Sophie Ali Interview: “The Bluest Bell” is “a weird, twisted heartbreak story.” 

After moving from the United States to Lithuania several years ago, singer-songwriter Sophie Ali is trying her hand at Eurovizija.LT. We talked to her about discovering Eurovision, her musical family, and her theatrical live performance. 

You grew up in Illinois. What brought you to Lithuania and Eurovizija.LT?

About eight years ago, my dad’s career moved our family to Vilnius. I grew up in America, but have Lithuanian roots. My mother grew up in Lithuania, so I visited my grandparents a few times before we moved. I can’t imagine what life would’ve been like if we never came. I think this country has shaped my personality quite a bit, and I am grateful to have met many talented musicians while here. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have mustered the courage to participate in Eurovision!

Can you tell us a bit about your musical background? When and why did you start making music?

My house has always been filled with music. My dad does music as a hobby, and growing up, I would spend a lot of time with him in our at-home studio. My grandfather was a musician, too, so I think the passion is in my blood. My brother has always been my biggest inspiration. He is also a musician, and maybe that sparked my interest in music as a kid. I have also been a singer, and as I got older, I began writing my own music. 

I can be a perfectionist and didn’t want to release music until I felt it was good enough, so it took some time for me to get into the recording studio. But last year I did, and it was the best decision I have ever made! My debut song, “The Bluest Bell,” came out in September of 2024. I write music to sort out my own emotions, but I release it to help others do the same. 

Tell us a bit about the meaning behind “The Bluest Bell.”

“The Bluest Bell” is like a weird, twisted heartbreak story. I like to explore storytelling in my music, and this song is an example of that. The song is narrated by someone who has been ignored by their love interest. The whole idea of knowing you could’ve loved someone if they let you is a central theme. I turned this intrusive thought of how simply road accidents could occur into this extended metaphor about unrequited love.

How long has Eurovision been a goal of yours?  Tell us about your history with the contest. 

Eurovision wasn’t something I grew up with, since it wasn’t popular in my hometown – but after living in Vilnius, it’s become something I look forward to each year. I’ve shared nice memories with my močiutė and senelis watching the Lithuanian national final, and speaking with my friends about the Eurovision contest results. Though not the biggest part of my past, I definitely see Eurovision playing a larger role in my future!

What are some of your favorite Eurovision entries from the past?

I don’t know if this is too far in the past, but I love ABBA, so “Waterloo” will always be at the top of my list! In more recent years, I would say Arcade by Duncan Laurence is a really well-written song. 

Who and what inspires your music?

The lyrics themselves are inspired by exaggerations of my experiences and emotions. Oftentimes, I’m inspired by random conversations I have or phrases people say to me. I like to read English literature. I admire how the authors of English classics put their ideas out in public even though they  often criticized society or wrote about conceptually unusual characters who reflected themselves. So the art of authors like Virginia Woolf and Oscar Wilde has definitely impacted my ability to create music.

Can you give us a hint as to what to expect from your live performance?

So many dramatic faces. I definitely get into the theatrics of the song when I perform it live. As the fun music masks the strangely violent lyricism of the song, my appearance and set definitely keep up with that juxtaposition.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? Upcoming plans, releases, or any other announcements? Where can fans discover more of your music?

My music is available on all streaming platforms. I currently have three singles out, and plan to release an EP in the next few months. 

To keep up with my new releases and announcements, fans should follow me on Instagram (@soaphieali), since I’m most active on there! My heart goes out to anyone who votes for my song. I am so glad there are people who can connect to my music.

Sophie Ali is competing in Heat 5 of Eurovizija.LT, which airs on Saturday, February 8 at 20:00 CET.

Let us know what #YOU think of “The Bluest Bell” on our socials (@escunited), Discord, or at our forum.