Taste Test
What constitutes “good taste”? Let your favorite actor, musician, celebrity, or comedian guide you through their current favorites in consumption, from binge-worthy shows to compelling reads.
Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Getty Images, HBO, Everett Collection, Retailers
The anticipation is palpable, although not always pleasant, especially for Sophie Allison, the talented musician better known as Soccer Mommy. In a recent conversation with The Cut, she expressed her frustration over the delay of her highly anticipated fourth studio album, Evergreen. The album, which she feels is exceptionally personal and intimate, encapsulates a year filled with raw emotion and creativity, making it a significant milestone in her career.
“This album feels more intimate and vulnerable, especially in terms of writing,” Allison notes, reflecting on the deeper themes woven through her music. The project showcases a palpable sense of heaviness, influenced by the trials of aging and personal loss, encapsulated in the album’s stripped-back production. The opening track “Lost” features the poignant lyrics, “I’ve got a way of keeping her with me where I go but how she feels, I’ll never know.” This heartfelt composition was the final song she crafted for Evergreen, serving as the perfect closure to an emotional journey. “Sometimes you just need one final song to make it feel like you’ve come full circle on whatever you’ve been discussing,” she explains. “When I wrote ‘Lost,’ it felt like a revelation, capturing a sense of regret and self-reflection that resonates deeply throughout the album.”
Transitioning from her usual creative space in Nashville, Allison found recording her album in Atlanta to be a refreshing change. The new surroundings allowed for a clear headspace, while still evoking memories of home. Surprisingly, she found herself reminiscing about her childhood trips to Wyoming, where her father grew up. “I visited there a lot during my childhood, and I often thought back to that unique feeling of embarking on a road trip through the West,” she recalls. “Something as simple as putting my headphones on in the backseat and gazing out the window during a journey brings back such vivid sensations.” Now that Evergreen is finally released, she hopes listeners can enjoy it while driving with their windows down, soaking in the scenery instead of being stuck in traffic. “Whenever I think of this album,” she continues, “I envision sitting on my porch or outside somewhere, feeling a gentle breeze across my skin.”
When I think of your music, I tend to think of fall. Is that fair to say and do you have a favorite season?
Fall has always been my favorite season. Curiously, this album feels like a new beginning, like the onset of spring to me.
Is there something you always do before writing to get into the correct mood?
I don’t have a strict writing ritual. However, my creative process is inherently tied to playing the guitar. Instead of sitting with a pre-determined melody and lyrics, I sculpt everything in real-time as I’m strumming. The chords guide my creativity, and from there, melodies naturally unfold. I find inspiration from various locations; sometimes I write right in bed, in my dedicated music room, on the couch, or during tours. It really depends on where I can sit with my guitar and concentrate.
Do you write it down, record it or just memorize it?
When I complete a song or get a verse flowing into a chorus and I need to step away, I might record a quick voice memo to remember where my inspiration left off. However, I rarely revisit these recordings. I have a good memory for chord progressions, but if I try to play a progression and fail to recall the associated melody, it may mean it wasn’t strong enough. I operate under the belief that if it’s not memorable later, then it likely wasn’t worth my time to create.
What was one of the first songs you couldn’t get out of your head?
I have an enduring love for Bruce Springsteen’s anthem “Born in the U.S.A.” I recall eagerly asking my dad to skip to that particular track on the CD. One of the early songs I learned on guitar out of pure admiration was “Beautiful Soul” by Jesse McCartney. My infatuation with him was so intense that I adorned my wall with Play-Doh in a heart shape that read, “I heart Jesse.” It was a phase that lingered longer than expected, and I still enjoy listening to that track!
What do you like to listen to now?
I frequently curate playlists based on the vibe I desire during drives. Lately, I’ve been vibing to a pop playlist featuring artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Charli XCX. I often name my playlists after the month, sometimes creating multiple ones in a single month. My playlists are a reflection of my current obsessions with no specific theme or sequence. Seasonal transitions inspire me to create playlists, especially in October, where I tend to lean into a ’90s indie vibe with some spooky yet dreamy melodies.
Are you a big Halloween person?
I absolutely love Halloween. It was the standout holiday of my childhood. I have prosthetics ready for a vampire getup, which I plan to wear for one of the nights out.
What’s your comfort rewatch?
Currently, I have two shows keeping me company. I dove into House of the Dragon without ever having watched Game of Thrones, and now I’m making my way through Game of Thrones. Although I already know how it concludes, I’m still captivated by the intricate storylines. I’m trying to pace myself; after binge-watching four seasons rapidly, I’m now intentionally slowing down. Concurrently, I’m also nearing the end of a Pretty Little Liars rewatch, which I believe might be my all-time favorite show alongside Buffy.
So vampires and spooky stuff is your thing. What’s something you wouldn’t watch?
I have a passion for horror and artsy films. I enjoy shows like Drag Race and indulge in The Bachelor; however, the Golden Bachelor is on my list of guilty avoidances. It tends to feel monotonous for me. Though entertaining, it seems somewhat dry and lacks the necessary drama.
If you had to go on a reality-TV show, what reality-TV show would you go on?
I might choose to appear on Love Island. I entertain this amusing fantasy where my partner goes on the show, and we meticulously craft a dramatic scene for my entrance, proclaiming, “They were with me right before they left.” The prospect of orchestrating such a scenario sounds incredibly thrilling.
