Feature Friday: Sofia Duhaime

You recently released your debut EP "L'enfant", tell us a bit about that journey. 

Creating L’enfant was probably the most meaningful thing I’ve ever done.  I’ve been writing and performing for years, but I never found the courage to actually put something out there. Last summer, I decided to record this EP with my friends and fellow musicians Nicolas and Andrew. We picked five of my songs and created a diverse record with influences from rock, folk, jazz, and french pop. Our make-shift recording studio gave life to insane guitar solos, heart-breaking ballads, and a lot of fun. I was scared that exploring so many genres would mean that I haven’t found my identity as an artist, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth! I was really happy with the response and reactions we got and I can only hope that the best is yet to come. 


What would you say has been the best performance of your career so far, and why?

 

I really liked performing at a local brewery called La Derive last summer.  It was my first real show as the main act.  We had prepared a fire setlist and I was expecting maybe 10 people to be there. About 40 people showed up in this tiny room, making it seem like 200 people were there.  I saw family, old friends (some even brought their parents or their coworkers!) and it ended up being one of the best gigs ever. 

 

Recently as part of the developing artists showcase, you performed at the Folk Music Ontario conference, tell us a bit about the experience. 

 

It was so fun! I was really intimidated at first since we only had zoom meetings and I was going to the conference alone all the way from Montreal to London.  However, as soon as I got there, I knew it was gonna be a fun week-end. I quickly bonded with the other people from the Developing Artists Program and we spent our days sharing music recommendations and watching performances. On top of that, we were mentored and supported before and during the event, which made me more confident. I delivered a performance I was proud of and was super happy about the positive reactions I got on my French songs from a mostly english-speaking audience!

 

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects that you’d like to share?

I’m currently participating in Montreal’s “Ma premiere place des arts” which is exciting! I get to perform four of my originals at Place des Arts surrounded by other talented singer-songwriters. I’m also recording more songs this winter which I hope will be ready for next spring. I’m hoping to fill my summer with shows and festivals around Quebec and Ontario!

 

What are 3 of your favourite songs by Ottawa artists?

Garden Through the War - Mia Kelly

Come Around - Frown line

One Step Forward - Leverage for Mountains

OMIC | CIMO