EMPIRE’s rising country star Sophia Scott (@sophunky), originally from Boulder, CO, has made Nashville, TN, her home, carrying forward the tradition of raw, heartfelt storytelling. As a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Scott writes with unflinching honesty, delivering her truth with grit and gusto. Her latest EP, “Lifeboat,” follows her critically acclaimed debut album, “Barstool Confessions.” This new chapter captures Scott’s journey through the aftermath of a recent breakup, facing heartbreak head-on while empowering listeners with hard-earned confidence.
We recently had the chance to sit down with Sophia to discuss “Lifeboat” and dive into the creative process behind it. The EP marks a significant evolution in her artistry, reflecting both personal growth and a deeper exploration of her sound. Our first question for Sophia was:
1) Can you walk us through your writing process for the “Lifeboat” EP and how it evolved from your debut album, “Barstool Confessions?”
Sophia Scott: My writing process for “Lifeboat” was honestly a little all over the place. Some of the songs came from the fun, party side of me that loves to let loose and have a good time, while others are really introspective and came straight out of my journal – just me processing life and having some real epiphanies along the way.
I think this project feels different from “Barstool Confessions” because I’ve evolved. That first album came from a place of heartbreak and healing, and “Lifeboat” comes from a place of self-discovery. It’s less about mending my heart and more about figuring out who I am on the other side of all that.
2) The title track, “Lifeboat,” has a powerful message about reclaiming your strength. What personal experiences inspired this song?
Sophia Scott: “Lifeboat” wasn’t inspired by one specific experience, but more by a pattern I started to recognize in myself. I realized that in a lot of my past relationships, I wasn’t really loving myself enough to choose someone who could love me the way I deserved. So instead of falling into that same cycle of trying to fix or save someone else, this song is about choosing to save myself this time. It’s really a moment of taking back my power and learning that self-love is the foundation for everything else.
3) How did you approach translating the emotional depth of “Lifeboat” into its music video? Any memorable moments from filming?
Sophia Scott: When it came to the “Lifeboat” video, I really wanted to visually capture the idea of saving myself – choosing me – but in a more metaphorical, cinematic way. I always pictured it being surrounded by nature, near the water, and in the woods, because that environment feels really symbolic of both isolation and healing.
There was definitely a memorable moment during filming — I actually lost my ring in the middle of the woods. Everyone was searching everywhere, and we couldn’t find it that day. We went back the next morning and somehow found it, thank God.
4) Your fans have been buzzing about “Lifeboat” going viral on Instagram and TikTok. How does it feel to see such a strong response?
Sophia Scott: It feels incredible — honestly, so validating. Seeing “Lifeboat” resonate with so many people and realizing that my message is reaching others who might be going through something similar means the world to me. That’s really my favorite part about making music — being able to connect with people on a deeper level, even if we’ve never met. It’s such a powerful reminder that we’re all kind of fighting the same battles in our own ways.
5) Performing at the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Birthday Show is a huge milestone. How are you preparing to share the stage with Carrie Underwood?
Sophia Scott: It’s honestly such an honor — the Grand Ole Opry is such a historic and sacred place for country music, and to be part of its 100th birthday show is surreal. And sharing the stage with someone like Carrie Underwood, who’s been such a huge inspiration to me, makes it even more special.
6) What does it mean to you personally to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, especially for such a historic event?
Sophia Scott: It means the world to me! It’s the honor of a lifetime. I’m really just trying to soak it all in, stay grounded, and give the best performance I can. I want to be fully present in that moment, honor all that the Opry stands for, and just enjoy every second of it.
7) Can you share details about your upcoming tour and how the “Lifeboat” EP will shape the setlist or live experience?
Buy tickets from StubHub.com to see Sophia Scott perform live.
Sophia Scott: I’m so excited for my upcoming UK tour — I always have the best time whenever I’m over there. We’ll be showcasing all the songs from “Lifeboat,” and since it’s an acoustic set, the shows will have a really intimate, emotional feel. I’ll still be playing some of my more upbeat, fun songs, but this tour is really about connection — using the storytelling and emotion behind this project to connect with the audience on a deeper level.
8) The “Lifeboat” EP marks a new chapter after your last relationship. How did that experience influence the themes of this project?
Sophia Scott: I think this project really represents coming out of the shadows and being honest about who I am — learning from everything I’ve been through instead of running from it. That last relationship definitely influenced the themes, but more in the sense that I’ve gained perspective. I feel a lot more gratitude now instead of resentment, which is a big sign of growth for me. “Lifeboat” is really about that evolution — continuing to grow, to heal, and to understand myself on a deeper level.
9) Were there any specific musical or lyrical elements in the “Lifeboat” EP that you experimented with to reflect this new phase of your life?
Sophia Scott: Lyrically, I think this is the most honest I’ve ever been — that’s actually why a lot of these songs came together so quickly. I wasn’t overthinking; I was just writing straight from the heart. Musically, we definitely took a different approach this time. The EP leans more acoustic, and we incorporated live strings and some unique tunings to give it a really organic, raw feel. Overall, it feels a little less polished than my past work — in a good way — more real and alive, which perfectly reflects where I’m at in life right now.
10) How do you balance vulnerability and empowerment in your songwriting, especially with tracks like “Lifeboat?”
Sophia Scott: I really believe that vulnerability is empowerment. I think for a long time we’ve been taught that being vulnerable is a sign of weakness, but to me, it’s actually one of the strongest things you can do. Letting people see the real, unfiltered parts of yourself takes courage. So, when I write songs like “Lifeboat,” I try to lean into that — because the more vulnerable I am, the more powerful the music feels.
11) Are there any collaborations or special moments in the studio while recording “Lifeboat” that stand out to you?
Sophia Scott: My producers and I just caught such a vibe in the studio so many different times while recording. The process was so exhilarating and inspiring, and just felt like magic a lot of the time. Therapeutic.
12) What’s next for you after the “Lifeboat” release and your upcoming performances? Any long-term goals you’re working toward?
Sophia Scott: “Lifeboat” is really just the beginning — it’s the first part of a much bigger project that’ll be coming in 2026, and I’m so excited for people to see how it all unfolds. I feel like this next chapter really shows a new side of me that fans haven’t fully seen yet. In the meantime, I’ll be touring across the pond and hopefully hopping on more tours next year, plus releasing a lot more music. I’m just excited to keep growing, creating, and connecting with people through it all.
Listen to Sophia Scott’s “Lifeboat” EP
We recommend adding songs from Sophia Scott’s “Lifeboat” EP to your favorite country pop playlist. We would love to hear your thoughts! Comment below and let us know how you feel. Your feedback helps us bring you more of what you love to discover. As always, thanks for reading another great article on Bong Mines Entertainment, your go-to source for new music and entertainment news. Connect with us on X, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook to share your thoughts and stay updated. Subscribe to our newsletter, grab some merch, and support us as a Patron of Bong Mines Entertainment, “the hot spot for new music.” Remember, (P)ositive (E)nergy (A)lways (C)reates (E)levation—P.E.A.C.E.
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