The Knockturnal got the chance to speak to the newest pop/electronic singer, songwriter, and producer Shoffy!
He left his day job as a financial analyst in Los Angeles to release music full time and recently dropped his album, Flash, a few weeks ago which includes the hit song “Tricky” featuring Sabrina Carpenter. These releases follow his hit song “Cool Again” which went viral across digital streaming platforms.
Throughout his career, Shoffy has amassed over 250 million plays on Spotify with consistent support on the distributor’s coveted New Music Friday, Chill Hits and Today’s Top Hits playlists. He has also received more than 75 million views on YouTube, as well as support on Beats1 from Zane Lowe and Travis Mills and Apple Playlists such as Breaking Pop, Today’s Hits, and many more.
Check our interview with him below!
The Knockturnal: First and foremost I hope that you and yours are doing well during this time and are safe. What has this experience been like for you?
Shoffy: Thanks hope you are doing well too. COVID-19 has really thrown the world upside down. The whole thing is pretty surreal. As far as my experience during this, I’ve been using the time to make new music, cook some more, and try to get outside a bit and bike ride. As a music producer/writer working out of my home studio, things haven’t changed a whole lot. That being said, I had a whole headline tour planned for this year that was canceled. I’m so bummed that I won’t be heading out on the road and connecting with fans in person.
The Knockturnal: Can you tell me more about your name “Shoffy” and why you decided to go by it?
Shoffy: It was a nickname growing up. After going through a bunch of names, [I] ended up going with that because I thought it was pretty simple and easy to remember.
The Knockturnal: Did you always want to be a musician?
Shoffy: I’ve been singing and playing guitar/piano since I was little, and have always loved music.
The Knockturnal: What was it like making the decision to leave your life as a financial analyst to pursue your music career?
Shoffy: The timing of it all worked out and luckily it was pretty seamless. I had a song “Takes My Body Higher” that started getting some traction on Spotify, and then I independently released a song called “Different Skies”. That was right about when I moved on from that job. “Different Skies” was really the song that opened the door wide open for me to pursue music full time.
The Knockturnal: What advice would you have for someone that may be in a similar position regarding their career?
Shoffy: If you have a passion project or side hustle, carve out time nights and weekends to pursue that. It’s possible to juggle a few things at once, and don’t give up on your dreams and goals.
The Knockturnal: What’s been your favorite memory you’ve made in your musical career?
Shoffy: Playing Mercury Lounge in NYC is definitely one of my favorite memories. It was the first show of my first tour, and we sold it out. Seeing everyone so excited to be there, and singing along to my songs was amazing. Will never forget it!
The Knockturnal: Can you speak more as to the inspiration behind your album title?
Shoffy: The album is called “Flash” and the idea there was that the songs came about sporadically in the last year or so. Flashes of musical ideas that hit me. The songs are also relatively short, brief conceptual flashes/moments. Finally, the album artwork is all photo-based, like a flash from a camera. So that’s how I thought about it, and what inspired me to name it.
The Knockturnal: What was it like collaborating with Sabrina Carpenter?
Shoffy: Great! She is a really talented singer and writer, and it was a lot of fun getting in the studio to record her vocals. I’ve been a fan for a while, so it was cool connecting, and I think she brought a lot to “Tricky” and took it to another level.
The Knockturnal: How do you as an artist that doesn’t like to be constrained by genre transform the songwriting process?
Shoffy: I just don’t think about genre a whole lot, and just focus on trying to make good songs. I focus on melody and lyrics and mess with different genres and styles to bring those to life.
The Knockturnal: Your tour for obvious reasons was recently postponed – what are you doing with the extra time you have now?
Shoffy: We postponed it, and then recently announced that we were canceling it. It’s obviously disappointing. I was really looking forward to it. I’m using the extra time now to work on new music and get back in the creative headspace.
The Knockturnal: Have you discovered or rediscovered any new artist during this time?
Shoffy: To be honest, I’ve pretty much just been listening to Spanish classical guitar lately. I just love the vibe.
The Knockturnal: Who are some of your favorite singers?
Shoffy: Marina and Frank Ocean
The Knockturnal: Who would you like to collaborate with?
Shoffy: Marina, Frank Ocean, John Mayer, Kid Cudi, and BENEE
The Knockturnal: What’s been your favorite song of yours that you wrote?
Shoffy: Hard to say. It’s been cool to see how people are reacting to “I Can’t Help,” “Bedhead,” and “Tricky” off the new album. Those 3 were definitely fun to make.
The Knockturnal: Have you been writing more as you self isolate?
Shoffy: Yeah 100%. It’s a good time for creating and introspection.
The Knockturnal: What are your plans for the future?
Shoffy: Working on new music, building my label Otherground Records, and looking into when I can hit the road again and share my music live.
