Singer and song writer Sophia Mengrosso. Photo: Reinhardt Kenneth. Dress, Narces. Hat, Eileen L Bleyer. Necklace, Cross for God.
Mesmerize yourself with the mystical allure of Sophia Mengrosso, a classically trained opera singer from Siberia that is making noise in the fashion and music industry with her powerful voice and eclectic fashion style. A woman of many talents, she embodies the regal essence of classical music with her ability to play the piano and harp captivating audiences worldwide.
Dress, Miss Subbota. Jewelry, Pavan Adnan.
Discovering the power behind her voice, she originally began as an opera singer and was later influenced by the U.S. alternative rock culture to expand her vocal capabilities. We recently sat down with this impeccable singer to learn more about her musical journey as she creates her own lane in the music industry.
Dress, Miss Subbota. Jewelry, Pavan Adnan.
HARPER’S BAZAR VIỆT NAM (HBZVN): You have a distinct accent, talk to me about your background and where you were born.
SOPHIA MENGROSSO: I was born in Siberia, Russia and grew up speaking Russian. The school I attended was bilingual, so I learned how to speak English at a very early age. It is quite common in Russia to have a bilingual curriculum, so transitioning to sing in English was easy for me.
Dress, Jessica Angel.
HBZVN: What inspired you to begin your career as an opera singer?
SOPHIA MENGROSSO: I first started to play the piano around the age of four and later learned how to play the harp. Playing the harp and piano were part of my after-school program and it felt like therapy for me. When I was 10 years old, I began the desire to start singing and enrolled in singing classes. I focused on breathing techniques to hit the high notes and stretched my voice as much as I could. The more I perfected my voice, the more my confidence grew to pursue singing seriously.
Dress, Jessica Angel.
I knew that in order to be successful, I would have to study music composition and theory and later enrolled in courses which eventually led me to the United States for part of my education. Singing opera was well respected and not something everyone could do. I like being different!!
Jewelry, Pavan Anand. Dress, Aaron Gomez.
HBZVN: Given that you were able to live in Russia and in the U.S., what is something that stood out to you about the cultural differences when it comes to preparing for your musical career?
SOPHIA MENGROSSO: I honestly feel in both countries, there are a lot of opportunities as well as competition. In Russia however, they are very honest and will let you know if you are not good enough. The scrutiny we face in Russia makes you want to try harder to perfect your craft so you can be successful in your career. In both countries, there are great opportunities to be seen such as concert halls, bars, venues, radio stations and open mic sessions to have your voice be heard. In both countries, there is competition with looks, so many women have lost their own identity trying to fit into what society ‘deems’ as beautiful versus embracing their own individuality. I would love for more women to be themselves, be unique, and stand out from the crowd.
Jewelry, Pavan Anand. Dress, Aaron Gomez.
HBZVN: Talk to me about your transition from opera to rock music, what created the switch for you?
SOPHIA MENGROSSO: It is quite funny because it was something I stumbled upon and it was not originally planned. I remember as a teenager I heard Evanescence and the lead singer Amy Lee was very different and unique not only in her looks, but her vocal range was something I never heard before. When the song “Bring Me To Life” came out, I thought to myself, wow – now that is powerful! It inspired me that I can be different too and she gave me the inspiration to transition from opera into focusing my vocal range on metal/rock music. For me, it was another form of therapy.
Dress, Dan Richters.
HBZVN: You have mentioned the word “therapy” quite a couple times now, can you elaborate a bit more on why music was therapy for you?
SOPHIA MENGROSSO: Growing up, I was surrounded by violence and more specifically domestic violence. Angered by what I witnessed, I needed an outlet to express what I was feeling and music became the outlet. I was also a victim of domestic violence and it made me feel very sad, ugly, angry, frustrated, defeated until I was able to express what I was feeling into my music. When I heard Evanescence, I knew that was my calling to write songs that would match what I was feeling inside. I had a lot of pain and anger inside that needed to be released and rock/metal music allowed me to feel free for once.
Dress, Dan Richters.
HBZVN: If you could deliver a message to others dealing with domestic violence, what would you say?
SOPHIA MENGROSSO: I would tell them that they are not alone and that it is ok to feel angry and sad for what they are experiencing. I would encourage them to learn how to love themselves again and to take back their power because it is not right to stay in a relationship/environment that is abusive and nobody should tolerate abuse. I know it is easier said than done, but I hope that everyone can learn to empower themselves to seek help and to not be afraid to ask for help. Once you are able to escape the pain, the healing process becomes a beautiful journey.
Jewelry, Pavan Anand. Dress, Aaron Gomez.
HBZVN: You most recently released your album entitled “Unforgiven” which song is your favorite from this album?
SOPHIA MENGROSSO: My favorite song is “Demonizer” because the lyrics are bold and it is a power anthem for those that have been impacted by domestic violence. Unless you have experienced domestic violence, you may not be able to understand the pain people carry, and this song delivers strong vocals, pounding drums, and loud guitars like if someone is screaming for help. The song “Unforgiven” is my second favorite song because it describes the healing journey when you are able to take your power back and have the courage to walk away from an abuser that their pain will no longer be tolerated.
Dress, Cross for God. Belt, Alexander McQueen. Hat, Eileen L Bleyer.
HBZVN: Besides Evanescence, who is another artist that inspires your musical style?
SOPHIA MENGROSSO: I absolutely love Lady Gaga because she is very different from the rest, has a powerful voice, dresses different, and is not afraid to be bold. She is the prime example of self-confidence and not worrying about fitting into a specific style or lane and for me, that is very inspiring! Her musical capabilities ae out of this world and I hope we start to see an emergence of more artists that embrace their own individuality.
Dress, Cross for God. Belt, Alexander McQueen. Hat, Eileen L Bleyer.
HBZVN: Now that you have released your album, what is next for Sophia Mengrosso?
SOPHIA MENGROSSO: I am excited for the feedback I have received on my album and will begin my U.S. tour this Fall. In addition, I plan on recording music in Russian to pay homage to my roots and will continue to create new music in both languages.
Dress, Aaron Gomez.
HBZVN: One final fun question, if there was one artist or group besides Lady Gaga or Evanescence that you could collaborate with, who would it be?
SOPHIA MENGROSSO: It would definitely be Green Day. They are an amazing rock band that is very talented and unique in their own way that is not afraid to cross into multiple genres of music. Their music is fun and it matches their fashion style and their hairstyles.
Dress, Aaron Gomez.
Photography: Reinhardt Kenneth @reinhardtkenneth.
Talent: Sophia Mengrosso @sophia_mengrosso.
Glam: Matthew A Brandon @prodigyartistry.
Stylist: Aaron Gomez @aarongomezp.
Fashion: AGP Hollywood.
Lighting Director & Videography: Hugo Arvizu @arvizy_arts.
Digitech: Suimay Lee @suimaylee.
Photographer’s Assistant: Chase Hanssen @chasehanssen.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
