SOMA unleashes her COBRA
Photo Credit Sarah Fountain
Sydney-based artist SOMA is preparing for the release of her debut mixtape COBRA this Friday and to say she is excited is an understatement. As SOMA puts the finishing touches on her Launch events, she took time to chat to us about her latest single ‘Say It’, Cobra’s accompanying short film and how she will be celebrating the milestone privately.
For those who haven’t heard your music before, what genre box do you place yourself in?
I love blending genres, but if I had to define it, I’d say alternative hip-hop, electronic, and soul.
SOMA, you have just released your new single ‘Say It’, tell us about the new song
The second single from my upcoming mixtape, Say It explores the magnetic pull between two souls—the one you can’t stop thinking about, the one who lingers in your mind and body. It’s a sensual, metaphorical journey told through the lens of an alien who’s fallen for a human.
'Say It' was crafted with the brilliance of Sydney-based producer Daniel Duque and mastered by the legendary Chunkyluv, Working with these two has truly been a dream.
“I love when it flows that effortlessly.”
Was there an experience or moment that inspired the writing of ‘Say It’?
In the studio with Danny, we set out to create something upbeat and fun. After vibing together to find the right beat and sample, I started writing, and just like that, the song came to life in one session. I love when it flows that effortlessly.
The single is accompanied by a visual release so who came up with the concept for the video? Were there any memorable moments during its making?
The story of a fallen alien infatuated with a human inspired a futuristic, otherworldly vibe. Freddie’s idea to use a greenscreen brought the aesthetic to life perfectly. I think the entire process was memorable. We shot 12 videos in 3 days—non-stop, with me flying up to Melbourne to dive right in. It was intense work, but the connection with the team made it all worthwhile. Everyone went above and beyond.
“The mixtape format felt right, a way to share a cohesive story that captures my sound and my truth.”
‘Say It’ features on your Cobra Mixtape which is due out on the 21st of February. What else can the listener expect from this body of work?
‘COBRA’ is a journey through life, love, loss, and self-discovery. Writing it was both empowering and cathartic. The mixtape format felt right, a way to share a cohesive story that captures my sound and my truth. It’s been a release, a form of therapy, a personal metamorphosis finally poured into music.
You have two launch parties planned in Sydney for the release but how will you be celebrating the milestone privately?
I like to host a small launch party at home, inviting a few loved ones. A banquet of food and drinks, a time to reflect, acknowledge the hard work and give thanks—surrounded by those who’ve been with me since the start.
Cobra is being delivered with a 20-minute long-form film which was directed by Frederick McHenry. How did the idea to do this come about?
I’ve long dreamed of creating a full body of work with visuals to match. My manager and I reached out to Freddie, and his excitement fueled the vision. Months of planning later, everything came together beautifully.
“art is meant to be felt and interpreted in many ways”
What can the viewer expect from the film and what do you hope they take away from watching it?
They can expect a range of aesthetics, each reflecting different moments of my life—the highs, the lows, the raw. I hope they find something of themselves within it, something relatable. After all, art is meant to be felt and interpreted in many ways.
Are there any plans to tour for the album?
We are currently planning an east coast tour in May, but in the meantime I have 2 shows coming up :) If you want to come see me here is the info x
FRI 7 MAR | MIXTAPE LAUNCH PARTY, Trocadero, Sydney NSW Tickets: www.moshtix.com.au
SAT APRIL 5 | BOOTY BLOCK PARTY, Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney NSW Tickets: www.moshtix.com.au
SAT MAR 29 | GREAT SOUTHERN NIGHTS, MAD POET, NEWCASTLE NSW, Supported by Les Poets Pop - FREE SHOW
“With years of experience in the industry, he passes on invaluable knowledge, and it’s a rare gift to have someone so dedicated in your corner”
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout-out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
I’d like to give a shout-out to my incredible manager, who truly deserves more recognition than he gets. He never stops working, always pushing the boundaries of creativity and supporting me through every challenge. With years of experience in the industry, he passes on invaluable knowledge, and it’s a rare gift to have someone so dedicated in your corner. The road can be tough, but knowing he’s got my back makes all the difference. His commitment goes far beyond the role of a manager, and I’m forever grateful. Of course, my entire team deserves recognition—each person brings something vital and inspiring to the table. I can’t believe I’ve manifested such a collective, filled with beautiful energies that keep my world turning.
Do you have a message for the SOMA fans and supporters?
To my supporters, thank you for being with me on this journey. Through the highs and lows, I’ve poured everything into creating a sound, a feeling, something you can connect with, move to, and love. I can’t wait to share my new material with you and to connect in person at my upcoming shows. Your energy means the world. Love, SOMA.