Sophie Powers Has Unlocked A Whole New Vibe With Her New Single, “XO”
Words by Brooke Mosher
Graphics by Sabina Anand
Sophia Powers is back at it again with her genre-defying single “XO.” Powers is an LA-based artist hailing from Toronto. Only 20 years old, she has amassed an international fan base, thanks to her growing social media presence on platforms like Tiktok and Instagram. From the start of her career in 2022, she has become a force to be reckoned with.
Powers took on the task of collaborating with RK Pasin, another versatile producer known for tracks like “life force” and “Lobster.” On this single, Powers touches on how there is societal pressure to stay silent, no matter how insignificant or monumental a situation may be. She never fails when it comes to having a dynamic and sharp lyrical perspective, and her tracks are sure to rock your world whether you’re listening for the first time or the tenth. Her expertise lies in being emotionally raw and defiant in trying to change the scene of pop.
"Working with RJ Pasin unlocked this wild sonic tension I’ve been chasing for a while,” Powers said. “It’s the sound of me stepping into womanhood, claiming my power, and still recklessly chasing chaos like it’s love.”
This was the collaboration of a lifetime for Powers, considering Pasin is a multi-genre producer well known for incorporating electronic, EDM and alternative genres. While working with Powers, he injects the single with a landscape that has the same high energy style that goes perfectly with Powers’ goal – making the fans feel her music.
“XO” is categorized as belonging to a single genre, but it showcases Powers’ versatility. She experiments with “hyperpop,” alongside its sister genres, alt-pop and glitch-rock. Hyperpop became popular during the pandemic, due to its distinct sound. The pacing often seems scrambled and rushed, with powerful, raw lyrics perfectly tied together with heavy distortion and auto-tuned vocals.
“XO” makes me feel like I am capable of doing anything. Upon first listening to this, I was expecting for there to be a direct contrast between the cover art and title. However, Powers plays with the title “XO” and almost left me feeling sinisterly sweet. She really has a punch at making a typically pleasant title have a bit of an edge to it – Almost like she's instigating a fire within you.
Powers brings in this powerful energy that can make anyone feel confident. Lines like, “XO, XO, kiss me before I kill somebody,” are the embodiment of how she continues to shock me and her fans.