Song Spotlight: Sofia Ionescu's You Don't Know Me (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

The Romanian-born Sofia Ionescu recently moved to Orange County just two years ago and is now a freshman at USC. In early December, she performed at Hotel Ziggy for the WFNM showcase. Being a USC student, she brought along a contingent of fellow USC Thornton classmates who providing backing vocals and instrumental support. Her Spotify bio mentions that she is a fan Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and Amy Winehouse. You know what that means, it was a jazz-blues set and, of course, a cover of Amy Winehouse's "You Know I'm No Good."

Sofia Ionescu at Hotel Ziggy

With a vocal snarl, Ionescu sang songs from her recent debut EP 09/23. That date has special meaning and, based on the above paragraph, you likely have an idea of what that date represents. Per an Instagram post she explains, "09/23/2023 was the day I wrote my first song and the day I moved to the U.S., chasing a dream I always had." 

Though her vocals are jazzy-blues, she is willing to fiddle with her music composition. "Monday Is My Turn" had a reggae introduction that had her three backing vocalists nodding to the laid back grooves as her vocals played with her vocal range. 

Sofia Ionescu at Hotel Ziggy

"Love Me" is a quiet piano tune that allows her Amy Winehouse inspired vocals to played with the notes from the keyboardist. She'd stretch out the lyrics one moment and then rush past the music the next moment.   

The song "You Don't Know Me" is the song spotlight that appears to be about her mistakenly falling for a player, but when she finds out she slams the door shut. 

Sofia Ionescu at Hotel Ziggy

But all the expectations I've had in my head
Needless to say I've been a fool

Side note: got to love her Eastern European accent. 

Partial setlist: Monday Is My Turn, I Need You, You Know I'm No Good (Amy Winehouse cover), Love Me, You Don't Know Me, The Thrill Is Gone.