Vancouver's versatile songstress Sophia Danai is a force to be reckoned with.
Her new single "Guns and Gold" is an anthem for female empowerment - conveying both a relentless attitude with an idiosyncratic artistic vision. The video does a masterful job of showing strength and character propelled by a blues-rock sound but elevated by touches of pop, electro, paired with soulful vocals. The song is an excellent showcase of Danai’s vocal chops which embody her '"take no prisoners" approach. Classic, but modern. Forceful, but tuneful.
The singer-songwriter started off like many other 20-year-old aspiring musicians, with the idea that fame was the ultimate goal. After ending a tumultuous marriage and fighting her way out of a bad label deal, her view of success began to change. As Danai grew and evolved, so did her music, and with the help of a grant from the Canadian government, she is finally able to put out the album she’s always wanted to make.
The video for "Guns and Gold" displays compelling visuals. Danai explains the inspiration:
"I was going through some challenges in my life that were beyond my control, and I became obsessed with MMA. The self discipline and drive the sport demanded inspired me, and the mentality required of a martial artist became something I strive for in my own craft. Also, with the rise of Ronda Rousey and female fighters I felt empowered. I had never seen a woman be so celebrated in that arena - she literally changed the industry and created a space for women in the world of MMA. I wanted to write something that would be my own personal walk out theme, a mantra, if you will. In the music industry, you hear a lot of no’s before you get a yes, and “Guns & Gold” is a reminder to myself to keep getting up and fighting for what I want. We put together the visuals in five days. My friend and longtime collaborator, who does most of my visual work, Jon Thomas, contacted me and was like, “I have some amazing film gear rented over the weekend, wanna shoot a music video?” Of course, I was game. My stylist and friend Whitney Lykins and I started dreaming up the looks, and I got in touch with all of my girlfriends. My vision for the video was female strength in its many forms – physical prowess, unity, motherhood, and women uplifting otne another."
"Guns and Gold" is the second single from her forthcoming Real Lies EP, set for release next March – a seven-song collection of soulful electro-pop tracks that document the heartbreak and disillusionment she had to overcome in order to get to where she is today. "I think the process of growing as a person and artist is uncovering our truth – to realize and decode the lies we tell ourselves to protect us from pain. Acknowledging and facing our anger, fear, and loneliness allows us to move forward. I want to be as authentic as possible with my story, in the hope that it can help you, my listener, feel seen."
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