At an age when many musicians are still finding their sound, Melbourne singer-songwriter Sophia J Smith is already writing with remarkable emotional depth and confidence.
Fresh from a sold-out single launch at The Espy’s Basement, the emerging indie-pop artist has released her latest single, ‘Tell Them’—a striking anthem about choosing self-worth over regret and discovering freedom in letting go.
“‘Tell Them’ is about making the difficult decision to leave someone’s life and choosing not to return,” Smith says. “Through the repeated line ‘yeah tell them I’m gone,’ leaving becomes an act of quiet liberation rather than loss.”
Produced by Lola Scott and Andy Mak at The Grove Studios, the track pairs soaring, layered vocals with increasingly powerful instrumentation, creating an emotional journey that moves from quiet reflection to unwavering resolve. Rather than dwelling on heartbreak, Tell Them celebrates the courage it takes to walk away and choose yourself.
What makes Smith particularly exciting is her ability to bridge generations of songwriting. Her music carries the emotional honesty of contemporary artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Sam Fender while drawing inspiration from the timeless storytelling of Bruce Springsteen and Fleetwood Mac. The result is a sound that feels both refreshingly modern and beautifully classic.
After first attracting attention through triple j Unearthed High in 2022 with Old Friend, Smith has steadily become one of Melbourne’s brightest emerging talents. She’s already graced stages at Fed Square, Northcote Social Club and The Tote while collaborating with acclaimed Australian producers and songwriters including Alexander Gow, Yorke, Lola Scott, Scott Horscroft and Andy Mak.
Remarkably, Smith is balancing the final years of her university studies while preparing the biggest chapter of her musical career to date. Tell Them is the first in a series of releases planned throughout 2026, offering a glimpse of an artist whose songwriting maturity far exceeds her years.
If this latest release is any indication, Sophia J Smith isn’t just another promising newcomer—she’s an artist whose future is already beginning to unfold.
‘Tell Them’ is out now on all major streaming platforms.
SOPHIA J SMITH
‘TELL THEM’ – OUT NOW
Sophia J Smith
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