room when I was surfing the web site and he saw 
how passionate you are about animals and more importantly 
about sea turtles. He thinks you are wonderful to want to help 
the turtles!! Back over Easter he found a teeny little turtle at 
a big event in Louisiana.My son saw this tiny turtle who was 
smaller than a half-dollar and stopped to save him. We ended 
up driving home with this tiny little guy and caring 
for him until we left. Just before we left he gave him back to 
Cypress Bayou to the place who helps the educate children 
about animals. They will care for him for a while and release 
him back into the lake he came from when he is larger.
My son cried all the way home over donating his turtle. I was 
so proud of him cause he could have just taken him and 
tossed him outside when we moved or gave him to a pet 
store but he wanted to see him thrive. 
He took the 
food and everything to the place and asked them to take 
good care of him. 
People are so impressed with him cause he cared about that 
little turtle.
I won't take up anymore of your time but I wanted to let you 
know how much 
we love you! Keep up the great work, I look forward to 
hearing more soon!

Sincerely,
a loyal and loving fan


PS: Does anyone ship to Guam who I can get Timbre from? 
So many places 
won't or they want a fortune to send things here. Please let 
me know.

--thank you for sharing your intellegent and
evolved feelings  with me. I really appreciate your
descriptions and your passion. I'm also intensely proud of
your son, like you, he's unique, he's rare, and I'm glad you
can treasure eachother. I'm sending you a picture and a copy
of Timbre, have the most wonderfull holidays, i hope your
husband can stay out of harms way, my love to your family,
stay safe! Sophie.

Dear Sophie,
 
I am a fan of you for years. It all started back again in the 
90's while listening to a commercial radio station.
After that I bought "Whaler" and I loved it. Then I forgot the 
Album cause of personal problems and
some progressive rock things.
Later, in 2001 a friend listened to Whaler and I remembered 
that I have that album too. I start to listen it again
by a regular basis. So I did with "Timbre" and "Tongues and 
Tails".
They are the only Albums beside Zappa & Genesis I listen to 
for such a long time (same story goes with them but that's 
another story).

Now I am a musician too (I do nearly every style from 
gregorian to techno) and one question comes in my mind 
everytime I listen to "As I lay me down", "Damn, I wish I was 
your lover" and "Did we not chose each other":
What Synthesizer is used in that songs? It creates a very 
warm and harmonic feeling (I for one call it sound of the 90's) 
and I have searched on a few Synthesizers but I couldn't find 
it.
 
Thank you for reading this,
 
best wishes from hannover, germany.
 
Sincerly,
 
Julian

--Hello Julian, the synthesiser is a Roland Juno 60, and the
patch is 11, opening and closing the envelopes manually as
the track plays. I agree about this sound, I think on some
Daniel Lanois albums from the nineties he uses incredable
synth sounds, like his album with bob Dylan and the Neviile
Bros. Germans make great sounds! I was just in Hannover, I
did a show at the Dome. Sophie.

Hi Sophie,
 
First of all can I say how pleased I am that you are coming 
back with a new album next month - it has been too long.  We 
(in the UK) hear and see too little of you.  I read that you
will be promoting the new album, do you have any plans to 
do any t.v. work in the UK to promote the album?  Do you 
have any plans to tour, especially Manchester or Leeds would 
be great.  I am so excited about the new album.  Can you tell 
me if the dvd "The Cream Will Rise" will be made available in 
the UK - at the moment its just region 1 which will not play on 
our dvd players?  Also, can I be so cheeky as to ask for the 
possibility of a picture of yourself with your autograph?  
Please?  I have been a fan since your first single and bought 
the albums and recommended you to people here in the UK 
who hadn't heard much of you.   
 
Good luck with the cd and tour.
 
Take care

Carina

--Dear Carina, will you enlighten my company about the 
DVD's
not working there, what is region 1? I'd love to send a pic,
but what's your address? Yes , I'll be promoting/touring in
the U.K, thank the lord! Keep checking the web site. The
U.K. will also have it's own special artwork on the singles
etc. Stay cheeky! Sophie.

Hi,

Name is Chris.  I recall seeing a video you did for "Damn".  I 
only saw it a few times some years back, but I haven't seen it 
since.  You appeared to be in a bed.  Lots of white sheets. 
Tastefully done, but sexier than anything
else at that time.  It was when the song first came out and I 
believe it was on VH-1.

I've checked usenet newsgroups and other web 
searches...and then I had a flash - why not ask directly.

If you or your staff have any info, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks for the music you've brought to us...we've always 
enjoyed your work.

