Sophie Allison, the artist behind Soccer Mommy, shifted her songwriting approach for her new album, which explores themes of grief and the search for closure. Unlike her previous work, which featured dark electronic elements in Sometimes, Forever, and moody instrumentation in Clean and Color Theory, her fourth album, Evergreen, aims for a brighter atmosphere. With a preference for acoustic instruments such as guitars, flutes, and violins, she teamed up with producer Ben H. Allen, known for collaborating with indie rock artists. Together, they crafted a soft and ethereal sound that encapsulates the essence of this album.
“Usually I have a broad vision for my music, but this time I had a precise sound in mind,” Allison shared with Stereogum. “These songs are deeply personal, and I wanted them to feel natural and unrefined. I was focused on specific tones that conveyed this feeling without getting sidetracked by other, cooler influences.” While traces of her darker thematic elements remain, Allison aims to reinterpret them, drawing inspiration from artists like Nico and PJ Harvey, who fuse organic and eerie sounds.
At the time of creating Evergreen, Allison was dealing with a profound loss, which she chose not to elaborate on. This emotional weight is felt throughout the album, as it touches on themes of memory and the inevitability of time slipping away. The combination of these reflections and the carefully curated instrumentation results in some of Allison’s most impactful work to date.
In the following track-by-track discussion, she opens up about the lyrical themes of the album, her refined approach to instrumentation, and more.
1. “Lost”
The album centers around themes of loss, and this song reflects on the sentiment of having lost someone and the questions left unasked. Can you share more about writing this song?
SOPHIE ALLISON: This is actually the last song I wrote before recording. I see it differently from the others, which focus more on specific memories. “Lost” takes a step back to reflect on what was or wasn’t done, highlighting a realization of personal selfishness without malice.
Dealing with such a heavy concept must be challenging. Did writing this song provide any relief?
ALLISON: Writing it felt bittersweet but also brought clarity. It reminded me that personal feelings often pale in comparison to the grander scheme of life. These feelings, though deeply personal, are universal.
I loved the introduction of violins; how was it to incorporate strings and flutes in your music?
ALLISON: It was a fantastic experience! I specifically requested flutes as I wanted a unique sound for the record. Using real flute players enhanced the album in ways that the synth patches couldn’t. As for the strings, I communicated my desires, and the arranger brought our vision to life, greatly improving our initial concepts.
I noticed a nature-like sound in the background; can you elaborate on that?
ALLISON: Absolutely! The sounds you hear aren’t natural recordings; they’re effects I created using a guitar synth pedal. I mixed in humming and whistling, which gave it a bird-like quality along with some ambient elements that contributed to a soundscape reminiscent of nature.
2. “M”
ALLISON: This song stands out as one of my favorites. It inspired much of the album’s direction, feeling both fresh and vibrant compared to my previous work. While the lyrics address heavier topics, the overall sound is airy and uplifting, particularly with the flute solo and strings in the outro that create a light, ethereal experience.
That flute outro is quite unexpected and lovely, evoking something from Pet Sounds. How did that part develop?
ALLISON: Initially, the outro was simply guitar chords. I envisioned a more extended outro and sought to elevate it with flutes and strings, departing from the basic synth sounds we had before.
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The little ending piece has an emotional beauty to it. It represents a significant moment where I thought, “It’s time for the flute.” This part carries a strong feel similar to my song “Yellow Is The Color Of Her Eyes” from Color Theory, which features a grand outro. I aimed for a similar pause and evolution in this song, something truly lovely that unifies everything with simple, beautiful melodies.
Why was this song chosen as a single?
ALLISON: This is one of my top favorites, possibly my very favorite. I was surprised it was selected as a single since I wasn’t pushing for it. I thought it might be too unconventional and not the catchiest track on the album. However, I believe it effectively showcases the essence of the record. Just like “Lost,” it sets an instant tone for the album’s sound and emotion.
3. “Driver”
Though the album generally has a softer vibe, this track is heavier and more energetic.
ALLISON: Yes, I believe there are two standout rock songs on the album because I just love to rock! From the moment I wrote it, I felt an excitement about it. We took a unique approach to production, blending the heavier elements with flutes and acoustic tones, which gave it a distinct atmosphere that complements the album. This song diverges from the thematic heaviness of the rest—it’s purely a light-hearted love song about accepting each other’s flaws, using driving metaphors as a playful touch.
What does it signify to write a love song amid themes of grief?
ALLISON: Life has its ups and downs. When I’m focused on writing about heavy experiences, there are times when I feel different emotions. It’s perfectly fine to experience joy amidst sadness. Writing love songs provides a break from pain and leads to lighter moments.
4. “Some Sunny Day”
ALLISON: This song is really enjoyable. It embodies the airy, light feeling I wanted to convey. It’s about recognizing the darkness around you while holding onto the hope that better days are ahead. We crafted this early in the recording process to establish the album’s sound, and it truly captures that essence. It also brings a unique lightness not typically found in Soccer Mommy’s music.
The vocal melody is intriguing, combining simple instruments with a darker undertone. Did you consciously aim for something different with the melody?
ALLISON: It flowed naturally as I experimented with drop D guitar tuning, leading to unique suspended chords. While there’s a simpler way to play it, this chord structure influenced the melody in unexpected ways. My state of mind when writing—often tired and resting on the couch—shapes the songs’ emotional depth, creating melodies that reflect a blend of weary melancholia and fleeting brightness, rather than pure joy.
5. “Changes”
I’ve heard this is one of the earliest songs you composed.
ALLISON: Yes, it’s indeed the oldest. I wrote it during the creation of Sometimes, Forever, but I initially set it aside as it didn’t match that album. Once I started on this new project, I felt it fit perfectly and decided to include it.
The song delves into nostalgia and the sadness of observing how memories change. What sparked this idea?
ALLISON: “Changes” embodies nostalgia, a theme that fascinates me. Each verse depicts a different memory, reflecting on how change affects our perception of those moments. You might once cherish those memories deeply, but time alters their significance. Ultimately, it captures the fear of losing the things you love, be it relationships or cherished places, as life evolves.
The chorus stands out as a central element. How do you approach writing choruses?
ALLISON: I don’t follow a strict formula but usually find it easier to write choruses after the verses. Altering chords can provide fresh inspiration for melody changes. Occasionally, a part may not have a chorus, and that’s okay. Creating impactful choruses requires a thoughtful shift, often by lifting the melody to evoke a greater emotional response. It’s important to challenge yourself throughout the writing process to ensure the chorus feels significant and resonates with listeners.
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6. “Abigail”
This is a song dedicated to a character from Stardew Valley, right?
ALLISON: Yes, exactly!
What inspired you to create it?
ALLISON: I genuinely enjoy Stardew Valley. That character, Abigail, is my favorite in the game, and I’ve put in plenty of hours playing. I faced some writer’s block while working on my album and struggled to come up with fresh ideas. While strumming my guitar, I whimsically sang her name at the song’s start, using it as a writing challenge. It was about transforming my feelings for this fictional character into a love song, similar to how I’d write about a real person. I ended up liking it enough to record, and it blends well with the other tracks on the album.
How significant are video games in your life?
ALLISON: I don’t play many different games; I tend to revisit a few favorites. Stardew and Harvest Moon, an older farming game that I grew up with, are my mainstays, along with classic Pokémon titles. While I do enjoy gaming, I primarily focus on immersing myself fully in those chosen worlds for some escapism.
7. “Thinking Of You”
ALLISON: This song came together quickly—about 10 or 15 minutes. I was driving when I got the idea to start with everyday, quiet moments and repeat a line like, “But I’m still thinking of you.” Once home, I rushed to my guitar and the song flowed out. Though I made some edits later, the raw emotion was there instantly. The song reflects the idea that when you’re facing something tough, it doesn’t have to be grief; a thought or feeling can cling to you. During mundane activities, you can suddenly remember something significant, even when it seems you’re okay. I aimed to express how these little moments can unexpectedly draw you back to a person or memory.
8. “Dreaming Of Falling”
ALLISON: I recall writing this one while I had COVID, right after the Charli XCX concert. My demo sounds terrible because I was unwell at the time—raspy and faint. The song encapsulated a sense of despair, possibly fueled by my illness, as I felt trapped. It explores the tension between wanting to hold onto the past while being dragged into the future, embodying the pain of accepting change that comes with time. The lyrics are quite dramatic, portraying the feeling of being stuck between what you want to cling to and the inevitability of moving forward.
Musically, this seems reminiscent of an older Soccer Mommy track, almost like something from Clean. Do you agree?
ALLISON: Absolutely! It’s straightforward and has a powerful hook that encourages singing along. The song has an emotional outpouring that feels raw and unprocessed, contrasting with some of my newer work, which often incorporates more layers and complexity. This one, however, captures a type of pure emotion: being overwhelmed by sadness without the maturity to reflect more deeply on it. It’s a direct expression of feeling trapped and in distress.
How do you view your evolution as a songwriter since Clean? Have your skills developed in ways you couldn’t have envisioned earlier?
ALLISON: I believe my writing style has remained consistent, although I hope my lyrics have improved through continual effort toward better concepts and lines. A lot of growth comes with age. I wrote some of the songs for Clean at just 18, during a tumultuous period of my life, like anyone at that age. As you mature, your ideas grow more complex, influenced by your evolving life experiences. The challenges I face are often more nuanced now, and my relationships carry greater depth, providing richer material for songwriting.
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