18 Questions with introduces 1883 readers to the brightest young artists, actors, creatives and beyond. From childhood memories and guilty pleasures to their latest ventures and upcoming projects, our goal is to bring you closer to the people who inspire and entertain us.

Sofia Camara is ready to take on the world. In just under three weeks, the 21-year old Canadian-Portuguese singer/songwriter’s new single “Who Do I Call Now? (Hellbent)” has not only surpassed over three million streams, but it’s currently reaching places Camara could only dream of on Spotify’s Viral 50 charts in Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Denmark and, of course, Canada. Weaving intricate lyricism with atmospheric, sky-soaring soundscapes, it’s clear that Camara’s biggest influences — Ariana Grande, Christina Aguilera, and beyond — have shaped her. Still, her music is equal parts unique and captiviating.

1883 chats with Sofia Camara about her new single “Who Do I Call Now? (Hellbent),” her dream dinner party guest list, and more.

What’s one exciting thing that happened to you this week?

“Who Do I Call Now? (Hellbent)” surpassed 3 million streams which is so insane and crazy to even comprehend.

What was the last thing you read?

I read this poetry book called “The Way Back Home.”

Favourite memory growing up?

Hard to choose just one but one I will always remember is going to my first concert (U2). It was such a crazy experience.

Where was the last place you travelled to?

I recently just came back from Montreal and before that, I was in Portugal which, honestly, if I could move there I would.

What was the last thing that made you laugh?

Truly it’s hard to say because this whole month since “Who Do I Call Now? (Hellbent)” has been released, I only find myself getting emotional and crying my eyes out.

What’s your nighttime ritual?

I start my night by doing my skincare, then getting into some comfortable PJs. I put on my favourite show and usually eat chips in bed while also scrolling through TikTok. It usually takes me hours to fall asleep because my mind is always keeping me up and trying to convince me that everything is falling apart but I normally just take a couple of breaths and try to think about positive things.

Who would be on your dream dinner party guest list?

Oh my gosh! I love this question… Camila Cabello!! Tate McRae because she’s literally an icon, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Adele – she would literally have to be sat next to me cause she’s too funny – Lewis Capaldi so I can thank him for making me cry almost every night to his songs, James Arthur so I can beg him to sing a song with me. Honestly, there are so many people… how big of a table are we talking?

Favourite quote from a film or TV show?

“The worst day of loving someone is the day that you lose them” – The Vampire Diaries.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

“One Less Lonely Girl” – Justin Bieber.

What is your favourite item in your closet?

I have these memory boxes of every letter that anyone has ever written for me. On days when I find myself having a hard time, I open a letter and I sit there and cry but I remember every single thing I felt at the time.

How have your Portuguese-Canadian ties influenced your artistry and music?

Every time I think about being back home, I can only remember the fresh breeze and the smell of the air. When I’m writing, I try my best to remember what that’s like so every song is fresh and a memorable one that brings you to a certain place and time. Being Portuguese only reminds me how much of a blessing it is to represent my beautiful home and culture. It keeps me staying versatile with different genres.

During writing “Who Do I Call Now? (Hellbent)”, was there anything that surprised you about yourself or about the process of creating the track?

I was surprised at how much I could cry. I was shocked at how vulnerable I was when I wrote it because every time I heard that song, I felt every ounce of pain from the day I wrote it. I was also surprised at how picky I was with every vocal take and every sound on the track… I think because I felt extremely connected to the song and I wanted it to be perfect. I wanted it to represent the way I felt so I spent months trying to wear my heart on my sleeve.

You’ve mentioned that you want to write music that will make people feel like they aren’t alone. Why is this important to you to do? And what are some artists that make you feel like you’re not alone when listening to them?

Music is such a beautiful thing and it has pulled me out and helped me through some of the loneliest times in my life. This world can be such a lonely place even though it’s filled with billions of people. I find myself feeling like an outcast and so I leaned into music to help me feel a little less alone. It’s important to me that people feel a little less alone when they hear my music because I want everyone to know that it’s okay to feel the way you do and that there are people that feel the same way. Some people are just better at hiding it than others. We all feel pain and hurt and loneliness so if I can help you feel that a little less, that’s more than a blessing in itself. Artists like Adele, James Arthur, and Lewis Capaldi have all helped me feel a little less alone at times and they inspire me to stay genuine, honest, and vulnerable in my music.

How do you feel your music has evolved over the years, and where do you see it going in the future?

I’m still writing about heartbreak. I think it’s because heartbreak is extremely relatable and it always seems to be happening to me so it’s just convenient that I write so much about it. I hope that I can write a love song one day that expresses that moment when your heart merges with someone else’s. I feel like as the years go by I find myself throwing my heart into every song I write because I want each of them to carry a part of me. In the future, I hope for my music to always stay true to who I am and for me to just try every single genre! I want music to feel free, happy and special.

If you could collaborate with any musician, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

Some of you already know where this is headed… Camila Cabello! I would also love to collaborate with Adele because she plays a huge part in who I am today. I would also love to collaborate with Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, and Amy Winehouse. To just be sat in a room with them would be incredible.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice about pursuing a career in music, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to share your ideas and be patient. Good things come to those who wait. Realize that not everyone wants you to be successful and that’s okay… just stay true to who you are and always fight for what you believe in.

Can you share a story behind one of your songs that holds special meaning to you?

All my songs have special meanings but not one like “Who Do I Call Now (Hellbent)”. I wrote this song the day after a fight with the person this song is about. We both sat down and spoke about how we felt and I could just feel both our hearts shatter. We watched something so pure and so real slowly crumble and all I ever wanted was a hug and the reassurance that things would be okay. Losing someone you love so dearly who was always a friend can be so painful. I wasn’t prepared to lose 2 people at the same time and I had such a hard time letting go. To this day I know a part of them will always live in me because they made me a better person and as much as things became toxic and hurtful and our worlds flipped upside down, I’ll always remember the beauty of the love we shared and I wouldn’t change it for the world. It was a painful time in my life, but that love never goes away.

Lastly, if you could manifest something for yourself in 2024, what would it be?

Manifesting happiness. Manifesting having a song of mine hit a Billboard chart, lots of travelling, and hopefully a headline tour or show so I can meet my beautiful fans.

“Who Do I Call Now? (Hell Bent)” is out now.

Photography Ayanna Allen