Kindest Regards,

Chris 

--Hi Chris, that video was banned for some odd reason, but
it's one of my favorites because it was very personal, I
choreographed and conceived my bits and used my friends in
the rest. The most you can see of it is on The Cream Will
Rise documentary, which you can get on the web site,
otherwise, I bet someone out there will give or sell you
one.Good luck, Sophie.

Do parts of us truly die before we can live the lives
of happiness we deserve?  Can I wake up on some
perfect, beautiful day on my long journey through life
and not have to remember the pain, the suffering, and
the nights of crying myself to sleep with the painful
memories dancing in my head?  Can I enjoy something
other than my own solitude?

These are the questions that lie in the hollows of my
soul when I listen to music.  Music is my therapist,
my consolation, my love, and my reassurance that I can
wake up each day when, on the bad days and nights, I
hope to never wake up again.  When I'm looking for
that song I need as my "pick me up" I look for a song
that has a deeper meaning.  Something more than a few
chords and a bunch of words that sound good together
but have little meaning.  

I'm looking for a song that I can connect with and
that gives me the extra courage and strength I need to
continue on this hard, odd journey.  This is something
I've found in all of your songs.  I've always found
the spiritual connection I need to help me dig my soul
out of the pit of destruction created around me.  I
thank you deeply and sincerely for that.

My partner and I just recently saw you perform live on
October 16th in Provincetown, Mass.  It was the first
chance I've ever had to see you live.  I felt a
stronger connection with your music after your live
performance.  Following the show, when you signed our
CD and DVD, I told you that your show had brought
tears to my eyes several times.  The passions,
strength, and spiritual beauty that your music and
performance possess is something I respect deeply,
look up to, and after my 29 year long journey of
survival in darkness, I am so grateful for your own
courage, strength, and honesty which helps those of us
who are battling our own ghosts and demons from the
past.  

I'm much stronger and happier today than I have ever
been over the past 29 years, but the battle is
lifelong.  Thank you for your strength, help, and for
sharing your beautiful talent with those of us who
need sources of purity and beauty in our lives.  

Thank you ever more,
Shanda 

--Dear Shanda, you are your source of purity and beauty, and
you recognize me with that self inside of you. When those
long dark nights surround you, talk to yourself as you would
be spoken to through a song, unconditionally loving,
appreciating your insights, your pain and your longing for
happiness without a punishment. bring your soul out of exile
in the moment of the isolation, tell the prisoners to fuck
off, you are going to take flight. One of these days, you're
gonna wake up singing, you're gonna spread your wings, and
you're gonna fly. You're not alone. Sophie.

I bought tickets to see your show at the Turning Point and 
soon realized that you were a true performer.  Your music, 
lyrics, and personality made for great entertainment.  I am 
not "attached" to singers per say, I am attracted to the 
message that I receive across all genres, styles, and artists.  
I love to sway to and fro in my own sweet connection to the 
sounds of a good singer's passion for voice....  From Percy 
Sledge to Diana Krall and Joe Cocker, you have made it to 
my "music over a glass of red wine collection."  It may not 
sound like much, but for me and my love, that is where our 
hearts enjoy one another.  I wanted to be respectful and not 
appear to be a "needy" voyeur after the show, so I simply 
asked for an autograph and went about my way.  My question 
to you, have you had the opportunity to see train track 
tresses towering above and a blue-eyed child with "hair" as 
sweet as yours?  In other words-Do you have the time to 
simply be?  In the end, if you take away the applause, the 
lights, and the band, you are the only one left there to love.  
We have a world that is consumed by wanting more.  My wish 
for you is to have more than you want for.  Enjoy yourself 
and your gift to us...  music.  

>From an assistant principle and a speech pathologist (two 
educators),
you have taught us once again the importance of 
entertaining ...

Kelly and Charlie

--Dear Kelly and charlie, I deeply appreciate you're giving
me this to ponder, because on first impulse, I love to be a
nature girl, exploring, taking the long way home with my
dog, sitting on the curb and quiet. No one knows me. I'm not
a performer. I'm not anything but a lover of what I'm
watching, listening too, feeling. But then I get on stage
and something happens,I've never been able to understand how
I ease from one self into another. The answer is, when the
band and the stage and the music is gone, I want to be
loved, and loved and loved and loved, and then I go and do
something. Thank you, Sophie.

Hello, Sophie, I saw your show at the Post Office Cafe and I 
didn't want it to end!!!  I sure hope to see you again....Will 
you be back to this area?

--I'll be back in May !

Dear Sophie;

not sure if this question & answer section is still current,
but I thought I would share a little anecdote with you. do you 
remember, back in possibly 1993... you came to Toronto to 
perform; and then did an interview with MuchMusic (our 
MTVclone station)? well, it was a very significant point in my 
life; i think a lot happened in music at that time (1993-
1994), and I was overwhelmed with everything.

