life on tour with sophie may

The UK-based artist takes us backstage on her first-ever full tour, as well as her first time gigging at fan-fave music festival, Groovin The Moo. Sophie gives us a peek backstage, and lets us in on some of her most memorable moments while out on the road.

What was your favourite gig from the tour and why? They were all such special shows for different reasons, but if I had to pick it would probably be Sydney. My family were there and it felt like a really full circle moment, plus the crowd were singing all my lyrics which felt really overwhelming as it was my last showL: Outside the front of the Opera house on a day off before the tour started. R: Just before I went on tour I went to have a look at the harbour bridge. Not sure why I chose this pose.

Do you have any pre or post-show rituals? Before a show I usually like being left alone a good ten minutes before I go on, it gives me a minute to calm down and get my nerves in check. A shot can also help!L: Someone brought this sign to the show, which was a first for me so I had to take a picture R: Mid show playing my set in Sydney - probably my favourite gig I’ve played so far. Can’t wait until I get to come back.

What’s your favourite song to perform live? My favourite song to perform live would probably be 'With The Band'. I always love seeing young girls at the front really listening to me singing. It makes me think about how much I would’ve loved to hear those lyrics when I was 19.L: First show arriving in Adelaide, I had had three hours sleep. R: On my way to the Sunshine Coast, extremely tired here lol

Favourite tour memory? My favourite memory would probably be playing Groovin The Moo on the Sunshine Coast. We stayed and watched the festival after my set and it was so much fun getting to spend time with all the other artists.

R: This was a pit stop on our way to Maitland. That’s my tour manager Grady who also worked as a great guide. L: Before my first set, pretending I’m not so nervous I want to run out the back door.

What’s one thing that people might be surprised to learn about being on tour? I think maybe how playing shows is actually quite a small factor when it comes to touring. It’s like days of travelling for 30 minutes of playing. I guess that’s not surprising but it does take a bit of the glamour away from it all.