UK/Australian singer-songwriter Sophie May recently released her new single, Drop In The Ocean, and it's a witty and relatable insight into the actions of someone from Sophie's past. Drop In The Ocean stems from an unpleasant interaction she had with someone she thought she knew well. This "so-called friend" compared the issues of others to a Drop In The Ocean, hence the song's title. Sophie May 1, so-called friend 0.

Drop In The Ocean shows off Sophie's ability to invite listeners into her world, a talent that has been evident since Sophie first started uploading glimpses of her music to TikTok. Sophie first found acclaim on the social media platform, and has since released five singles in 2022 to date: With The Band, Bruises & Scratches, Bad Man, High Life and Drop In The Ocean. Her debut EP, You Do Not Have To Be Good, is set to be released in early August, so you'll be hearing more from Sophie May soon. 

Speaking about her upcoming EP, Sophie remarks, ''You do not have to be good’ is a quote from one of my favourite poems Wild Geese by Mary Oliver. I feel it encapsulates the guilt that comes with questioning if you’re a good person. Each track on the EP explores elements of what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’, when often life is filled with grey areas and perfection is impossible. Ultimately it’s ok to accept that you don’t always have to be ‘good’." We caught up with Sophie to chat about the release of Drop In The Ocean, her upcoming EP and much more. Check out Drop In The Ocean below, and read on to learn more about Sophie May!

Cool Accidents: Firstly, congratulations on the release of Drop In The Ocean! It’s a deeply relatable song, and I feel like most people have dealt with someone that’s more interested in themselves than anyone else. Do you think the person that inspired the song has heard it, and if so, do you know how they reacted?

Sophie May: Thank you! I’m not sure they have. They actually unfollowed me around the time of writing the song, so the only way they would is if they were checking up on me. If they have, then I reckon they’d probably quite like it. A bit of a You’re So Vain by Carly Simon situation.

The last few months have been especially busy for you, releasing With The Band, Bruises & Scratches, Bad Man, High Life and now Drop In The Ocean following significant success on TikTok. How did it feel to finally share full-length songs with the world while knowing that so many people were waiting on your every move?

If anything, it was just a real relief to have some songs out! It was a great feeling to finally give the people that have been listening to me online some fully formed songs and not just 30-second teasers.

As an artist that’s seen significant success on TikTok, and used it to great effect, are there any tips/tricks that you’d pass on to other emerging artists who are looking to find their own niche on the platform?

I think my only advice is to have fun with it. I know that seems cliché, but I think if you look at it as a chore then that will translate into your videos. Artists have always had to promote their work in some kind of way, but with TikTok, you have more control. You can literally do whatever you want, so in that case, you may as well look at it as a new platform to create.

@sophiemay.uk 9am sleepy voice vibes #songwriting ♬ original sound - sophie may

Musically, I think there’s a timeless quality to your music. Your songwriting contains echoes of great artists from previous generations, while your background in poetry has helped you develop a slicing turn of phrase. What artists did you grow up listening to, and do you feel that the music you were surrounded by when you were younger has influenced the music you’re making? 

It’s funny with this question because I never feel like I have the right answer. I didn’t have a eureka moment with music. I did, however, listen to Hey There Delilah over 200 times. But actually, when I look back, I remember a lot of Paul Simon records being played around the house. My mum tells me she listened to Lauryn Hill all throughout her pregnancy with me (So I’ve basically been a poet since the womb).

You’ve just announced that your debut EP, You Do Not Have To Be Good, is on the way. What are you most excited to show fans when you release the project?

I’m really looking forward to having a few songs that haven’t been heard yet out there, particularly one called Some Italian Mountain. I wrote it with Matt Maltese, and it really leans into my folky side which I love. It’s a proper lullaby and I can’t wait to see what people think of it.

You’ve mentioned previously that you’ve been playing open mics to adjust to performing live – how are you finding performing in a live space more frequently, and can Australian fans expect some live shows in the not-too-distant future?

Yes, I’ve been singing at open mics regularly around London to build some confidence. It’s been really helpful to get used to people watching me. After lockdown, I got so comfortable in the safety of my room, but now I’m feeling even more ready to start playing proper shows. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do some next year in Australia, plus it's a good excuse to get to see my family out there!

Are there any Australian artists you’ve been listening to recently, and if so, who?

I've been listening to Montaigne’s Because I Love You on my runs recently. It always gets me in a good headspace. I also have a soft spot for Split Enz as they're one of my Mum's favourites. The lyrics to I Hope I Never are pretty much burned into my mind. Also, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard! They’re always on my rotation. I could keep going for a while, so I’ll stop.

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Finally, what are you looking forward to most from the rest of 2022?

I’m looking forward to a couple of live shows I’ve got lined up, It’s a great feeling to be playing these songs I’ve been sitting on live. As well as getting this EP out. I can’t wait to see the reaction and then starting to move on to the next project!