I was 13 at the time and lived in Northern Ontario... but I was 
able to see the interview you did; then proceeded to walk the 
streets over to our "World's Biggest Bookstore". you were 
talking about your life in the music business, and how you 
aimed to stay pure, and also how you felt free when 
you perform barefoot, and how people were misinterpreting 
your omnisexuality. through your explanations, and your aim 
to be as articulate and witty, it was evident that you felt very 
comfortable with yourself and didn't need to prove anything 
to anyone. I admired that, and took a piece of that for myself.

I can honestly say that you were the first 
entertainer/musician I could actually identify with musically 
and personally, and I think for a short phase of my life, I 
secretly emulated my life after yours; at least my 
attitude and personality. And though I am not a musician 
specifically, I am an artist, and could/can definitely resinate 
with everything you were striving for in your music. 
everything 'all made sense' somehow, and that is 
how my life stands today. there is rhyme and reason to 
everything; and I believe that you are an excellent example 
of how artists and musicians ought to treat their craft, with 
sincerity, honour and purity.

Longingly awaiting for "Wilderness", I have yet to see your 
latest CD in stores here in HMV. Is there any way I can order 
it from you directly or your management?

Thanks for the years of great music!

Sincerely Yours,
Steffy T.

--Dear Steffy, I remember the interview with much music and
allot about being in Canada at that time, I'm so happy you
were able to use what I projected, and that you are an
artist. My record is supposed to be out in Canada, but, if
you send Janice who runs my website a request and an 
address
I'm sure we can get you what you want. I'm just curious why
it's not available there, it is supposed to be. Oh well,
I'll be in vancouver performing soon, so stay in touch.
Thank you, Sophie

Dear Sophie,

I have tried to buy your latest CD here in Sweden, but 
unfortunately it seems to be hard to find it, but I will go to 
Paris next week and I will try to get it there. I'm looking 
forward to see you in Stockholm here in Sweden, and I'm 
looking at your tour dates to see if you're coming to Sweden 
every weeks. It would really be an experience to see you live 
and I hope you have the possibility to come soon. 

It would be an emotional highlight to see you perform your 
sensual songs, because there are only a few artists that can 
express these feelings so deeply in their performance and 
every time when I have the luck to experience this I feel this 
warm pain in my body...

Yours sincerely

Jonny

--Dear Jonny, I love your expression "warm Pain". Yum.
Listen, my record is supposed to be out in Germany, Austria,
Switzerland this month. I know in Australia and the U.K.
very soon. Again, if you cannot find it please let Janice
who runs my website know, and we'll take care of you. And
yes, please come to a show, you know i used to perform in
sweden allot, I think it's just a matter of time before I'm
back. Thank you, sophie

...and then, Sophie, just thanks
for the lyrics and the music and being the instrument for the 
lyrics and the music—for saying yes I will. when they told you 
no you won’t, but we can let you—we are the instrument.  I 
lost my way, and I let my love decide me…thank you because 
I want you to know I’m here tomorrow and here today 
because you didn’t let go of Timbre so I am to be becoming 
to the one I know I will become the one I thank.  And then, 
Sophie, just thanks…

--this is georgeous...

Hi there, Soph~~~~~~Needless to say, I own all of your 
work. Your compositions are incredible. You were first in line 
when God handed out talent. I just bought the Wilderness CD and 
bravo!! It's brilliant!!  It's classy, intricate, soulful, not 
to mention it's a percussionist's wet-dream!!

I've been a busy girl lately, so the first chance of the day to 
listen to "Wilderness" was at 10:30pm when I finished my day. I was 
nestling down for the night; sinking my mane into the feather pillow, 
headphones on, lights off, and I was awaiting to enter a blissful 
slumber with your new material waving through my brain.

I only got to the second track when I literally sat up in
bed! I  actually got out of bed to grab the lyrics to "Open 
Up Your Eyes." What an awesome song! It's masterfully written, 
filled with pure raw emotion, intoxicating and addicting as hell. 
I continued to play "Open" over & over until I forced myself to 
turn it off at 3:15am (since I had to wake in a mere two 
hours).

I've been known to have a knack for anticipating "hit" 
songs...and that one is it!! I believe "Open" should be your next 
release.  When a song can grab your every essence and submerge 
your soul, I think there just might be something to it. Don't you??

Sophie, thank you for all your tireless work and indulgence 
within your craft.  This CD was long overdue and well worth the 
wait. "Wilderness" is definitely intriguing, seductive, poised, 
and profoundly genuine!! You have a gift like no other. 
You are truly a musical genius!!!!!

::::::clapping:::::JOB WELL DONE!!

So, what track are you thinking of releasing next?

Hope to catch you on the road again soon!!

Be safe!!
Happy Early Birthday to a beautiful, wonderful woman!!

DUFF,
Chico, CA

--Dearest Duff! Are you a writer? This letter made me smile
so BIG. Thank you! You are very litterate and funny as hell.
Thank you, again. P.s., I wish the radio guys heard that
song Open up your eyes, because i also feel it would be a
good one, but timing is everything, maybe it will get in a
movie or something first. But the real happiness is, YOU
HEARD IT AND DIG IT! Yay. Sophie.

Hey Sophie!
 
My question is: How was the experience to work with Johnny 
Sutherland? I didn't hear the song yet but I'm so excited. 
Your songs are great! 
 
Luv,
Miriam (16) from Frankfurt / Germany

--Dear Miriam, I love Johnny so much, he is my friend, and
also a very great talent. I want to work with him again.
He's cute, no? Take care! If you like the song, request it
at radio! Sophie.

Hi, Sophie.

I think your song As I Lay Me Down is very beautiful.
Could you please tell me where the video for the song
was filmed?

Nathan Rheome
Potsdam, NY

--dear Nathan, the video was filmed in Central Park, my back
yard growing up and my sanctuary now. I'm glad you like the
song. Thank you, Sophie.

Hi Sophie,
 
I'm 30, a passionate feminist, lesbian and writer.  
 
I was 18 years old in 1992 when "Damn I Wish I Was Your 
Lover" came out.  The first time I heard it was on MTV, and it 
was like being hit by a truck.  I was mesmerized by your 
lyrics, by the way you talked about having a lover in terms of 
being irrational, and powerful, having no boundaries be-
everything to your partner kind of interaction.  I had always 
felt that way about love, but that wasn't what you heard in 
music being sung by anyone on the radio.  
 
I went crazy trying to find your album almost the minute after 
I first saw your video, your first video for MTV.  It was 
nowhere.  I stayed glued to the tv for days after, watching for 
the video with my VCR at the ready, desperate to see if I had 
dreamt it.  Days later I saw it, and that second video.  From 
that moment on I fell in love with you, totally.  Not
romantic, I want to be your girl love, but a deep, grateful, familial, 
guardian, thank heaven for you kind of love I carry for you to 
this day.
 
In addition to being completely moved by the openness, 
honesty and unapologetic and messy sexuality of your music, 
you were the first woman I ever came across who both 
owned and celebrated loving another woman.  
 
When I finally found and bought your album I used to listen 
to "Damn..." over and over, rewinding and hearing and 
rewinding and hearing the line "I laid by the ocean making 
love to HER..."  You were the first person I ever heard 
publicly acknowledge same sex love.  You were the first 
person I ever heard talking (or singing, in your case) about 
the complicated ways in which love and sex and violence and 
lust can become tangled and intertwined.
 
You did more for me than I could ever tell you.
 
I was 18 and growing up in a Catholic house.  I had known 
since I was very young that the way I felt about girls was not 
the same as the way other girls felt about girls.  I thought my 
lesbianism, and also my early budding interest in S&M; (which 
I was too young then to suss out as being separate from my 
sexuality) were black spots on my soul, markers that I was 
evil and a terrible person.  
 
Watching you sing, watching you, barefoot with your ripped 
jeans and flannel and wild hair and freedom in the warehouse 
video for Damn... very nearly saved my life, Sophie.  You 
didn't look like the other women in music and pop culture, 
you didn't talk like them, or sing about the things they sang 
about, or concern yourself with being a sex symbol or boy 
toy.  Your sex appeal, your power was your own, it was 
uninhibited and uninformed by what was marketable in pop 
culture mainstream.  You were wildly, proudly yourself, a 
definition of woman I had never seen before, that opened me 
up to the possibility that maybe, just maybe I could make a 
life being the kind of girl, and woman I wanted.  To say it was 
a long process from there to where I am now would be an 
understatement, but I've always loved you for opening up 
that door for me.
 
What I would love to know from you is if you've struggled to 
maintain your integrity as an artist and writer exploring 
deeply personal things that are laid bare in front of your 
family, and friends.
 
In my writing, I can be startlingly self aware and honest in 
front of a crowd of strangers, but there are things I've
written and performed that I don't know if I could ever show my 
family, or read in my hometown.  Not because I'm ashamed 
of them, I never am, but because of the emotional upheaval 
it would cause the people involved in the stories and tales I 
tell.  My early life was, in a word tumultous, and some of my 
writing is deeply personal, powerful, but also would create 
terrible rifts within my intimate circle.  Like it doesn't
always feel safe to be that naked and exposed in front of the people 
who hold your history.
 
I know you explored that some in The Cream Will Rise (which 
was phenomenal, BTW).  Has that been a constant struggle 
for you, and how have you managed it?
 
               Julianne D.
               Brooklyn, NY
 
PS, On this topic, I hope that somewhere in your life two very 
fabulous books have crossed your path... Bastard Out of 
Carolina by Dorothy Allison, and The Work of A Common 
Woman by Judy Grahn (which contains the AMAZING poem A 
Woman Is Talking To Death...unfortunately too long to include 
here).  Both were watershed books for me, both found me 
when I was ready to hear them, both taught me things about 
the kind of woman I wanted to be, the kind of power I wanted 
to claim, the kind of love I wanted to create.  If you haven't 
read them, I recommend them passionately...

-Dear Julianne, parts of your letter made me almost cry,
thank you. I appreciate your showing me what I represented
to you at that time, it's clear and beautiful and makes all
the doubts and struggles unimportant. my present
relationship with my family is obtuse, but not because of my
work, we have other issues that make a labarynth arond each
one of us trying to get to the other one. However, I've read
and loved Bastard out of carolina, I've never read Judy
Grahn, so I'll find that. All I sense is that there are
always more layers, and new plateaus and the perspective on
safety and intimacy and even family changes, always.
Sometimes we push ourselves, sometimes we need to be still
and protect our selves. It's more about us, our individual
selves, than them. There is a time for everything, I am in
the eye of the storm, the storm passes and everything looks
different, if I don't get drawn out of my work. I stay in my
work. That's my answer. The other stuff is the past. The
work is now,  setting the way for the next. Dont worry, it
does you no good. Bye, Sophie.

Hi Sophie

I have read the Ask Sophie section of your website looking 
for the answer to this question, but not absolutely sure I 
found it. I noticed you said you are Scottish, but were you 
born in Scotland? If not, where are you from?

Sincerely

Brandi

BC, Canada

--Hi Brandi, I'm a born and bred New Yorker. 

Sophie,
 
Watching your performance at the Mountain Winery in 
Saratoga was beyond special and life altering. I'm one to 
inspire others, one to move people with the simple gift of love 
and music, but as of late the ability to transform my thoughts 
and words into lyrics and music has gone into serious 
hibernation. How do you keep coming back? This last CD has 
brought an array of beautiful stars and emotions to me, 
feeling alive again! Thank you thank you! I'm not one to ask 
for an autograph, but watching your performance and 
experiencing the meaning and development of change, simply 
left me in a complete dizziness and I had to have physical 
proof from the one who unchained the levels of my so 
called "trapped" feelings. Your lyrics and the soulfulness in 
which you release to us fans is extrodinar. How do you do it? 
How do you transfer the soul from the inside to the stage? Do 
you feel this energy everytime you perform?
 
Trying to keep this short~ All my appreciation for waking the 
loving spirit which lives and breathes inside this human body! 
With all respect and gratitude to your stunning beauty and 
soul drenching vocals.
 
Brenda Lou
Blou~

--Dear Blou, how can you ask how I do it, I do it because
your energy requests it! Even now, reading your prancing
letter I feel joyfull and want to give you more! Thank you!
Sophie.

Sophie... 

I suppose I will start my E-Mail the way so many other people 
have.  I think that you are a very important voice in the world 
of music today -- and I listen to a huge variety of artists.  I 
got into your music the first time I heard "Right Beside You" 
on the radio when I was 14 and I went out and purchased the 
single of that song and "Tongues And Tails" ("Right Beside 
You" had just barely come out as a single, so the album 
wasn't yet available).  So many of your songs have become 
serious favorites of mine and I find many of them very 
moving.  Songs like "Before I Walk On Fire", "Help Me 
Breathe" and "No Connection" always manage to bring out so 
many thoughts and emotions in me that so few artists do.

My question -- there is one, or more, after all! -- would be 
regarding your songwriting.  As someone who enjoys the 
hobby of songwriting, I am curious to know a brief overview 
of your process.  How many songs do you go into a recording 
studio with when recording an album?  On average, how often 
do you come up with a new song?  And finally, how do you 
know which songs will appear on your CD?  Do they simply 
just speak to you and say "I need to be on your album NOW, 
Sophie"?  I know there's a lot you might not be able to 
explain, however, I am curious enough to ask for a general 
synopsis.  I admire your work, and though I wish you had 
released more than 4 albums in the past 12 years, I am 
grateful for what you have offered.  

Sincerely,

Stephen Bernal

PS... You played last month in Springfield, MA at a free 
concert in Stearns Square, I believe... which is only 20 
minutes from me.  I was kicking myself because I had 
planned a vacation many months prior for that week and 
could not attend.  I mean, Sophie... for free?  I could not ask 
for a better deal, but alas, it was not meant to be for me.  
How was your experience there?

--Dear Stephen, it is impossible to give a brief synopsis
that is truthfull, but i'll humor your question:
1. I sit down at the piano, or guitar or cello or saz or
whatever I want to hear..
2. I sing and play and lots of feelings come out. 
3. eventually phrases or words move me into a specific
vision of a new thing, something I havent thought of or
heard or expected. 
4. i find a form, i structure the unfamilier thing.
5. I record it, i have fun recording it, mostly. I shape it
and sculpt it let it emerge more.
6. I play it for someone.
7. i put it in my green antique chiffarobe, on cd with lots
of data backups.
8. I rejoice that a song is done.
9. I do it again. Sometimes I paint in between. I also write
at my typewriter in between. 
10. when i'm done propmoting one album, which always seems
to be a struggle, I break out the songs and start
contemplating the album.
11. I get other peoples opinions about what the best songs
are. Sometimes i listen, sometimes I'm on another mission.
12. Each album is different, each song is different, the
process is different and I hope the next album takes me by
surprise and whoops my ass. Thanks, sophie.

--Dear Tracey, thank you. I sincerely hope you don't need to
co-write with anyone on your first album. If you ever have
demos, let Janice know and we'll listen to your stuff. A
great woman once said, "you have to start somewhere, or
you'll be nowhere." Bye, sophie.

--Dear Brenda, you may see me live sometime, Nova Scotia
isnt as far as some of the places I tour. but, thank you so
much for your spirit. Keep dancing! Tell your daughter
"hello" from me. Thanks, Sophie.

 just want to say I love ur new way of communicating with 
everyone who wants to hear ur thoughts on the website. 
There is no room for being insecure 'cause u have incredible 
talent and charisma as well as beautiful soul. I can see
that ur fragile self  need s lot of support so here it is :) 
U have great feel for the people who support u and ur willing 
to give a lot of urself to them on and off stage.... That is
not so often seen among people on that level of performance. So 
just follow ur gut and go get them girl :)
                                                           
         Tamara 

p.s. I hope this will reach u 

--Thank you Tamara, you reached, you touched my fragile
heart. sophie.

Hi Sophie,
 
Have you tried to get Canadian Radio Stations to play singles 
from wilderness yet?  
 
Is there anything I could do in this respect?  Please let me 
know.
 
Cheers,
 
Ant.

--Dear Ant, yes we've tried, but until more is happening in
America or maybe Europe, canada wont play my new stuff.
Thanks for asking, though, Sophie

Dear Sophie,my family and me just saw you in Haddon 
Heights.I feel funny in saying it was the first time I have
seen you, because I have been a huge fan since Tongues and 
Tails, but I thought you were magnificent.The energy you put 
forth on stage and into your music is breathtaking.Even if I 
have a bad day,your music makes me feel so good and 
happy.I absolutely love you and your music,and you are 
gorgeous.Would it be possible for me to get an autographed 
photo of You? Thanks Sophie Love Joe Audubon Park N.J.

--Dear Joe, if you send all your information to Janice at
the website, I'll sighn pictures. Thank you so much for
bringing your family to the show, I hope to see all of you
again! Sophie

Dear Sophie,

I know that I'm your biggest german Fan. Be kind to me 
because my language is not the best... but I give my best 
^_^! The first song I heard of you was "As I lay me down". I 
was driving through my hometown Stuttgart and I had to stop 
my car after 30 seconds because I was so deeply touched 
when I heard the song. It really touched me very deeply. So 
I was sitting there in my car and listened to your song. That 
was the first time I hadn't problems to understand english, 
but now it's not easy for me to describe my feelings.... your 
calm voice, your lyrics for this song, your music..... this
song is the greatest you always made; I know that because I've 
bought all of your albums after that day. ^_^ 
I'm a man but I have to admit that I had the need to cry 
when I heard this song first time. I wished to have someone 
for holding close when you said 

I'm still recalling things 
you said to make me feel alright
I carry them with me today now.

It's so painful when someone is away for some days, for 
some years or forever...... but if you remember the words of 
the person it feels as if the person is right beside you 
whispering something in your ear.

I could wrote much more but this is an asking corner so I try 
to make it short and don't disturb you any more.

When do you come to Germany? Do you plan a tour through 
Germany? I want to hear you live one time in my life...

"Keep your head above water and don't forget to breathe!" 
That's what I use to say when someone is sad. We always 
have to continue life.... whatever happens. We always see the 
people again who leave us.... sooner or later.

Sincerest,

Your greatest german Fan,
Richie

--Dear Richie, thank you so much for your beautiful
feelings. I was just in Stuttgart, I performed a song at a
theatre there, and also at the Dome in Hannover. I will be
in Stuttgart this Spring or summer at a festival, so please
come! Just check the web site, and of course, I will perform
As I Lay Me Down...until then, Sophie

Dear Sophie
 
I saw you perform in Michigan yesterday.  Thank you for a 
great show.  Gosh I wish you had a longer set!  It was so kind 
and gracious of you to meet with the fans after the show.  I 
have attached the photo you took with me.  You look forever 
young and gorgeous.  Have you ever taken a bad picture?  I 
am still thrilled with how approachable and down-to-earth you 
were.  You signed my DVD of The Cream Will Rise.  I 
watched it today and feel as if I got a glimpse into some 
intimate aspects of your persona.  That must be either a 
really weird and awkward feeling for you or else very 
liberating.  Which is it?  It was very brave of you to do that 
documentary.  I hope that now in your life you have found 
love, peace and contentment.  I seem to think that Walking In 
My Blue Jeans suggests that you have found that peace.  To 
me it seems like such a transformative song.  Are you that 
woman looking at the "new you" and still getting accustomed 
to her?  I am a psychologist and really appreciate the depth 
with which one can process emotions with music.  For those of 
us without musical talent, there's medication  and the 
possibility of projecting ourselves into a good song and 
vicariously getting that release.  Thanks for providing the 
world with that musical medicine.
 
I also loved how you cussed out the record labels in the 
documentary.  I have made friends and connections with 
some great musical artists, Marcy Levy (aka Marcella 
Detroit), Anne McCue, and my pals in a local band Work In 
Progress, and I have seen how truly talented artists with 
depth struggle just to get heard while breasty no-talent 
puppets of the industry are overrunning the radio.  Gosh it's 
frustrating!  Can't you all just band together already.  Pool 
your funds, do whatever it takes to create your own labels 
and get more quality art out there.  Like I said, I believe in 
the transformative power of music.  The world could change if 
the right musical messages made it to those who need to 
hear it.  And I'm here to do whatever I can.  Say the word 
and I'm there!  
 
Well, I wish you a safe and enjoyable tour. I selfishly hope 
you return to Michigan soon.  Remember you have friends 
here when you do come back.  Thanks again for your many 
years of artistry and your kindness.  
 
Paul Chrustowski
Troy, MI

--Dear Paul, thank you for your letter. There may be
something of interest to you on the label/artist side of
your thinking, we'll put it out there when the idea takes
hold, it's quite exciting. And yes, indeed, we can always
use your help! Thank you again, i hope to see you on the
road soon. Sophie

Hi there Sophie! 
 
First of all, I have a confession... at the tender age of
19, you were the first woman to steal my heart! I remember reading 
an article about you in some magazine, and thinking that not 
only were you incredibly beautiful, but very interesting too... 
This was a big deal for me, as it had me questioning my 
sexuality, not to mention all the taboos and sex-related issues 
that I was brought up with (I grew up in a very small town). 
So  I want to thank you for just being you, and for inspiring 
me to realise who i really am...
 
Anyway, enough of the gushing tribute... I was wondering 
how the plans for your UK tour are coming along? A gig in 
Manchester would be amazing! And if you'd like someone to 
show you the sights and/or take you out partying in my fair 
city, I'd be more than happy to oblige! (Note here: I'm not 
the crazy nutcase stalkerfan that I no doubt sound like! But 
then you're gonna say that all crazy nutcases say that ;-) ) 
 
Thank you for being fabulous! 
 
Kay x

--Dear Kay, I will be over there soon and you better come to
a show, i'd love to say hello to a woman whose heart I
stole! Take care, Sophie.

Hello, Sophie
 
The song "As I Lay Me Down" is such a beautiful song, and I 
was wondering if the lyrics are a praise to the Creator, or
if it 
is expressing fond thoughts for another person?  Who thought 
of the arrangement-the somber-sounding organ, the sound of 
your voice is just magic.  You are a very soulful singer.
 
Westside Gary,
Urban Beat
Baltimore, MD.

--Dear Westside Gary, the arrangement and sounds were me on
my original home demo, which we built around for the album
version. The creator and the person are one in this space,
sort of shifting invisably between the personal and the
divinely personal. Thanks, Sophie.

Hi!!
 