Speaking of your partner, is there a show you guys watch together that he’s not allowed to watch without you?
While we often share our TV-viewing experiences, we don’t impose strict rules on each other. He has been known to watch finales without me. However, I don’t mind; I prioritize my own viewing schedule. If I do watch something ahead of him, I always offer to rewatch it together.
You recently bought a house. Are there any other house rules you have or favorite thing about owning a home?
My favorite aspect of homeownership is relishing in the space and the sweet solitude, save for my partner. The freedom to do as I please is exhilarating.
What’s your favorite piece of decor or furniture you have?
One of my cherished pieces is this whimsical fairy painting I discovered in an antique shop. I’m also quite fond of my den’s sectional couch, which I chose after much deliberation. It’s incredibly comfortable and invites cozy gatherings with friends, making it perfect for hosting.
What’s your go-to event to host?
I enjoy hosting movie nights primarily, though I’ve organized dinners too.
Do you cook dinner?
I never do potluck-style gatherings. When hosting friends for dinner, I take the charge of cooking. One of my specialties is fondue, prepared in a traditional pot — none of that electric nonsense. It’s a delightful experience, albeit certainly labor-intensive. Cheese fondue is my go-to; I’ve never ventured into chocolate fondue since the effort involved feels disproportionate to the enjoyment of dipping a single strawberry.
If you’re inviting five celebrities, dead or alive, over for a dinner party, who is coming?
I would love to invite Tinashe, whom I adored watching at Pride this year — she radiates fun! Charli XCX would be on the list as well, along with Sarah Michelle Gellar. Aubrey Plaza sounds fantastic for a guest too, and let’s not forget about Rihanna; she’s a must!
You mentioned that when you’re on tour, you’ll like to play games. What’s your favorite game to play?
I’m generally a fan of video games over board games. Although I like the latter, I tend to steer away from them lately due to my competitive nature. My Nintendo Switch is my go-to console, where I often dive into Stardew or the latest Pokémon games. Recently, I even dusted off my Game Boy Advance SP for some nostalgic gaming.
What is the last book you couldn’t put down that you read?
Actually, the last book I completely delved into was Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I found it utterly captivating and think it’s perfect for fall reading since it has a spooky atmosphere without delving into horror territory.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Related
Game of Thrones Netflix
**What’s your comfort rewatch?**
Currently, I have two shows keeping me company. I dove into *House of the Dragon* without ever having watched *Game of Thrones*, and now I’m making my way through *Game of Thrones*. Although I already know how it concludes, I’m still captivated by the intricate storylines. I’m trying to pace myself; after binge-watching four seasons rapidly, I’m now intentionally slowing down. Concurrently, I’m also nearing the end of a *Pretty Little Liars* rewatch, which I believe might be my all-time favorite show alongside *Buffy*.
**So vampires and spooky stuff is your thing. What’s something you wouldn’t watch?**
I have a passion for horror and artsy films. I enjoy shows like *Drag Race* and indulge in *The Bachelor*; however, the *Golden Bachelor* is on my list of guilty avoidances. It tends to feel monotonous for me. Though entertaining, it seems somewhat dry and lacks the necessary drama.
**If you had to go on a reality-TV show, what reality-TV show would you go on?**
I might choose to appear on *Love Island*. I entertain this amusing fantasy where my partner goes on the show, and we meticulously craft a dramatic scene for my entrance, proclaiming, “They were with me right before they left.” The prospect of orchestrating such a scenario sounds incredibly thrilling.
**Speaking of your partner, is there a show you guys watch together that he’s not allowed to watch without you?**
While we often share our TV-viewing experiences, we don’t impose strict rules on each other. He has been known to watch finales without me. However, I don’t mind; I prioritize my own viewing schedule. If I do watch something ahead of him, I always offer to rewatch it together.
**You recently bought a house. Are there any other house rules you have or favorite thing about owning a home?**
My favorite aspect of homeownership is relishing in the space and the sweet solitude, save for my partner. The freedom to do as I please is exhilarating.
**What’s your favorite piece of decor or furniture you have?**
One of my cherished pieces is this whimsical fairy painting I discovered in an antique shop. I’m also quite fond of my den’s sectional couch, which I chose after much deliberation. It’s incredibly comfortable and invites cozy gatherings with friends, making it perfect for hosting.
**What’s your go-to event to host?**
I enjoy hosting movie nights primarily, though I’ve organized dinners too.
**Do you cook dinner?**
I never do potluck-style gatherings. When hosting friends for dinner, I take charge of cooking. One of my specialties is fondue, prepared in a traditional pot — none of that electric nonsense. It’s a delightful experience, albeit certainly labor-intensive. Cheese fondue is my go-to; I’ve never ventured into chocolate fondue since the effort involved feels disproportionate to the enjoyment of dipping a single strawberry.
**If you’re inviting five celebrities, dead or alive, over for a dinner party, who is coming?**
I would love to invite Tinashe, whom I adored watching at Pride this year — she radiates fun! Charli XCX would be on the list as well, along with Sarah Michelle Gellar. Aubrey Plaza sounds fantastic for a guest too, and let’s not forget about Rihanna; she’s a must!
