Sometimes the people we think we know most intimately can surprise us. It’s not unusual to be blindsided. Sofía Valdés “found out from strangers” that something was wrong from the person she loved the most. She sings the tune poetically like a vignette. The euphoric, sensitive and expressive soundscape is complemented by an intimate vocal and simplistic production. Reminiscent of Gracie Abrams storytelling and Sabrina Claudio’s soulful tone, Sofía Valdés is carving her own unique lane with the release of her first single, “Little Did I Know.” The single is a taste of her forthcoming EP, Ventura. “I wrote ‘Little Did I Know’ coming out of a really dark place,” says Valdés. “The song is about a very close person In my life that I am not close to anymore. I’m able to reflect on the past and be relieved I got out of a toxic situation with a toxic person before things got worse.”
Of Panamanian descent, Valdés’ grandfather was renowned Cuban musician Miguelito Valdés. Her great-grandmother was Panamanian singer Silvia De Grasse. It is Valdés’ Panamanian roots mixed with her musical palette of myriad influences: British folk, ’60s Motown, ’70s soul, classical, and bossa nova that contribute to her versatility.
For Valdés, music is more than melody, rhythm and chords. “The deeper I get into working on my music, the more I realize how much it’s connected to the music that people in my family were making a long time ago,” she says. “Now I want everyone to know that my culture is amazing, that I’m so proud of it, and that everyone else should be proud of their culture too.” Music is Valdés’ rite of passage and birthright which evidently runs through her blood.
At just twenty-years-old, Valdés crafted and recorded her own unique music video. The visuals focus on up-close shots of Valdés singing along with subtle dancing movements. It is a visual of sephia, warm color and black and white tones introducing us into the vibe and mood that is Sofía Valdés.
Listen to “Little Did I Know” on all streaming platforms.
Watch the “Little Did I Know” music video below!