UK-based singer-songwriter Sophie Moore has recently made her welcome return to the music scene, bringing with her a unique brand of alternative country, brought to life with former members of Nashville-based Lambchop.
During her musical journey, in the 1980s, Sophie Moore toured internationally as part of the London indie group Foggy Cry. She went on to support the likes of Labi Siffre during her solo career whilst also collaborating on a range of other artist’s projects including releasing tracks on Okra Records in the USA in the early 1990s with Jeb Loy Nichols.
Capturing her sound in the studio, her well-received single, “Closer Than,” presented the first taste of her upcoming album, Trouble In Mind. Now, with intimate live shows, she’s offering a rare opportunity to hear the new material performed live with musicians from the US recording sessions.
With “Closer Than” out now, we took some time to hear from Sophie Moore. Read below to learn more about Sophie Moore, the story behind “Closer Than” and what’s to come.
Hi Sophie Moore! What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I was born in Hong Kong, lived in a lot of places in the UK before settling here in Lewes. It’s a small rural town in East Sussex.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I loved singing from a young age and my brother and playing music together in our teens. This led on to us forming a band in our early 20’s called Foggy Cry. This was in the ’80s, and we were very much part of the alternative music scene in South London at that time. We lived in a part squatted community full of artists and musicians and I was inspired by so many of the people that I met. After leaving the band in my late 20’s, I started writing and performing my own songs in the acoustic/folk roots clubs in London and pretty much have been writing songs ever since!
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
This album is basically my debut and is pretty much Americana with my own alt country/UK vibe I think.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
Yes, I have lots of hobbies and interests. As well as songwriting, I have worked as a gardener and Occupational Therapist as well as being a qualified Psychotherapist. Creative activities have always very important to me and my wellbeing. Gardening is a big passion, and I also like to spin my own wool and knit with it. I was an unusual teenager as I learnt to spin then!
Who are some of your main musical influences?
The first record that I owned as a teen was Joan Armatrading. I loved it and also grew up listening to Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel and Paul Simon. I later discovered and was influenced by songwriters like Carol King, James Taylor and Iris Derment.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
Going to South Carolina a year ago and recording this record with my dream producer, Mark Nevers, and bunch of brilliant musicians – who I had not met! I just felt like the right thig to do and it all just worked out fine! It was such a joyful experience.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
That’s a big question! So far in my whole life?
That making or participating art in it’s widest sense – whether that is watching a dance, planting a garden or writing a song – is a wonderful and important part of being human. Also, that thoughts are not facts and worrying is fundamentally a waste of time!
Now onto your release, “Closer Than.” What inspired this song? What is “Closer Than” about?
I suppose it about encouragement to not be afraid – to not let fear prevent you from living in the present and fully.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “Closer Than?”
The artwork was made by a wonderful Sussex-based photographer James Ratchford. James and I share a love of the local landscape and woodlands of Sussex downlands where I walk every day with my dogs – and where I generally write my songs in my head whilst walking. His images create the effect of layering – of looking beyond and through – past the noise to see what is beyond to find space and calm.
What was the creative process like when making “Closer Than?”
“Closer Than” is one of the songs on the album that I wrote on the move. It’s common for me. It came to me while driving the car – pretty much fully formed.
How long did it take to complete “Closer Than?”
Not sure exactly, but within one day.
What is your favorite lyric in “Closer Than” and why?
“We’re closer than the closest of old friends and I give to you my confidence” . . . I find that it holds the emotion of the song.
What do you hope fans take away from “Closer Than” and your music in general?
Some inspiration, comfort, and joy.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
I will doing a short UK tour in June this year with two brilliant USA players from the album recording sessions. Tony Crow (Lambchop) will be playing piano/keys and Mark Riddell will be on bass. Also in the band are wonderful UK musicians that I have worked with over the years – David Hallworth on drums and Mathew Lockwood on guitar.
I am so excited be doing this! These will be intimate live shows, in great small venues with a great band!
June 2026 confirmed gig dates:
21st June: Green Note Camden London
22nd June: Folklore Rooms Brighton
26th June: The Chicken Shed (Hen and Chicken) Bristol
27th June: Open Space Arts Windsor
I have already started working on my next album, and I will back in the studio in June. I am keeping the transatlantic collaboration going – recording with the US touring band members. We will be recording with the Sussex-based producer Chris Vogado (Fluid Ounce Records) who also contributed to Trouble in Mind.
Where can we follow you on social media?
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqT_aWaeS2Hv_yQi7k-X37w
https://instagram.com/sophiemooremusic
https://facebook.com/sophiemooremusic
https://sophiemoore1.bandcamp.com
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
