Soko [Musician]

By: Editor | April 14, 2011 | Ten by Ten

Stéphanie Sokolinski, more commonly known as SoKo, has a sweet, adorably wistful voice, but her fiery lyrics will give you quite a kick in the stomach. The French-born singer began gaining international momentum with her pleasantly disturbing song “I’ll Kill Her,” featured on her first EP titled Not Sokute. The single became a hit on radio stations in Denmark, Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands. Her music was also featured in Stella McCartney’s 2007 fashion show in Paris. SoKo originally started out as an actress, appearing in several French films such as À L’origine, a role that won her a nomination for best actress at the César Awards. As a performer, her shows are intimate and unpredictable, as all magical musical experiences should be.

What do you consider your greatest professional success?
Wow. Hmm … maybe that the inspiration to write songs hasn’t left me yet! That’s big!

What technology are you currently the most excited about?
Solar power and the app on the iPhone where you can see all the constellations. I love that! Ha!

When was the last time you were truly frightened and why?
I always think I’m gonna get mugged in my neighborhood (Echo Park), because people always tell me these crazy stories about people getting mugged at gunpoint and stuff. And I’m a paranoid chicken, so I get scared easily.

What did you want to grow up to be when you were a child?
A vet — because I love animals so much. I’ve always been somewhat of a caretaker and have always wished I could heal people’s and animals’ wounds so no one ever dies. But also, I’ve always sort of wanted to “be an actress,” or tell stories, which now I get to do through songs and movies, and that’s really all I could have hoped for.

What philanthropic/humanitarian cause do you most identify with and why?
Oh, man! Don’t start. I identify with anyone who puts effort in making the world healthy and peaceful. I’m vegan, so I think I put a lot of energy in trying to raise people’s awareness on how much the meat industry is a disaster.

Describe your perfect day?
Waking up with the biggest cuddles, fresh coconut and papaya for breakfast, meditation, a swim somewhere nice, a hike, playing music, listening to music, writing, cooking with friends, playing with some kids or cats, dancing, a movie night, candles and Bert Jansch as the soundtrack.

If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be and why?
Are you asking me to change the whole world or be selfish and change just my life? I’ll be selfish. I wish my father didn’t die when I was so young and that I could have gotten to know him.

Do you believe in the notion of spreading democracy beyond our borders?
I’m so affected by the inequality in human rights and cannot believe that in 2011 there are still so many drastic, horrible differences between countries — not like I want anything to be the same. But I wish, that at least everyone could have access to water and food and the right to free speech without having to fight for their lives for it, yes.

What are the fundamental qualities you look for in a lover?
Extremely romantic, extremely loyal (monogamist!), very caring, good at communicating, very creative, inspiring, fun, good dancer, super cuddly, has to love kids and cats, sober (not addicted to anything but me — that’d be great for a change!), and vegan would be dreamy, you know. Blah.

How will you spend this evening?
I’ve been suffering from insomnia for the past three weeks, maybe because of this super moon. So, I guess when I come back from the studio, I’ll just try to watch a good movie and sleep before the new day rises. That’d be a big accomplishment.

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