Soko Heads to South Florida With Three Tricounty Shows

When it comes to a romanticized backstory, few have one as remarkable as French musician and actress Soko. Between bullet points that include wringing a hit single in Denmark from the keys of bedroom laptop and scoring starring roles in art house feature films, Soko's history could very well be wrought from the very dreams of really any creative millennial seeking success in a world that no longer seems to listen nor care. Or maybe a vignette based on Tumblr fashion photos.

And though that all sounds dandy, most who have been paying attention understand the potential Soko possess to rise to the pantheon of contemporary superstars. This year she releases the highly anticipated followup to I Thought I Was An Alien, she's touring in support of Foster the People, and somehow finds the time to star in four feature length films. Soko will also be doing a string of intimate South Florida shows that we expect will be your last opportunity to see the young artist in such cozy digs for a very, very long time if the next year follows predictions.

Soko talked to New Times about the possibility of living with tons of kids and cats.

New Times: I hear you're mixing a sophomore release now. Can we expect a great evolution or departure -- sonic or otherwise -- from your debut, or will it be similar?

Soko: I just finished mixing it, and it's getting mastered right now. It is very different indeed, less lo-fi and intimate and a bit more Gothy, dreamy, punky, '80s sounding. Ross Robinson (the Cure, At The Drive In) produced it. We recorded a lot of the songs live, and it's very raw and emotional. There's a lot more synth and chorusy guitars too, and deeper vocals.

You cite the music of the '80s as highly influential to your own. Are there some specific artists from that period that have informed your work?

Robert Smith, Morrissey, and a lot of post-punk bands too.

Are you performing solo on this tour, or do you have accompaniment?

It's five of us on stage, that's the biggest band I've ever had, actually. We have drum machine and live drums, bass, cello, keys and 2 guitars... It sounds pretty epic! (Laughs)

I've read that you'll be starring in several feature length films this year in addition to promoting and touring behind the new album. Is there a key to your balancing act?

I am indeed. I have a really hard time projecting myself into the future and try to take life day by day, as it comes, and to not stress about this crazy year ahead because I'd freak out. But, yes, my managers and agents are a little scared concerned about how I'm gonna get enough time release my album, tour it, and shoot four feature films.

What do you think you would be doing if you weren't involved in creative work?

I have no idea. I need to make art like I need to breathe. I can't really think of doing anything else. I'd probably be a housewife, that'd be cool, with tons of kids and cats!

SoKo. With Sweet Bronco and Jude. 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 15, at Jump The Shark, 810 NE Fourth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Entrance is $10. Visit purehoneymagazine.com.

With Sweet Bronco and Jude, Friday, October 17, at Propaganda, 6 S. J St., Lake Worth. Visit Facebook.

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