Fashion and Music : Sofi O
Soul with a Scandinavian Groove · FIEH · The Rebirth Magazine
From bedroom-produced GarageBand demos to festival stages from Øyafestivalen to SXSW, Sofie Tollefsbøl — known to most as Fieh — is a one-woman groove generator. Her voice has been called "husky, whimsical… a gigantic personality captured by the microphone." Over the past decade she has built an eight-piece neo-soul/funk collective that has put Norway firmly on the global soul map.
Early Sparks
At 19, Sofie Tollefsbøl uploaded her first bedroom tracks to SoundCloud. Shortly after, she founded the 8-piece band FIEH with friends from high school. Four years later, the band had signed with British major label Decca and were highlighted by Elton John on his Rocket Hour radio show.
RM: Your journey began at 19 with self-produced tracks on SoundCloud. What was going through your mind when you hit "publish" for the first time?
Sofie: I remember feeling super shy, but I also really wanted people to hear my music out there. But not my classmates, haha!
"Husky, whimsical… a gigantic personality captured by the microphone."
— On Sofi OThe Music
FIEH · Cold Water Burning Skin · In the Sun in the Rain
The Birth of FIEH
FIEH, formed in Oslo in 2014, blends neo-soul and funk with influences from soul, disco, R&B, and modern music. Their breakthrough came with the debut single "Glu" in 2017 — including the FIFA 20 soundtrack.
RM: How did Fieh's first jam session turn into an eight-piece soul/funk powerhouse?
Sofie: I had posted some songs on SoundCloud, and I asked some friends at school who also had interest in soul music to play it with me. At our first performance the crowd received it in such a good way that I think we felt we had something good straight away.
Grendehus Funkadelic
The track "Grendehus Funkadelic" stands out — a playful, groove-heavy funk journey inspired by the transformation of shy villagers into lively dancers in a local venue. Sofi describes it as "people… stiff all week… and then on Friday night they suddenly go wild."
RM: Which track from In the Sun in the Rain best captures your personality?
Sofie: The album feels like it really captures a whole chapter of my life, like each song is a snapshot of a different mood from that time. It's all about exploring, snow, thinking things over, feeling a bit lonely, but also finding friendship even when things are tough.
The Fashion Editorial
Alexandre Vauthier · Richard Quinn · Atelier Unttld · Area
Style in Three Words
RM: How would you describe your style in three words?
Sofie: Oooooh, hard! Layers, chaotic, mismatch — in a fun way! (hahah this is more than three words :)
RM: Do you see a connection between fashion and music?
Sofie: Definitely! Both things are about expressing yourself. Maybe you want to be flamboyant, maybe you want to hide, maybe you want subtle and silent beauty, maybe you want craziness. You can get it in both music and fashion.
Personal Style
RM: How do you approach your personal style?
Sofie: I have always had an attraction to both punk and more preppy-punk kind of things, and Japanese manga style, plaid/check skirts, shirts, big puffy arms, strong colors. I am also very inspired by 60s stars like Brigitte Bardot and Pattie Boyd. I feel like every day is an opportunity to make someone happy with what you wear.
RM: Any favorite places to shop or find inspiration?
Sofie: I only shop in thrift stores, and thrift stores in New York is a dream! As for inspiration I really like the brand Chopova Lowena.
Sofi O — A New Chapter
From FIEH to Solo · Mercury in Retrograde · Clique Clique Claque
The Solo Journey
Today, she is the driving force behind a new solo project — a new EP with new arrangements, new music, and so many references. More minimalistic, with its own sound.
RM: Which track feels most like "you"? Gogogogo, Mercury in Retrograde, Clique Clique Claque or Métal Dress?
Sofie: Honestly, I love them all! They just feel like different versions of me right now.
RM: Dream scenario — next five years in music?
Sofie: It would be touring the world for sure. Traveling is the best thing to me. In between traveling I would want to be in the studio because that's the second best thing on earth, haha.
"Every single day, you've got the power to throw out of the window everything and everyone who might stand in your way."
— Sofi O on RebirthCompassion · Passion · Love
Three words that define Sofie during her time with us in Oslo
The Rebirth
RM: What does the idea of "rebirth" mean to you?
Sofie: You know, it's all about seizing the chance to keep pushing forward, even when things didn't go as planned yesterday. Every single day, you've got the power to "throw out of the window" everything and everyone who might stand in your way. I'm living the life I've always dreamed of. I think you can totally reinvent yourself every single day.
RM: Outside of music, what's inspiring you lately?
Sofie: Scents! I love scents so much — how scents can make you recall moments in specific ways is so fascinating to me. Traveling inspires me, and experiencing Mexico City really gave me energy. People being kind is an inspiration.
Compassion, Passion & Love.
What an artist.
Three words that define Sofie during her time with us in Oslo at the end of summer — and they say everything. Sofie is a beautiful soul and human being, patient and careful with the team on and off set, creating a positive and collaborative atmosphere.
Her talent and knowledge is as vast as her heart, and she deserves the very best because of her unique personality. We were honoured to have such a positive exchange and a memorable moment with her during this journey.
The Rebirth Magazine is a nonprofit arts and culture publication dedicated to educating, inspiring, and uplifting creatives.
Whether uncovering a breakthrough artist like Sofi O or exploring the latest in sustainable fashion, The Rebirth Magazine aims to be a source of inspiration for those seeking deeper connection through art and culture.