A New York-based pop singer/songwriter, Sophie B. Hawkins' music ranges from dance-pop to folky introspection. She began performing professionally as a percussionist with Bryan Ferry in the early '80s. Hawkins released her first solo album, Tongues and Tails, in 1992; it launched the number five hit "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover." Released two years later, Whaler was a flop upon its release, yet a year later the single "As I Lay Me Down" broke into the singles charts. Timbre followed in 1999.