Susannah Joffe's "Sofia Coppola" is a hazy daydream of a track, imbued with the same ethereal version of reality the filmmaker who inspired the track is known for. The Austin, Texas-based singer is playful and buzzy on the lover-girl track, premiering today on PAPER —purring about making her lover sing like her Fender.
Joffe wanted to pay homage to Coppola and the films that inspired her as a kid, particularly Marie Antoinette. "I think I watched it when I was around 9 or 10, and once it entered my subconscious, it never left," she tells us. "Specifically, the 'I Want Candy' montage when you see her Converse tossed aside among all the ornate, curated heels. The strong aesthetic of the movie, the constant bombardment of pastel pink, of maximalism and glamor... it resonated with me in a way that not a lot of films have since."
That "exaggerated expression of femininity" has also made it into Joffe's visuals and songwriting, which leans into "whimsy, drama and playfulness." Below, she talks about her perfectly timed Valentine's Day track debut, the downside of being focused on "finding the one," and gives PAPER her advice on romance and love.
What's your experience with Sofia Coppola's films? What made you decide to write a track about them?
Marie Antoinette and Bling Ring were very influential for me as a kid, particularly Marie Antoinette. I think I watched it when I was around 9 or 10, and once it entered my subconscious, it never left. Specifically, the “I Want Candy” montage when you see her Converse tossed aside among all the ornate, curated heels. The strong aesthetic of the movie, the constant bombardment of pastel pink, maximalism, and glamour, resonated with me in a way that not a lot of films have since. I think I was fascinated by this exaggerated expression of femininity, and perhaps a little jealous that I couldn’t live that out. The film itself feels so playful and cheeky while also creating such a strong world to immerse viewers in and that is really what I wanted to channel with my song, “Sofia Coppola”: decadent romance, pastel pink, whimsy, drama, and playfulness. On a completely separate note, I’m just fascinated by the way she has garnered such a cult following and I liked the idea of thinking of a crush or love as this cultural icon that you worship at the feet of.
What's your favorite line from the track and why?
All of the verses were actually improvised. I asked my producer to roll the track and just started recording and that is what we ended up using. Lyrically, the verses aren’t impressive, but that is the point. They are supposed to feel easy, silly, like a walk. That being said, my favorite line is definitely “I like my steak rare and my girls like supernovas.” I think the imagery of raw steak is so harmless on the surface but is actually very carnal, which contrasts the soft sonic world built around the song the discussions of lesbian sex online in general. I think sapphic representation in music and film is often very dainty, gentle, pastel pink to speak, but this line rejects that for a moment because in reality, lesbian sex is a fucking animalistic explosion, or supernova, so to speak.
Since it's Valentine's Day, what's your hottest take on love?
Love is something I have always struggled with. I have OCD and relationship OCD is a specific subtype I’ve always had a lot of issues with. Because of this, I have always had an obsession with finding “the one,” “the right person,” and the “love at first sight” that you hear about so often. I think my hottest take on love is that it is the best when it comes from people who have nothing to gain from loving you. I have a friend who has been single for a while and has been really down on himself as a result of the constant disappointment that comes from dating... especially in New York. I told him, “You are surrounded by people who have nothing to gain from being around you, no sex, no romance, no gifts, nothing, just people who elect to spend their time with you simply because they love you, your personality, your values, your company.” And going off that, we need to normalize living with friends til you’re old and decrepit, not just romantic partners. Bring back communes!
Any advice for readers or listeners on how to cultivate more romance this year?
I have become a very romantic person over the last year, which was a very surprising turn of events for me. I cultivated more romance by just leaning into what I personally found romantic instead of trying to look towards others. What is romantic to me is making some probably fucked up meal together, laughing about how it kinda tastes like shit, and playing would you rather on the couch for an hour. Find what feels natural to you and lean into that, and with the right person, romance is born! Also, read more smut.
How do you hope people feel when they hear "Sofia Coppola"?
Everything is so fucked up in the world right now. I hope this song gives people a few minutes of reprieve from the constant doom spiral. I hope people feel like they are a fairy floating through a mossy forest, or like they’re laying naked in a soft cloud having an awesome orgasm.
What are you excited to share with fans next?
I am beyond excited about the single following “Sofia Coppola,” which is titled “shit out of luck.” It has the same dreamy, whimsical feel but pays homage to my Texas roots. It’s campy, it’s cuntry, and it’s a delightful revenge song that kinda sounds like what a country siren would sing to you before she kills you.
Photography: Austen Juul Hansen
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