Sophie’s Body are touring across the country in support of their forthcoming debut album, Zero. The Boston quartet, led by Sophie McMinn, describe their combination of distorted guitars and catchy hooks as “bubble-grunge.”
How Zero came together
McMinn said most of the songs emerged during the summer of 2025, before she had decided to make an album.
After touring in October, the band spent a week recording in Brooklyn in November. Mixing continued until the record was mastered around February.
McMinn credited producer Justin Termotto with helping her recognise what she had overlooked. She also said drummer Dylan provided encouragement when she doubted the material.
“Our song ‘Socialyte Zero’ would not be on this album if Dylan didn’t tell me he liked it.”
The running order took shape while the band listened to the album at a vegan restaurant in Burlington, Vermont, before a show. McMinn said the group settled on the sequence together after she struggled to find a flow.
For McMinn, the band’s genre description reflects a commitment to melody alongside guitar distortion. She also traced the band’s name to the idea of putting “COME SEE SOPHIE’S BODY LIVE” on a show flyer.
Preparing for the road
Dylan and McMinn said tour preparations centre on equipment and logistics. Regular rehearsals and performances mean the set requires less attention, although new material and special changes receive dedicated rehearsal time.
Other considerations include fitting equipment into the car, calculating how merchandise sales will cover food, and reaching each venue on schedule.
Dylan said touring requires treating each performance as important while conserving enough energy to play the following day. McMinn said remote gas stations can feel safer than cities; Adam pointed to finding beauty in unexpected places.
McMinn said she prefers performing the songs live, describing the shared physical experience of a concert as something that also enriches her listening through headphones.
Between performances
On days off, Dylan likes exploring unfamiliar places and seeing trees. Harry spends time playing bass and calling his family, while McMinn takes solitary walks to find personal space.
Asked which recent live performances had impressed them, McMinn and Dylan named:
- McMinn: Lip Critic, Showing Teeth and Knocked Loose.
- Dylan: LCD Soundsystem, Sir Echo and Showing Teeth.
Dylan’s post-show food choices include steak-and-cheese empanadas served after a gig in Potsdam, New York, or a Middle Eastern grain bowl. McMinn favours plenty of water and a chicken Caesar salad with extra chicken.
