SoJo is embracing a new chapter with her debut album, Feeling Free, a heartfelt collection of uplifting pop songs inspired by heartbreak, self-discovery and the freedom to start again. Following the release of her new single, Arena For Love, she opens up about the personal experiences behind the music, finding the courage to pursue a lifelong passion for songwriting and discovering a new sense of confidence along the way. With honesty, humour and plenty of pop enthusiasm, SoJo talks about turning life's challenges into creative inspiration, her musical influences and why sometimes the best adventures are the ones you never planned. We caught up with her to find out more.

1. Hi SoJo, you’ve just released your new single ‘Arena For Love’ - what was the inspiration behind the song?

When my marriage broke down, I was heartbroken and trying to pick up the pieces. I devoured self-development books, including Brené Brown's brilliant Daring Greatly. In it, she references Theodore Roosevelt's famous Man in the Arena speech, about having the courage to show up, be vulnerable and risk getting hurt, rather than sitting on the sidelines. It spoke to me.

I pictured myself as a gladiator, bravely stepping back into the arena to fight for love again. The irony was that I wasn't feeling remotely brave at the time! Writing the song was my way of setting an intention to choose love over fear, even if I wasn't quite there yet.

2. You’ve also announced your debut album ‘Feeling Free’ is coming out on the 4th December - what’s the thinking behind the title?

Feeling Free is the soundtrack to a transformative few years, from heartbreak and grief to acceptance, self-love and liberation. It’s definitely not a bitter breakup album - it’s a celebration of how music helped me work through my feelings, let go of old beliefs and rediscover myself. It’s about freedom from perfectionism and worrying what others think, freedom to explore new possibilities and create, and, most importantly, freedom to choose yourself and your joy.

It’s not just an album title, it’s become something of a life motto!

3. What was the creative process like behind the album - you worked with Kevin Thorpe - how did it come together?

I wrote the songs over a few years, often to make sense of what was happening in my life, so each has its own emotion and personality. Kevin was brilliant at bringing those feelings to life musically, and very patient with a studio novice who arrived with random song briefs and eclectic reference tracks. He also encouraged me to try vocally challenging things and just let go.

We had great fun experimenting, from bouncy dance-pop to rockier numbers and intimate ballads. Essentially, we turned my emotional baggage into something you can dance to!

4. The album covers theme of divorce and new beginnings - why did you decide to write this album now?

I actually wrote the songs a few years ago, when I was right in the thick of it. Then my divorce took over two and a half years and, although thankfully amicable, it was a constant grey cloud of uncertainty hanging over everything. Now that the cloud has lifted, it feels like the right time to share them.

I hope the album resonates with anyone who’s experienced a major life shake-up, whether that’s heartbreak, loss or an unexpected change of direction. If it helps someone feel less alone or more confident about their next chapter, that would mean the world to me.

5. How would you describe your music in three words?

Uplifting, heartfelt pop. (with the odd emotional detour!)

6. If you could collaborate with anyone - who would it be and why?

Chase & Status! I’d love to let them loose on some of my tracks. I reckon they could work serious magic with my songs. A little SoJo meets drum and bass, what a dancefloor explosion!

And Dolly Parton would have been the dream. I’m so sad she’s gone. An incredible songwriter, she wrote with so much kindness, heart and humour, and she showed you could be a serious artist without ever taking yourself too seriously. That’s the spirit I’d love to bring to my own songs.

7. What’s been the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome in your personal or professional life?

Learning to embrace uncertainty and trust myself again when life didn't go to plan. When a marriage ends, it's not just the relationship that changes, it's the future you'd imagined. Letting go of that picture and creating a new one has been quite a journey. I'm trying to feel my way through life a little more, rather than needing to have everything figured out.

I came to songwriting with no musical background, just a lifelong love of pop! I'm working hard to catch up, although there's inevitably a fair bit of imposter syndrome along the way. I'm still finding my feet as a singer, and releasing an album feels a little surreal! But I absolutely love it, and that's reason enough to keep going.

Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you never planned!

8. What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

“Take your passion, make it happen!” As Irene Cara sang in Flashdance… What a Feeling. It’s a line I’ve always loved, and it’s advice I’ve increasingly taken to heart. Signing up for a songwriting course all those years ago having never played an instrument or studied music, felt a bit crazy at the time, but it changed everything.

We only get one life, so if something really excites you, why not give it a go? Follow your passion, see where it takes you and enjoy the ride.

9. Do you have any plans to do any live gigs?

Absolutely! Performing live feels like the next step in my musical adventure, and I can't wait! I've done a few small gigs at family and friends' events and loved the energy and connection with the audience. There's something so thrilling about sharing my songs live, and I'd love to do more of it.

The only trouble is, I tend to get a little overexcited, and suddenly everything I've learned about breath control and support in my singing lessons goes straight out of the window! So I've got a bit of work to do on that front!

10. If there was one song you wish you had written - what would it be?

Flashdance… What a Feeling is my all-time favourite pop song, and I’m in awe of how it’s built. It starts almost like a whisper, then swells into a soaring chorus that makes you want to leap out of your seat. It’s the sound of someone chasing a dream and making it happen, and I’d give anything to write a chorus that makes people feel that unstoppable.

No matter what mood I’m in, it lifts me up, and that final audition scene in the film still inspires me to throw myself into whatever I love, let go of my inhibitions and find my own flow!

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and chief editor of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.