Meet Sophie Beem, the 17-year-old New York City native, regular Hamptonite, and Beyoncé protégé who is poised for pop domination.
When did you know you wanted to pursue music?
My entire life! Even in preschool or at summer camp, people knew I loved to sing. It got more serious when I went onto The X Factor in 2012.
How did the show change things for you?
I went from singing in my room and for my mom’s friends to auditioning in front of Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, Demi Lovato, and Britney Spears. It made me realize that being onstage was like a home to me, and that I didn’t want to just cover songs anymore, but I wanted to write my own music.
What’s your style of music?
Rhythmic pop with an urban influence.
Are you in school?
I went to Hewitt, a girl’s school on the Upper East Side. I started 10th grade, but my schedule got crazy and I knew I’d miss too many days, so I moved to Fusion, a tutoring program where you meet with teachers one-on-one. When I went on tour, it got crazier, so I’m now taking online classes.
How’d you get signed to Parkwood Entertainment?
When I was 14, I was performing live at the Bitter End, and the former general manager of Parkwood came down to my show with her husband and really loved it. She asked me to come into the office and perform for the team. After that, I put together a package for Beyoncé with a personal letter about why I wanted to be an artist. Within two weeks, I got a call from Beyoncé saying she wanted to sign me.
How often do you interact with Beyoncé?
We’ll have meetings when she’s available, but right now she’s on tour. She acts as creative director for my music, so whenever I need something, I’ll go to her and she’ll respond within like a second. She came to my show in L.A. when I opened for Charlie Puth and sent me notes right after. She’s really involved, and it’s so special that she actually cares to give me critiques.
You recently released an EP.
It’s a five-song EP called Sophie Beem. Beyoncé and I narrowed down the songs. I’m working on my [full-length] album now.
How did you end up in the April issue of Elle?
Beyoncé was on the cover, so she brought in three of her artists to feature wearing her Ivy Park line.
How long have you been coming to the Hamptons?
My family had a house for 10 years in Sagaponack. We spent a lot of holidays here, so I have amazing memories. Even before it was a hot spot, it was my home away from home. My parents sold the house, so now I stay at my aunt’s or at a hotel.
How do you stay in shape?
I’m usually in rehearsal, so dancing is a big part of my workout. It’s so fun to have choreography and learn, and get a workout out of it. But I also like boxing at Gotham Gym downtown or running on the treadmill.
What’s your favorite song of the summer so far?
I really like “Nothing Is Promised.” It’s a new song from Rihanna and Mike Will Made-It. “One Dance” by Drake is dope. And “Girls Will Be Girls” from my EP!
Any interesting summer plans?
A lot! I’m performing at my cousin’s sleepaway camp and the Made in America Festival in Philadelphia. And I’ll also be performing at Kids’ Day at the U.S. Open!
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