Sofia Jernberg on Experimental Vocal Artistry & NYC Performance

06/01/25 • 24 min

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with Swedish experimental singer, improviser, and composer Sofia Jernberg. Known internationally for her avant-garde vocal techniques and fearless exploration of sound, Sofia is redefining what the human voice can express.

We caught up with her ahead of her appearance at the Park Avenue Armory Artists Studio in New York City on May 20th, 2025, where she’ll perform with guest cellist Tomeka Reid. Born in Ethiopia, raised in Vietnam and Sweden, Sofia brings a global perspective to her music that blends improvisation, composition, and non-traditional vocalizations like split tones, distortion, and toneless singing.

Her work has made a profound impact on the contemporary classical, free improvisation, and experimental jazz scenes. In this interview, we dive into her musical journey, her inspirations, and what fuels her bold sonic innovation.

🎧 Don’t miss this unique voice in modern experimental music.

👉 Follow Sofia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofiajernberg/

For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

The Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

🎧 Don’t miss this unique voice in modern experimental music.

👉 Follow Sofia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofiajernberg/

The Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

Previous Episode

Kansas City-born, Seattle-based Jazz Pianist Brittany Davis

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City-born, Seattle-based Jazz Pianist Brittany Davis. In this episode, we dive deep into her powerful 2025 release, Black Thunder—a groundbreaking spiritual jazz album filled with raw emotion, musical innovation, and a deeply personal story.

Recorded live in-studio over just 48 hours, the album features fully improvised music and lyrics, showcasing Brittany’s intuitive brilliance on grand piano, alongside Seattle rhythm section standouts Evan Flory-Barnes (bass) and D’Vonne Lewis (drums). The result is a spiritual and sonic experience reminiscent of legends like Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk.

Blind since birth and born into a broken home in Kansas City, Brittany later found grounding and inspiration in Seattle with her grandmother. Her journey, resilience, and musical genius shine through every note of Black Thunder—a project that transcends genre and convention.

🎧 Listen to the album:
https://brittany-davis.bandcamp.com/album/black-thunder

The Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

Next Episode

Toronto-based Jazz Pianist & Composer Steve Holt

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with Toronto-based jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader Steve Holt. A true veteran of the jazz scene, Steve shares insights into his latest project with Steve Holt’s Jazz Impact Quintet and their dynamic 2025 album IMPACT.

This bold new release is a celebration of fresh, original jazz compositions, reflecting a year-long journey of creativity and musical passion. At its core is the high-energy title track “Impact,” a fiery and joyful piece that defines the ensemble’s unique sound and chemistry.

A child prodigy, Steve began playing piano at the age of 4. Born in Montreal, Canada, he was performing professionally by 18 and quickly earned a reputation as one of Canada’s premier jazz pianists. Over his expansive career, he has collaborated with legends like Archie Shepp, Larry Coryell, James Moody, and Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson.

In this conversation, we dig into the stories behind the music, his lifelong dedication to jazz, and the enduring creative drive that fuels his work today.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring look at one of Canada’s great jazz voices.

👉 Get the album: https://steveholtmusic.bandcamp.com/album/the-steve-holt-jazz-impact-quintet-impact

The Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER