Karen Sophia Squire, singer, songwriter, producer, composer, arranger, was born in Spanish Town where she grew up with her parents and five siblings. She attended the Crescent Basic School, Crescent All Age (now Crescent Junior High), Eastern School of Commerce and The Undergrad College. She started writing songs from an early age, but did not allow anyone to hear them. She would listen to her mother sing and play the guitar and was inspired by her mother’s love of music. After giving birth to her daughter Shantay, Sophia finally decided that music would be her calling and she would need professional guidance. She went to the popular Miami Vice recording studio in Spanish Town where she worked with producers Kenneth Rose, Phillip “Bully” Williams, Owen “Drummy” Dalhouse and recording engineer “Angel.” “Bully” discovered that Sophia had great potential as a songwriter and encouraged her to take advantage of her talent. SOPHIA was introduced to keyboardist, Keith Hamilton, who asked her to join BlacqueSilk, an all female singing quartet. Blacque Silk performed at weddings, barbeques and other functions to much acclaim. Around 2000, Sophia got an opportunity to tour with Reggae icon Gregory Isaacs and she worked with the ‘Cool Ruler’ for five years. She fondly remembers the days touring with Isaacs, vividly recalling the first show on which she appeared with him in St. Maarten. This experience provided her with irrefutable evidence of the alluring power of Reggae. The tour took her to a number of other Caribbean islands and Brazil and provided her with a fascinating opportunity to hone her craft. She recorded at Rudolph Morrison’s High Fence Records where she had four releases: “When You Rise”, “No Rubba Dub”, “Something Special” and “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing”. She would later leave High Fence studios and started recording and performing with such artistes as Paul Elliot, Jah Mason, Lutan Fyah, Fantan Mojah, Glen Washington, Warrior King, Andy Livingston, Luciano and Richie Spice. Sophia has graced the stage of such major events as Sting, East Fest, Reggae Sumfest and Rebel Salute. Sophia met Shane Brown, of Juke Box Productions through a good friend, Audley ”Breddi” Allen who would eventually become her manager. She recorded a song entitled “Bloody Murder” for Brown which was well received internationally. She then started to do many recordings which then led her to do major performances as a solo artist on annual events such as Reggae Sumfest , Follow the Arrow, ManchesterFiesta and many more events around town. Her most memorable performances would be Reggae Sumfest 2010 and Reggae Jam festival in Germany. Sophia Squire to date has recorded more than35 songs as well as a released a double EP album distributed by VPAL Records. “Nature’s Calling” (Featuring Tarus Riley) and “Nah Fight Ova No Man” that was produced by Manager Audley ‘Breddie’ Allen who is also the former Road Manager of Dancehall’s Gold selling artiste Mad Cobra. THIS received major airplay across the Jamaican radio airwaves as well as internationally with overwhelming feedback.“Everyday It’s The Same (Rat-ta-ta-ta-tat)” is her signature song and the one that has set her apart from her competitors. “What We Gonna Do” and “Slow Motion” are some of the ‘must listened tracks’ from this very talented singer and performer. Sophia Squire is a strict adherent to her personal motto “Live, Love and Let Peace Reign”. When quizzed on the guiding principle of her professional life she said thoughtfully,“Give it your all.”
source: Bredroc Music
