Sophia Radisch

"On the second day of the opening weekend, it was a night dedicated to Canadian alt-rock artists: The Glorious Sons, The Blue Stones, and Sophia Radisch.

Opening up the night was Ottawa’s own Sophia Radisch, and there is no mistaking that she wants to re-ignite the post-grunge wave. Performing all original material, the guitar licks were ever-present alongside Sophia’s beautiful vocals. Speaking of which, if you haven’t heard Sophia’s music (and you really should), she mixes smooth melodies with raw power, not unlike Kim Deal.

The highlight of Sophia’s set was her 2019 single ‘Crossroads’. From the opening notes the crowd could hear the influence of Jerry Cantrel / Alice In Chains; it is a beautiful composition. Sophia was the perfect opener for two of Canada’s biggest alt-rock bands." - Alan Cross

"Sophia Radisch -
Opening night two of CityFolk Fest is Ottawa’s own Sophia Radisch. If you were at RBC Bluesfest this summer, you would have seen her rocking the big stage there. Sophia is all smiles and brings her huge energy to her set!
With her rhythmic riffs and powerful voice, Sophia keeps you engaged with her every move. Tonight, was no different. She absolutely set the tone for the evening with her performance. Sophia is the definition of rock and roll and the next time you see her name performing, you do not want to miss out!" - Hidden Beats

One late addition to the lineup is fast-rising Ottawa rocker Sophia Radisch, who was offered a slot at CityFolk after wowing the crowd during her main-stage set at Bluesfest in July (both festivals are organized by the same team). Thrilled at the chance to open for two of her musical heroes, Alanis Morissette and Garbage, Radisch and her band knocked it out of the park at Bluesfest.

“It was the greatest night of my life,” enthused the 24-year-old singer-songwriter-guitarist. “It was amazing. I looked out at thousands of people and I was loving every moment. I did not want to get off that stage. It was a rock ‘n’ roll dream come true.”

She had the opportunity that night to meet Garbage singer Shirley Manson backstage, and watched Morissette’s set from sidestage, a performance that gave her “chills.” To make it even sweeter, fans at the festival recognized her after the show, giving a small taste of what it’s like to be famous.

To say she didn’t mind is an understatement. The whole experience reinforced the rock-star ambitions Radisch has had for more than a decade.

“I caught the music bug around the age of 12,” she said. “Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) says you get the bug between 10 and 12, and you’re a musician from then on. I got it early, and music is everything to me. It’s who I am.”

Born in Ottawa, Radisch is an only child who grew up listening to her parents’ classic rock and grunge albums. She had lessons in dance and musical theatre, and sang in a choir. After her father showed her some chords on guitar, she got hooked on the instrument and would spend hours in her room learning to play from YouTube videos.

The young woman quickly became serious about songwriting, developing a musical style that juxtaposes her sweet, soulful voice with crunching chords and a hard-rock swagger, with lyrics she says are inspired by the “drama of love and the mysteries of everyday life.”

But she also knows the power of a striking visual image, and came up with a Slash-inspired rock ‘n roll look, complete with top hat, leather jacket and a mane of curly hair. Thanks to her tenacious networking, brands took notice and endorsements came in the form of guitar strings (GHS Strings), amps (Orange) and Gibson guitars, who this summer sent her a gorgeous Les Paul Sunburst. She also collaborates with hat designer Ruby Roxanne on custom leather top hats.

As a teenager, Radisch (and her mother, a retired English teacher) spent some time in the U.K., finishing high school via homeschooling and learning to find her way around a studio. Her second album was produced by Glen Drover, a former Megadeth guitarist who happens to be from Ottawa, too. She’s also recorded with Rob Fraboni, the Grammy-winning producer who’s worked with the likes of Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones.

A third album was being considered when the pandemic hit. Instead, Radisch focused on rehearsing, writing and reflection, emerging with renewed confidence and a burning desire to get back on stage.

When asked what the future holds, Radisch talks about her five-year plan and the image that carries the strongest motivation: “I’d like to see myself on the road every night playing shows like Bluesfest,” she says. “That’s my goal. Rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well and I want to help carry the torch.”

Radisch and her band (Zack Sarkissian, bassist Sandro Ferraro and drummer Justin Piedimonte) perform at CityFolk on Friday, opening for Kingston rockers The Glorious Sons and Windsor blues-rock duo The Blue Stones. - Lynn Saxberg

The fourth night of Bluesfest found an exuberant and breezy crowd, much like the weather that day.

The evening kicked off with some well-loved rock and R&B music, performed by Ottawa-local singer-songwriter Sophia Radisch on the RBC Stage.

The sun’s rays weren’t the only thing bringing warmth to the audience: Radisch’s soulful music contributed to their cheery dispositions and accelerated heartbeats.

She sang original songs such as “Angel Dust” and “Enigma,” playing the electric and acoustic guitar throughout her set.

“You ignite a fire in my soul,” she said to the crowd, before singing “Ignite.”
Her wispy singing added a fantastical and almost otherworldly feel to her songs, which was also supplemented by her steampunk gothic look—a fun top hat, black leather pants and fishnet sleeves. This outfit only enhanced the vocal growling she delivered perfectly. - The Charlatan

[Another report from on-the-ground correspondents Ross MacDonald (text) and Karen Coughtrey (text). – AC]

Ottawa Bluesfest night four got off to a rocking start on the RBC mainstage with Ottawa rocker Sophia Radisch. If her music didn’t catch your attention her unique look certainly would. The fair-skinned dark red-haired beauty is sponsored by American Hatter and her outfit (top hat, fishnet shirt, vest, black pants and neckerchief) was giving off vibes verging on steampunk.

She opened with ‘Running Down A Dream’ and continued to rock hard for the rest of her set including songs ‘Angel of Mercy’, ‘Enigma’, ‘Ignite’, and ‘Against The Wall’. She slowed it down and demonstrated a softer side with the song ‘Heatwave’ and performed solo on the moving song ‘Thousand Eyes’ that she wrote for her idol, the late rocker Chris Cornell of Audioslave and Soundgarden.

Between songs she was lovely, feeding off the energy of the crowd, telling them “You ignite a fire in my soul”. She would close out by asking the audience if they had a rock and roll addiction, adding that they were her obsession and rocking out one last time with her band on her song ‘Addiction’.

Next up on the main stage was the iconic band Garbage. Shirley Manson grabbed attention before even uttering a word with her bright red hair, black dress, and houndstooth leggings. The band opened with ‘Automatic Systematic Habit’ and then performed ‘No Gods No Masters’ from their latest album. - Alan Cross

Alanis Morissette brought her unique brand of singing and songwriting to Bluesfest this Sunday, to an appreciative crowd that sung along to their favourites.

The RBC Bluesfest stage opened with sunny weather and a performance from Sophia Radisch. She and her band (her, two guitarists and a drummer) played grand, gentle guitar melodies. The show had a singer-songwriter feel to it, but with a few added Courtney Love-esque growls.

Radisch was chosen to write a “Find Your Passion” column for Canadian Musician Magazine, and it’s not hard to see why: her energy was infectious. She clearly was having a blast, and her banter with the crowd let everyone in on it. Her top hat read “Rock N Roll” spelled out in metal rivets, along with fishnet arm sleeves and a brushed-metal brown vest that had a steampunk feel to it. With her whole band dressed in her black t-shirts, with sleeves rolled up to the elbows, the performers definitely looked the part. - Sound Check Entertainment