To welcome the beginning of a new month, upcoming London-based musician Sofia Gillani has released her newest single, ”Monster”, which has also been followed by a music video to accompany it.
An experimental musician who has dabbled with different genres, for Sofia, ”Monster” is an eerie pop track that, despite the dark sound, carries a positive message underneath this surface.
“I wanted to take the idea of a 'monster' and completely flip it, so people can imagine their version of a monster, and the song can act as a ‘thriller’ in itself.”
Society is a concept that has been known to alienate people. Within society, there are ”norms” hardwired into people’s minds. To many, it seems almost instinctual to follow them, and they don’t stop to question them. Anyone who doesn’t fit societal norms is seen as a “monster”. Sofia’s new single takes that concept and teaches you to embrace your qualities that may seem ”unacceptable”. Many people see themselves as a ”monster” due to any ”weird” qualities they display, suffering from low self-esteem and being used to being perceived as strange and peculiar. ”Monster” is an anthem for those who don’t fit what society deems ”acceptable”, telling you to embrace those qualities. There is an importance to being your true self, even if it means breaking societal norms. Let your freak flag fly. When you break free from the expectations of others, it is incredibly freeing. Sofia’s raw, emotional vocals captivate the message of the song, as though she is channeling an individual who is desperate to be accepted and desperate to be liberated from the feeling of alienation.
The music video for ”Monster” effectively puts the message of the song into a visual aspect, and it seems to have its own storyline of sorts, with Sofia portraying the ”monster” character. Once the main character in the music video finds her in a forest, she is terrified. In society, if you are not seen as ”normal”, others are frightened by you and/or judge you. The music video is reminiscent of a horror movie in a sense. Music videos like these are important in the sense that they bring ”life” to a song. They emphasize how songs are not just lyrics; they’re words and visuals combined. Music videos that have storylines to them help to bring words to life, and can be incredibly helpful for people who may need visuals to further help them understand the meaning of a song, poem, etc. Sofia’s character in the music video represents those who are misunderstood and seen as a ”monster” just because they are different, and it can be difficult to live your life being judged by others and letting it affect you.
Embracing your true self without any fear of being judged is liberating, and that is what this song tells us.
”Monster” is available to stream digitally, and you can also watch the music video on YouTube.
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