Defying Gravity: Soph & Mad Set to Rock 54 Below

Photo courtesy of 54 Below

From the moment they met in college, Sophie Amelkin and Mad Gallica formed an instant connection. “I remember the first time I saw Sophie,” Gallica recalls. “She had this crazy, huge hair, and we shared multiple classes together. We were just kindred spirits. I thought, ‘I see that girl. We’re gonna be really good friends.’” That initial spark has blossomed into a deep friendship and artistic partnership that has withstood the test of time and the rigors of touring.

Now, these powerhouse vocalists are bringing their unique blend of classical training and rock sensibilities to Tony Award-winning 54 Below, dubbed “Broadway’s Living Room,” in their upcoming show Soph & Mad Take New York! on September 18, 2024. 360° of Opera had the privilege of sitting down with them before their performance to discuss their friendship, musical journeys, and what audiences can expect from this electrifying collaboration.

Amelkin’s and Gallica’s musical backgrounds are a fascinating blend of classical training and rock influences. Mad grew up touring the Southeast with her family, performing old-time Appalachian music before delving into classical piano and voice. Their diverse foundation has allowed them to navigate seamlessly between opera houses and rock arenas. “I worked really, really hard throughout my years of training,” Amelkin explains. “In the places where there were still gaps, I was always seeking out new mentorship. I was very curious.”

The duo’s genre-defying versatility shines through in their upcoming 54 Below appearance. “There’s going to be a mixture of Broadway-inspired music, and rock-inspired music,” Gallica explains. “I’m performing a ton of my original music. Sophie will sing some of it with me.” Fans can expect to hear songs from Gallica’s recent EP, Enter the Vortex: Act One, reimagined for a live rock band setting. One of the most intriguing aspects of their show is how it weaves together their personal history. Amelkin hints at a special finale: “The song we’re going to end with is going to be pretty spectacular because it blends a lot of what we do with musicality, theatricality, and emotion.” Without giving too much away, she promises it will be a reimagined classic that everyone will recognize but presented in a fresh, innovative arrangement.

Their journey hasn’t been without challenges, particularly as women in the male-dominated rock scene. Gallica reflects on her experiences: “My experience in the music industry has always been peppered with sexualization, which happens to the guys too. Unfortunately, there are always a few comments about body shapes, and it can be discouraging.” However, both artists emphasize the importance of staying true to oneself and not letting others’ perceptions dictate their art. Amelkin admires women artists who unapologetically embrace their identity on stage: “Whatever their style or brand is, they’re just like, ‘This is me. Enjoy.’”

Both Amelkin and Gallica have embraced social media and crowdfunding platforms to engage directly with their audience. Gallica successfully funded her EP through Kickstarter, describing it as “one of the most incredible experiences” that allowed her to connect with supporters in a meaningful way. Amelkin emphasizes the importance of persistence and work ethic in the industry: “If I want to try something or get somebody involved, whether it’s somebody who’s more famous than me or somebody who I don’t know, I just knock on doors.”

Photo Credit: Brian Ray Norris

Their advice for aspiring artists is refreshingly honest. Amelkin stresses that there’s no single path to success in the music industry, and encourages young singers not to be discouraged by rejection. Gallica adds, “You focus on being the best vocalist that is authentic to you, and people will find you.” As Amelkin puts it, “These bands and ensembles bring me in because they need a soprano who’s got a really specific color in their voice, but can be a little flexible.”

The soul sisters are excited to celebrate their friendship and artistic vision, and equally enthusiastic about greeting their fans after the show. Gallica shares that some of her Patreon subscribers are flying in to see her perform. And if you’re just as hyped about supporting artists that refuse to be confined by genre boundaries or industry expectations, don’t miss this one-night-only opportunity to witness the magic of Soph & Mad at 54 Below on September 18, 2024. Tickets are available now, with prices starting as low as $18 for subsidized seating.

-written by Chloe Yutong Yang.