My name is Jennifer and I met you at the electric factory in 
Philadelphia. I was in the front row just mesmerized by your 
performance.  I am hearing impaired and I hope you 
remember me especially by my overwhelming tears. Smile.  
Thank you for taking your time to be patience with me and 
that forever impacted my life in so many ways when you 
signed my CD.  I will always remember that moment no 
matter life leads me.  Thank you so much for mentioning me 
on 95.7, even though I was not able to understand, I was told 
and once I found that out, I cried. I listened to your CD the 
moment I got home from your concert, and it is so incredible 
especially the beats. I love it especially beautiful girl and 
sweetsexywoman, in fact all of your songs are amazing. I 
want to thank you for your amazing songwriting and your 
amazing voice. I love the way you sound when you sing the 
line beautiful beautiful girl. I love the way it sounds against 
my ears.  I want to ask you when will you come back to 
Philadelphia because I would love to attend your concert.  In 
fact, I wish I could go to all of them. smile.  I hope you will 
never stop making music, without your songs, life doesn't 
have any more meaning. Life has meaning with someone as 
special as you. smile.  Thank you.
 
Your loyal Fan,
Jennifer
Philadelphia, PA

--Dear Jennifer, you effected my life forever, too. I was so
moved by you. I still am. I feel there is something special
about the way you hear, the way music goes into your mind. I
get it, somehow. So yes, I'll be back, probably in the
spring. take care of yourself! Sophie.

Dear Sophie:

What a wonderful letter you wrote to the Washington Blade's 
readers about your unfortunate experience with DC's 
pride "people."  And thank you for having the courage to do 
so.  While I had left the festival long before you
appeared, I do not doubt for a minute what you say is true.  
Pride in too many cities has become this great big f*cking 
cash cow conglomeration(forgive the asterisk, they censor at 
work) where the bottom line is money and power.  It's no 
longer about people's pride, it's about milking them of
their every dime.  

I am a 3rd-generation native Washingtonian, and am proud to 
hail from the District of Columbia.  I am a proud gay man.  I 
am also jaded by "pride." However, I did stumble upon a 
wonderful pride festival not far away, in Baltimore, MD.  Look 
into it, I think you'll find it a much more 
welcoming experience from not just festivalgoers, but 
organizers as well.

And, lastly, thank you for your music.

Jim 
Washington, DC

--Thank you Jim, I will look into the pride in Baltimore MD.
You dont happen to know the name of that pride, or a human
associated with it, my manager wants to know. Thanks! 
Sophie.

Hi Sophie

I've been a fan of yours for a while, and recently
just picked up "Wildreness" near my hometown of Mt.
Pleasant, MI.  I love the fact that you are a
no-nonesense person who is atomically talented.  My
question is this - I really want to get into the
business, but don't want to deal with the crap that
record labels put their artists through.  I don't
exactlty write pop music, and can't afford an agent. 
Up a creek without a paddle really.  What advice can
you offer to a "nobody" about getting their music
heard and distributed?  I have a demo but have no idea
what to do with it!  

Thank You So Much!
Eric 
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

--Dear eric, I know some people who could help you if they
connect with the music, would you send it to janice, or get
an address from her, and we'll listen and try to help. Sophie.

Hey Sophie!

There are a couple of things I wanted to write about and ask.

First, I have to commend you on a performance I saw at New 
Jerzey's gay pride festival this month in Asbury Park! You 
sounded amazing and I really enjoyed the show and it's great 
to have you on our side supporting us!!

I know this has been asked before about the Bob Dylan 
song "I Want You" but have you recorded that or have you 
thought about it because it was definitely amazing! You turned 
a song that I normally wouldn't have listened to in something 
I can't get out of my mind!! Incredible!!

And my last question is about the Junior Vasquez remix 
to "Beautiful Girl"...I'm a NYC DJ and I love the mix and 
would love to play it in my club! I just can't find it
anywhere!! 
Is there plans for a release of it??

~ John Michael 

--Dear John, there is a recording of I want You on my first
record, Tounges and Tails, and if you still want the
beautiful girl remix by junior, Janice can get you one if
you give her your equest and address etc. She's the website
lady. Thanks! Sophie

Hi sophie,
          This is james from the UK,I love your music 
and "damn wish i wasyour lover" is my favourite song.
   I would be really grateful if you could tell me if there are 
any video`s or dvd`s available that have the original music 
video to "damn i wish iwas your lover".
  I have checked the net for compilation music dvds but i 
have had no luck.

    I hope you can help and thanks for great music.

--Hi james, allot of it is in the documentary, The Cream
Will Rise, other than that, I dont know. Thanks! Sophie.