Sophie Serafino
How did you get your start in the music industry?
I cut school to audition for a metal group doing back-up vocals. Did
that for a few weeks and decided that wasn't for me (apart from getting
in a lil trouble). But I learned a lot...worked on vocals and made
a demo tape and took it to anyone who would listen (bookers, club
owners, managers). Started getting some gigs, and each one, I learned
something about how to do it well (perform/promote/manage). It just
takes time and experience to get it together if you want to do it
yourself - which in the end is the best way. You have to know what's
going on around you even if someone else is doing it.
Best part of the job?
Performing! And having people enjoy your stuff - it's an amazing feeling.
Especially after six months - I hate my own CD! Working with a great
band too. When you have some great people who are also great musicians
and are completely dedicated, what more could I ask for?.
Worst part of the job?
If you love what you do, there's nothing that can be that bad about
it. But there's always something...I guess bad sound? Or even worse,
a good sound check followed by the gig with bad sound!
Any interesting experiences you can share?
The weirdest was having a club owner close the doors to the club and
demand a private show (creepy enough) and then chase my cellist, backing
vocalist and I out the door as we ran! We jumped into the nearest
taxi - we were screaming! I guess I can't say who it was but it was
in Melbourne. I'm laughing now but we weren't then!
Favourite CD of all time and why?
There's too much great stuff out there to pick one. But you're asking
so I guess the CD that stands the test of time (is never kicked out)
is 'Life In Mono' by Mono. It is funky, smooth, a bit trance, drum'n'bass,
but still with that french band feel. The title track was on the 'Great
Expectations' soundtrack and I guess that was the breakthrough for
them.
Tell us about the best live show that you ever saw?
Black Eyed Peas - Elephunk Tour '04. Endless energy, funky stuff,
non-stop, non-boring and heaps of fun - music not taken too seriously!
Not sure if it was the best show but I had the best time - and in
the end it's for the audience. So yeah, that's the one.
Favourite bars/clubs/pubs to hang out in?
This changes every week/mood! I do like the new glass bar in the new
Hilton Sydney...great cocktails. Vanguard and Basement - pretty cool
(Sydney). I like Famliy (QLD) and the best club I've ever been to
is the Piper Club (Rome). I had some awesome nights there...La Terrazza
was fantastic!
What advice would you give to someone looking at getting involved
in the
music industry?
You have to believe in yourself before anyone else will. That will
take you anywhere you need to go.
Take us through a typical "day in the life of Sophie Serafino".
Violin practice, vocal practice, sound check, meeting with manager,
gig with either my band Violesque or my corporate group 'String Angels',
band rehearsal (if there's time), thinking about new ideas (so long
as I got to eat and sleep first), have a few drinks after a good gig
(If I'm lucky) and chill out with my dog in the park.
Danny Canak
