SOMA
Soma. Photo: Sarah Fountain
Sydney-based hip-hop and soul artist SOMA is no stranger to the grind. With her latest mixtape COBRA, the Sydney-based hip-hop and soul artist is throwing out the conventional playbook, delivering a seamless 20-minute track that defies genre expectations.
Speaking to Pario ahead of the release SOMA shared insights into her creative process, artistic evolution, and the growing presence of women in hip-hop.
Creating COBRA
SOMA’s sound is a fusion of her musical influences, which range from 90s hip-hop legends to soul icons like Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin. But bringing these elements together into something fresh and unique is no small feat. For COBRA, she collaborated with producer Daniel Duke, who she describes as a perfect creative match.
“We’ve been working together for a while now, and I think I finally found my groove with someone who gets me,” she explained. “We still want to make it marketable, but still underground.”
According to SOMA the creative process behind COBRA was anything but formulaic. Rather than piecing together tracks like a puzzle, much of COBRA emerged through long, immersive, free-flowing studio sessions.
The mixtape’s creation was a therapeutic experience for SOMA. “I’ve never gone to therapy, which I probably should,” she admitted to Pario. “But these music sessions have been huge therapy for me. It was cathartic to get it all out into this long-form piece.”
This free-flowing energy extended to the visual component of COBRA. SOMA collaborated with filmmaker Frederick McHenry to create a long-form video spanning the entire mixtape. “We manifested this incredible team,” she said. “Everyone went above and beyond because they believed in it.” Over an intense three-day shoot in Melbourne, they produced 12 videos — an ambitious feat that demanded tireless effort. “No one’s professional at making 12 videos in three days,” she admitted. “But we made it work.”
Women in Hip-Hop Breaking Barriers
As a woman in hip-hop, SOMA is acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities that come with her identity in a historically male-dominated space. “It’s incredible to see women taking charge,” she said. “I grew up listening to Bahamadia, Missy Elliott, and other OGs who didn’t get much commercial recognition but were huge inspirations to me.”
She believes the landscape is changing for the better. “It’s a kaleidoscope of opportunity for women in hip-hop now,” she noted. “There are still barriers to break down, but it’s looking like a very inspiring and hopeful world to be in.”
SOMA is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of artists. “I get hit up by young artists for advice often,” she said. “I’m teaching rap to some young people now, and it’s been a really rewarding experience. I’m here for the younger generation, always.”
What’s Next for SOMA?
With COBRA now out in the world, SOMA is gearing up for a wave of live performances. She’s hosting a mixtape launch party at the Trocadero on March 7th, followed by a show at the Lansdowne Hotel on April 5th.
“It’s going to be a 45-minute set of all of my new material, obviously performing the mixtape and some other tracks that no one has ever heard either” SOMA teased.
For SOMA, the future is about staying true to her creative vision while continuing to push boundaries. “I’m already writing new material,” she revealed. “There’s a lot, a lot, a lot coming.”
COBRA may be her latest project, but for SOMA, this is just the beginning.
Follow SOMA’s creative journey on social media at: @somasutton
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