Interview: Sofia Gillani Explores Strength Through Openness in New Single “Vulnerability”

In a world that often equates vulnerability with weakness, UK-based independent artist Sofia Gillani is turning that narrative on its head. Her latest single, “Vulnerability,” released September 12, 2025, is an empowering anthem rooted in emotional intelligence and artistic evolution. From her early beginnings in musical theatre to commanding stages at festivals, Pride events, and HMV showcases, Sofia brings a depth of performance and songwriting far beyond her years.

With her upcoming debut vinyl album “Reconceptualize” set for release early next year, Sofia is embracing a new chapter — one defined by creative freedom, personal growth, and genre experimentation. We caught up with the emerging artist to talk about her musical journey, what inspired “Vulnerability,” and how she’s crafting a sound that resonates with emotional honesty and fearless self-expression.

Exposed Vocals: ‘Vulnerability’ captures a deep sense of emotional growth — what inspired you to explore this theme at this stage in your career?

Sofia Gillani:
I am very open about the need for authenticity in a world where information is very accessible and emotional intelligence is often overlooked. I see ‘Vulnerability’ and my upcoming project ‘Reconceptualise’ as a physical form of evolution for me – going from perhaps having a ‘barrier’ up to purely wanting to feel and be vulnerable.

Exposed Vocals: You mention that vulnerability and healing go hand in hand. How has that realization shaped your songwriting process?

Sofia Gillani:
It makes me unafraid to not cater to the music industry – I sing what I want, write what I want – and it’s that kind of free will that helps me open up as a person through my music and as a whole – understanding that is it inevitable to feel hurt but therefore it is inevitable to heal.

Exposed Vocals: The song isn’t meant to be sad but empowering. How did you balance emotional depth with an uplifting message in its composition?

Sofia Gillani:
I think it’s really a translation of my ear – I never like to listen to anything too sad, so when I’m creating the mood and aesthetic of quite mellow messages, I like to contrast what would be ‘mellow’ sounds. I collaborate with my producer, and we like to create songs which have space, cause that openness allows for experimentation with different, perhaps higher notes and lighter sounds.

Exposed Vocals: Having started your journey in Evita at just nine, how do you think your early theatrical experiences influenced your current artistry?

Sofia Gillani:
It has definitely made me more expressive! Musical theatre emboldened me, in a way, to project, and to articulate in my songs, and when it comes to performance, I like to use the space, I like to be attentive and to have the intention to perform and move and generally use body language to amplify the messages of my music.

Exposed Vocals: You’ve worked independently on writing, producing, and directing — how does that creative autonomy influence your sound?

Sofia Gillani:
It makes my sound, what I realise, significantly more personal. Starting so young and growing into that stance where I have a foot in each stage of the music process, my heart is slightly on my sleeve when creating – but it’s that perfectionist part of me (that needs to learn when to STOP) that reassures me what I’m creating is purely, me.

Exposed Vocals: Can you share what the creative process was like when developing ‘Vulnerability’ compared to your earlier singles like ‘Water Run Dry’ or ‘Levels’?

Sofia Gillani:
When I was making ‘Water Run Dry’ and ‘Levels’ in comparison to ‘Vulnerability’, my ear was significantly different – I like to experiment based on what I’m listening to, and at the time of my previous singles, I was beginning to listen to R&B and rap influences (hence ‘Levels’ being the first time I incorporated rap) – but now, my ear has matured – I’m now a lot more immersed in R&B and am getting into synth pop.

Exposed Vocals: What role does emotional intelligence play in your evolution as both a person and an artist?

Sofia Gillani:
Similar to a last answer I gave – the writing in my songs tends to be a free expression of my mind. Learning to attract and not chase, believing in manifestation, trusting myself, the universe and my divine fate – it all stems from an emotional intelligence that I’m forming – and making mistakes, arguably, is the beginning of that.

Exposed Vocals: Your live performances span festivals, HMV stages, and Pride events — how do you connect emotionally with such diverse audiences?

Sofia Gillani:
I love being challenged – so I like to perform in multiple and very different environments because my audience, as well, is so broad. One thing that is consistent is the love for music. People who attend record stores to festivals want to also immerse themselves in music – and ultimately, from a creator stance, I can relate – so I want to put the best performance possible.

Exposed Vocals: Tell us a bit about ‘Reconceptualize’ — what themes or messages can listeners expect from this vinyl project?

Sofia Gillani:
This marks a massive stage of my career as my first official album, my first body of work. This vinyl project represents risk, adventure, and an exploration of my sense of self. Numerous songs represent different stages of life, different experiences – it is my way of giving back to my audience in not just a condensed single, but in an experience in itself – in an album.

Exposed Vocals: Looking ahead, how do you envision your sound evolving as you continue to embrace vulnerability and growth through your music?

Sofia Gillani:
I hope to only spread love and light and raw emotion. I will never make music that is similar to what I last created – I like to move on. So I hope my sound evolves into one enriched with more genre, more depth – and I hope my audience can continue to resonate and enjoy the safe space that is my music.

Final Thoughts:

Sofia Gillani is not just another emerging voice — she’s a full-spectrum artist redefining what it means to create with honesty and intention. With “Vulnerability,” she reminds us that healing and strength are not opposites, but companions. As we await her debut album “Reconceptualize,” it’s clear Sofia is charting her own course — and we’re excited to follow her as she continues to evolve, inspire, and connect.

🎧 Listen to “Vulnerability” on SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-561233895/vulnerability/s-eLuTClw6afl

📺 Watch the lyric video on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmQm-TlFsGs